We had lunch with Simon and Gill today.  Through txt and phone calls, we arranged to meet Simon and Gill in Hastings Point for lunch.  So we packed up the tent early today and hit the road at 8am.  We thought the streets of Byron Bay would be quiet but it turned out there was a large farmers market and there were lots of people about.  Byron certainly has a good vibe.

We cycled out of town on a great cycle path which just kept going and going.  When it did stop we were almost at the junction with the Pacific Highway.  Things got a little frustrating here as we’d seen a route on a council website between Byron and Brunswick Heads that followed a small road next to the highway.  First thing we found was a sign telling us it was a ‘no through’ road.  We decided to cycle down the highway but soon noticed a cycle path in the bush next to the highway.  We jumped onto the path but it soon ended with signs to cross the highway.  We crossed but there was no path or signs so we crossed back and gave up on the disjointed route.  We cycled up the highway on a huge verge with a tail wind.  There were great signs showing cyclists where to cross on and off ramps and we felt safe.

We flew along and made it to the turnoff in good time.  After turning off the highway we took the Tweed Valley Way.  A remarkable number of trucks were heading the other way and we soon found out why.  We cycled past the site of ‘Splendour In The Grass’, a music festival being held later this month.  It currently looks more like a subdivision development and it’s hard to see how it will be party friendly in such a short time.  They are certainly pulling out all the stops as a lot of work is being done.

We next turned onto a quiet road the followed the beach and went through some small settlements.  We arrived at Pottsville and had a cup of tea then cycled the last few kilometres to meet Simon and Gill in Hastings Point.  We quickly setup the tent then went for lunch and a long walk on the beach with HRH Paddy the Cocker Spaniel.  It was great catching up and we will see them again in Brisbane.

Tomorrow we will be crossing the border into Queensland and biking into the high rise buildings of the Gold Coast.

Highlight of today:  Meeting Simon and Gill

More sugar cane

First meeting Simon and Gill

Jen, Will and Gill

HRH Paddington Dog