World Peace Society of Australia - non-violence and no war. Inner Peace.

I know a lot of people without brains who do an awful lot of talking. - The Scarecrow, Wizard of Oz

The Diary Day 1- Deloraine (61km)

The morning started with Bronson, Keith, Debra and myself stepping off the Spirit of Tasmania where Andy and Scot had spent the night before (drinking at the bar with the hostel caretakers). After some introductions we organized the equipment and set off on our journey. Not long down the road I struck some equipment problems and a local farmer was more than willing to offer some tools and his work shed to turn my wheel around. Day 2- Launceston (54km)

After lathering up with plenty of sunscreen we set off towards Launceston through some more scenic farmland. The cows seemed to be taking quite an interest in our unicycles. Coming into Launceston we met up with some heavy traffic that added to the excitement of coming down a steep hill into the city. We were met a local small by the Southern Cross television station. After cleaning up and exploring the Cataract Gorge we saw footage of us on the local new along with the update on the bush fires on the other side of the island that may impede with our tour if not brought under control. Day 3- Scottsdale (67km)

We are beginning to feel fatigued and today’s very hilly route and associated headwind made for some tough riding. On a particularly steep incline we were called “Legends” by a couple of cyclists coming the other way. I explained to the Americans that this is a good thing. Scot started to have some problems with his ankle today and Bronson’s knee seems to have adapted to the Australian roads okay (with the assistance of the some stretching at the end of the day). Staying at the “Lords Hotel” was a comfortable experience. Day 4- St Helens (103km)

Today we realized that crotch pain is slowly becoming the limiting factor for time spent riding each day. Today was a very hilly and obviously long day. At a stop in Derby at the “Dorsett Hotel” we met Peter (an Australian about to set out on a three month Tasmanian horseback tour). I am not sure who was more inspired, when he saw us riding on unicycles or when we heard about his plans to ride solo for three months. We were pleasantly surprised when we reached the top of Wilborough Pass about half an hour earlier than predicted during some tough climbing. Coming into the Hostel at 9:30 pm we had only enough time to clean ourselves up and eat before resting for another long day tomorrow. Day 5- Bicheno (80km)

Today we passed some beautiful Tasmanian granite coastline. It was nice meeting up with the support crew for lunch today. The other guys said today felt easy with the tail wind and lack of climbing, however, I was really feeling drained especially when 10 Kilometers from Bicheno my handlebar broke which not only put me under greater physical strain, but also had me concerned about whether it would be appropriate for the rest of the trip. Luckily a local mechanic opened his shop and managed to come up with a temporary solution. We saw the local penguins on their nightly trip to their nests. They didn’t appear to enjoy being constantly photographed with their flash by some inconsiderate tourists. Day 6- Coles Bay (39km)

We started out from Bicheno in light rain; however, we managed to finish today’s riding in three hours or less. After lunch we walked half way up Mt. Amos and got a good feel for the Coles Bay area. A local gourmet pizza topped out fairly comfortable prelude to a rest day. Day 7- REST DAY at Coles Bay

Scot is really looking forward to today as his ankle is continuing to give him problems, especially in the morning. Bronson was happy to spend the day reading robotics books and generally relaxing in the sun. The rest of us went paddling around Coles Bay in incredibly clear conditions observing the local marine wildlife and appreciating the views of the Hazards. Keith and myself were happy to head back to the campsite to get some sleep, but Andy and Deborah continued the adventures with some rock climbing at the lighthouse. We had a brief meeting at night sorting out some minor details of the trip. Everything is going well and we are feeling refreshed after a day off. Day 8- Triabunna (81km)

We set off today and took a ride on the “ferry” to shave 60K off the route. Initially today’s riding was pleasant until we were confronted with open plains along the coast, which brought upon some stronger winds and more traffic. The Hostel has very homely and welcoming feel. I was feeling very strong today and turned up first, however, Scot is nursing his ankle and taking it easy. Debra fixed up a fantastic pasta meal, which put us in good spirits. I had my highest average of 17.2 kilometers per hour. Day 9- Eaglehawk Neck (90km)

Today was particularly hilly. I hit the wall at 75 kilometers, however the other two were cruised the entire distance. We hit Buckland by lunchtime and were thrown into 30-degree heat. We started a 40-kilometer stint on dirt road and luckily an imposing storm diverted to the west keeping our journey dry, however, it was extremely windy and the passing logging trucks nearly took us out. The final descent was tough after a long days riding, yet again we were happy to see the hostel. Day 10- REST DAY at Eaglehawk Neck

Bronson, Keith, Andy, and Debra hiked from the Hostel along the beach to Waterfall Bay in Eaglehawk Neck. Scot and myself took the easier option of driving to the local scenic spots. I went into Port Arthur and met a few people before heading home for an early night. Day 11- Hobart (80km)

Today started out easy going to Dunally where we stopped for lunch. At that point we hit the dirt again, along with some high winds. Coming off the dirt just before Dodges Ferry was a relief briefly before entering some strong cross winds coming from the south. The traffic became heavy coming into Hobart, and we had a couple of rest stops to relate our close calls during the previous few kilometers. We managed to ride across the Hobart Bridge in high winds, and witnessed the raging fires to the north west of Hobart. Hopefully we wont be impeded by those in three days time. After cleaning up, I made contact with Eleven- the local peace activist and we went to an Indian restaurant for dinner. Day 12- REST DAY at Hobart

A late start today, and I spent most of the day shopping and organizing for tomorrows “official” meeting with local peace activists/politicians/media. We also went to the Antarctic Experience. We are really enjoying being off the road, and are getting some serous rest before the onslaught of the western mountains. Day 13- REST DAY at Hobart

Another welcomed day out of the saddle! I had an interview with Tim Cox from the local ABC radio this morning which went well. He did his best to describe the unicycles that we are riding, but they are primarily described as a penny farthing without the rear wheel in Tasmania due to a strong penny farthing enthusiasm locally. I barely had time for lunch, then went in to the Elizabeth Street Mall where I gave a brief talk to the people there about the ONE WHEEL ONE WORLD tour, and how "peace begins with me". Day 14- REST DAY at Hobart

Being Saturday, the Salamanca Markets were a must-do experience. There was a hug variety of wares for sale, and taking the unicycle along allowed a lot of people who had seen us on the road an opportunity to ask questions about what we were doing in Tasmania on one wheel. I also had an interview from a Green Left representative who drew parallels between the World Peace Society slogan "peace begins with me" and the Green Left approach of inspiring individuals to have their say in the world of politics. An easy going evening to ensure being fresh for tomorrow, though Debra, Andy and Keith went on a harbour cruise. Day 15- Hamilton (81km)

Today started out extremely well along a cycleway heading west out of Hobart. Going to the Northern side of the Derwent River was good for less traffic, however resulted in a few more hills than anticipated. We had some greasy food in Ouse, which should have been adequate to replace most of our lowered body fat levels up to this point in time. Continuing along we could see a lot of the bushfires to the north, and could hear machinery creating fire breaks in the forests. We managed to get into Hamilton at a reasonable time, so went out to Mt Field National Park for a short walk to some amazing waterfalls and huge trees. We are staying in an incredible cottage tonight which should help us feel fresh for the onslaught of tomorrow's big day. Day 16- Derwent Bridge (94km)

It didn't take long for the magnitude of today to hit home with a monster 700m climb before lunch. We managed to cut a few km off todays trip by taking a dirt road detour, which was welcomed. The day ended up heating up, making dehydration a real concern as the hours whiled away, and our supplies shortened. By the time we reached Derwent Bridge we were cold, hungry, thirsty and tired. A large meal went down well, and after cleaning ourselves up we relaxed in the local Pub. Day 17- Queenstown (92km)

Being already reasonably fatigued from yesterdays ride made today a very tough day. Descending towards the Franklin River provided some spectacular views, and also resulted in high temperatures. By lunchtime we were overheating, so resting for awhile at a picnic spot next to the river. From there on in, it was another day of drinking as much as possible where we could, and riding out a lot of km. The hill before Queenstown was abrupt to say the least, and by the end we had well and truly "hit the wall". Another evening of rehydrating, carboloading and resting before another day on the road tomorrow. Day 18- Strahan (45km)

Based on the difficulty of the past 2 days, the other riders have decided to take the train over to Strahan for today. I continued, and managed to complete today's ride in less than 3 hrs. More hills, but the prospect of 1/2 a day off is a good incentive. I caught the train back to Queenstown to get the car on the Apt Railway (only recently opened) and enjoyed the cool rainforest breeze on the open air carriage. More eating, rehydrating and cleaning up this evening. We are currently assessing everyone's ability to stick with the schedule back to Devonport. The elevation profiles look imposing but possible... Day 19- Rosebury (76km)

I set off solo again this morning. Bronson has decided to spend some time relaxing in devonport before heading home, so he will stop riding from here and catch up bus up tomorrow. Scot was contemplating whether to ride today or not, as it is now raining heavily, and he is questioning the safety on the roads. In the end he figured another rest day was needed, and spent the day touring Strahan. On the road, I headed out in the rain, however luckily it stopped after about an hour, and became scattered showers as I headed out to Rosebury. Another long day, however I am looking forward to catching up with the runners about to head off and complete the Cradle Mtn Lake St Claire Trail in less than a day. Day 20- Cradle Mountain (68km)

About the same time as I set off in adverse conditions towards Cradle Mountain, Scot left Strahan to catch up with me by tomorrow. Today's ride contained the most phenomenal hills I have yet encountered. Rain, wind, cold conditions and fatigue all added to the challenge. I managed to finish today's ride by 4pm, and spent the night with some runners at Waldheim huts, near Dove Lake. Talking to some bushwalkers, I was informed that there was snowfall today on some of the higher peaks! Day 21- Wilmot (37km)

A 4:30am start this morning! I set off at 6am with the crew who are running the Overland Track today. I did the first 18km with them, wished them the best, then looped back via Dove Lake to explore some of this beautiful area. I met up with Scot in the afternoon and we rode in to Wilmot and stayed at the fantastic "Jackies B & B". I still had enough energy to watch Moulin Rouge, and ponder a lifestyle about to occur which does not involve getting up early, packing up and riding a unicycle for the best part of all day! Day 22- Devonport (41km)

As much as we were anticipating today to feel long, it went by quickly. Plenty of downhill and good weather welcomed us into Devonport by lunchtime. So the end has come to the tour! I was beginning to think that this lifestyle was going to be perpetual! It is sad in a way that the tour has ended- we have had a chance to meet many fabulous people, both on the road and in the welcoming places we have stayed in. I am sure that we have left an imprint on those in Tasmania- probably the first time that anyone has ridden a unicycle all the way around the island. Tomorrow looks like it will be very relaxed before heading back to the mainland on the Spirit of Tasmania, then heading our separate ways. I am sure that the experience will be unforgettable both for us, the riders ( Joel Penson, Bronson Silva, Scot Cooper, Andy Cotter), our support (Debra Hamilton, Keith McKay), and all of the wonderful people we have met along the way. I hope that the spirit of peace continues to live on, even after our physical presence has gone.


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