Thanks, Graham--great tale, super photos, and you must be so pleased with the Audax' performance. (You might be awarded honorary Italian citizenship.) Your photos do justice to the countryside. My own slight acquaintance with the hills of the NSW/QLD border has left me intrigued by the possibilities for cycling but a bit daunted by some of the hills. You seem to have chosen your route well. Nicely written story -- I red every word.
Tamworth, eh? An attractive town, and a great ride for your reunion. Rather more picturesque than the UK version, for sure, though the Brits' contribution of the famous pigs of the same name has been justly celebrated over the years. Coincidentally, my dad was born there, although his family comes from Battle, a wee village just north of Hastings & the site of the Famous Unpleasantness in 1066. (Dad's people were on the defensive side, maybe not the best choice in retrospect, but then, it probably seemed like a good idea at the time & in any case I doubt they had much say in the matter...)
I especially liked your photos of some of the small-town hotels along the way--loved the balconies and the wrought-iron work. They're quite similar to some of the buildings one sees in small dorps in parts of South Africa. Not surprising, I guess, as they date from a similar age.
Thanks too for your suggestion that readers donate to CGOAB.
Cheers,
John