Cycling: Hawks Nest to Forster, return

Did this tough, long ride on the weekend for the third time in my life: 106km each way, bumpy roads, two good hills and 15km of dirt. Had good intentions of driving up on the Friday night and setting off early the next morning.

I actually got to Hawks Nest on Saturday and set off way too late at midday for a 6 hour ride, with 6 hours' daylight left. Lots of wildlife: surprised an eagle and it flew close in front of me for about 10 seconds, then a dingo crossed the road, then a baby turtle crawled across and hid in its shell when I went past.

Made it to Forster at 6.10pm and was totally shattered, cramping up for the last 20km. Stayed in a motel, finally got back on the bike at 10am Sunday and cycled back, stopping at more places. Everybody wanted to have a chat - passers by, shopkeepers, motorists - made it back to Hawks Nest at 6pm, totally shattered again.

Decided not to stop moving, got a roast dinner at the pub, did some shopping, sat in front of the TV and ... cramped up. Decided sleep was the best bet, woke up feeling great and drove to Monday work in Sydney.