Coles Bay to Launceston
I headed up the coast from Coles Bay.
Bicheno
I stopped in Bicheno. This a bit of a sorry place.
It is one of the Tasmanian towns that has signs up saying “Free Wi Fi”. I decided to definitely find the service in this town as I had not been able to find such services in other towns. As it turns out the WiFi ‘Hot Spot’ in Bichino is an open space opposite the shops. There is no place to sit. In the middle of the day, unless you are in a car, you can’t see your computer screen very well because of the glare. Also, you can’t download or upload files using the service. All it is good for is reading emails and simple web sites. It is free and close to useless.
Iron House Brewery
I was pleased to leave Bicheno and continued north. I had brief stop at Iron House Brewery. This part of the Whites Sands Resort – example of a ‘high end’ tourist development.
http://www.white-sands.com.au/
St Helens
I continued on to St Helens and checked into the local Backpackers. It was packed. There were a group of cyclists on an organised tour. One of the recognised me – he still works for the Dept of Finance and Services.
The owner of the hostel was keen to chat. He told me that he had been in the town for over ten years, but was still seen as an outsider. He confirmed the issue of which I had become acutely aware – the dual nature of tourism and other industries in Tasmania. There are those that want to move head providing high value, high margin products and services such as quality wine and cheese, craft beers etc. and ‘eco’ experiences. On the over side there a lot of Tasmanians that want to return to 196o’s and see only way a head is to cut down trees and dig up mineral. These people don’t want tourists in their state.
One very telling point the bloke made was that he had given up on employing locals. He said that “anyone with any brains had left the place”. Those that were left simply did not have ability to perform task he required e.g. operate a computer, handle money and speak with his quests. He only employs itinerant backpackers, preferably from Europe.
Bay of fires and Over the Hill to Weldborough
In the morning I took a brief detour to the Bay of Fires. The sand is white, the water blue and rocks red. All very nice, but I must say by this stage all the beaches had started to look the same.
I headed west towards Weldborough.
I took a back road which provides a bit of a short cut compared to the main road. The country was beautiful, but the ride was rough – dirt and steep.
Ales and Triumphs
It was late when I finally made it into Weldborough. This place essentially only consists of the pub and about 20 houses.
The owner of the pub has decided to specialise in craft beers. The place has also become a favourite stopover for ‘sophisticated’ bikers. There was group of Truimph riders the night I was there.
I pitched my tent in the paddock behind that pub. The showers were basic but clean
Bridport
The ride to Bridport the next was nothing to write about.
I stayed in the camping ground at the water’s edge. Not a bad spot.
Awful ride to Georgetown
Next day I head to Georgetown which close to mouth of the Tamar River.
It turned out to be a horrible stretch of road, with lots of trucks travelling both directions a narrow, if any verge. Several times I was forced off the road.
I decided that when I got to Georgetown, I take the bus to Launceston.
Launceston
I ended up having to stay the night in Georgetown. In the morning I rode out to Low Head before heading back to catch the bus.
Launceston
I took the opportunity to check out the Carraract Gorge the afternoon I arrive in Launceston. I was a pity it was so smokey
The next day I flew to Canberra via Melbourne.
Flickr Link
Garmin Links
Coles Bay to Bicheno
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/458510351
Bicheno to St Helens
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/458510371
St Helens to Weldborough
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/458510390
Weldborough to Bridport
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/458510416
Bridport to Georgetown
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/458510433
billrider2013 