I never do it the easy way

Why can nothing ever be simple? The decision to move the start of the 600k ride to Lake Atkinson was always going to be an inconvenience, but I didn't expect accommodation in that part of the world to be so difficult to find. First of all there is nothing available at Lake Atkinson itself. I called them two days ago to hear they are fully booked out for the entire weekend. I also chased the Lowood Caravan Park -- only to hear they apparently don't offer overnight accommodation (?). The motel in Fernvale was booked out, so I'm now staying in the Lowood pub on the Friday evening.

It's probably not as bad as it seems. The rates are reasonable and country pubs usually close a little earlier than their city counterparts. They also told me I could bring my bike into the room with me, so there won't be any security issues there. I just hope the drunks there can sort out any differences they may have by 10pm.

I haven't yet sorted out what to do after the ride either. So far my options are bum a ride back to Ipswich with someone, stay in the Lowood pub on Sunday night (which mightn't be such a bad option, except that I'd be up for another $60, and there may not be anything available there either) or finish the 600k in time to ride another 60km or so back to Ipswich before the last train. The last option is the one I'd like to do, but it may not be realistic. I'll check the train timetable.

In other news, I'll have a new toy early next week. Technically it will probably arrive at my LBS on Friday, but I just won't have time to get there and attach it to my bike. I won't give away too many details yet, except to say that it will be nice to find out for sure the gradient of Bilambil and one or two other climbs in the area, and put some of that speculation to rest.