Author: Garry

Garry McGivern Travelsonabike2 is bicycle touring in the UK on Thursday, 18th-April-2024, in Brockenhurst. Surprise, surprise, I didn’t move and have stayed in the New Forest. Although I think I told you that yesterday.

Anyway, I had a good day playing with my new Tarp. Which, to be honest, was all sussed out in the first hour. And I think it could come in very handy when it’s wet, or I need some extra shade. Not that I’ll probably need it for a while. But I’ll come back to that later.

Most of the day, apart from playing with my Tarp, has been spent talking to the wardens on site. They’re a friendly bunch and good for a laugh. A lot of them seem to have sold their houses and live in their motor homes or caravans. Spending the summer working here and the winter travelling abroad. Although they don’t travel quite as much now because of Brexit and the ninety-day limit.

As I said, it’s been a good day playing with my new Tarp. Talking to the wardens. Taking the odd ride or two around camp and into Brockenhurst and generally chilling out. It was late afternoon, and I was just about to go for a shower when the phone rang.

It was the hospital. Apparently, they do think that I need surgery on my neck. And I’ve now got to be home on Monday to have some course of x-rays around my neck. They wanted to do them tomorrow, but the hospital they wanted me to go to was too far away, and I wouldn’t have got there in time.

I don’t know when they’ll operate. Hopefully, after the summer, but somehow, I don’t think so. I know it’s all-time critical. We will see.

Subscribe to my blog and follow me as I travel around on my bike. Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll be among the first to receive news and updates on future tours. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where I’ll publish the photos from this tour once I’m home. Pictures from all my tours and monthly photos can also be found on Flickr.

You can also follow my progress and see where I stop each night by visiting the Where’s Garry web page; there, you’ll find a map of the route I’ve taken so far.

Garry McGivern Travelsonabike2 is bicycle touring England on Wednesday, 17th-April-2024. Bognor Regis to Brockenhurst . 60 miles. What a surprise I’ve come to the New Forest again. I was debating whether or not to go to the Isle of Wight. But I decided against that. There are too many hills. And me and Hills aren’t very good together these days.

Bit of a tough ride down. There was a strong headwind, and that headwind was pretty cold. I never took my gloves off all day. But at least it didn’t rain.

I think I’ll be here again tomorrow night. Actually, I don’t think I know. I’ve got a new Tarp to go over my Hilleberg that I want to try out. I couldn’t be bothered today. I’ve also got a few new recipes that I want to try cooking. They’re easy at home, but camping is a different ball game altogether.

I tried my first one tonight, which was Chorizo and Cabbage stew. And very tasty it was too. I’ve still got plenty of cabbage left. I only used one-quarter of it. So, there might be a few more cabbage-based suppers.

Subscribe to my blog and follow me as I travel around on my bike. Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll be among the first to receive news and updates on future tours. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where I’ll publish the photos from this tour once I’m home. Pictures from all my tours and monthly photos can also be found on Flickr.

You can also follow my progress and see where I stop each night by visiting the Where’s Garry web page; there, you’ll find a map of the route I’ve taken so far.

This week’s Travelsonabike2 on this day post comes from Australia on the 12th-April-2012: a good day’s mileage and a pleasant surprise at the end of the day.

Thursday 12th April 2012 Burra to Renmark. 124 miles.

It’s been a much better ride today. The wind has dropped and changed direction, although it’s been a bit cold. However, I’m still in shorts and sandals, just. Apparently, I’ve been cycling beside the Murray River. Not that I could see it, but I got glimpses. Along with the Murray River, there have been plenty of vineyards. I think I might be in a winemaking region.

I had to bin my fruit today as I entered a fruit fly zone, which means you’re not allowed to bring any fresh fruit or vegetables into the area from outside. It seemed a bit of waste all the people stopping and just binning their fruit. I stood there and ate mine, as did some other people. Apparently, if fruit flies are found on any part of the farmer’s crop, they can’t sell any of it. And they have to destroy the whole crop, which costs the farmers, and that’s on top of losing the crop. I knew you couldn’t take fruit from Western Australia to South Australia. But I didn’t realise there were restrictions within the states.

I arrived in Renmark fairly late tonight and stopped at the first place, which happened to be a motel. As I was checking in to the motel, Rosie, the owner, asked what I was doing here on a bike. After telling her my story, she gave me a 50% discount on my room. What a lovely lady. I’d definitely come back to the “Renmark Motor Inn” if I’m ever in the area again.

Subscribe to my blog and follow me as I travel around on my bike. Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll be among the first to receive news and updates on future tours. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where photographs from all my tours are.

If you want to find out if Garry’s away touring at the moment and check his location, visit the Where’s Garry web page.