The Inland Submarine

March 25, 2025

Gundagai to Holbrook

Today was going to be a test of ride strategy.

Could we start to ride early enough, and ride far enough to avoid the worst of the forecast heat, and also make it more likely that’d be able to reach Deniliquin in time for Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship launch on Saturday?

We passed the test. We were pedalling by first light at 6.30am, rode 115 km at a respectable average of 19.3 km/h with a total ascents of almost 900 metres.

After 5hs 55 mins of pedalling were rolled into Holbrook and found its iconic submarine. It’s a very big submarine, and not something usually found this far inland.

The temperature was well into the 30s by early afternoon, so we were very pleased that we weren’t still out there on the open road.

Today was also our last day of riding the Hume Motorway. Its sheer expanse of concrete and asphalt make it a visually unappealing ride environment, but it has served its purpose of enabling us to cover a good distance safely and fairly fast.

We had a few fun interactions with fellow travellers today at roadside rest stops. One was with a super enthusiastic Korean guy who was doing a road trip to Melbourne with his German brother-in-law. Both said they were cycle travellers in their own countries, so meeting us seemed to be a highlight of their day given how many photos and videos they took of us.

We easily found accommodation in Holbrook and have eaten a substantial meal at the local bowling club.

Tomorrow is another day and the plan is to head due west to Culcairn and beyond.