The story so far...
1: Joyce and Phil have arrived in Rocky!
Joyce and Phil officially touched down in Rockhampton last week, ready to begin their 1,500km+ tandem journey for Shifting Gears for Women with Parkinson’s. The good news? The tandem survived the flight! And after a little work from Phil, the bike was officially back together and ready to hit the road. Fittingly, they were staying in the Rockhampton suburb of Berserker, a name derived from Old Norse and associated with going “berserk”. As Joyce and Phil put it, how very apt! They also spotted some of Rocky’s famous bull statues, a nod to the city’s strong connection to Australia’s beef industry. The bike is ready, the adventure is underway, and Joyce and Phil are hitting the road to raise awareness for women living with Parkinson’s.
2: Rockhampton to Miriam Vale
It’s been a busy few days for Joyce and Phil, with their Shifting Gears for Women with Parkinson’s journey taking them from Rockhampton through to Miriam Vale, and there have already been plenty of stories to tell along the way! After trying (without much luck!) to find a way off the Bruce Highway, they settled in for the ride and stopped for a much-needed coffee at Bajool. From there, it was onwards to Mt Larcom, where they got a puncture just as they arrived, followed by a very steep climb into the caravan park, which made sure they earned their rest that evening. Luckily, the day finished on a much calmer note with an evening of poetry in the park. The next leg took them past a historic Queensland village on the way to Miriam Vale. Unfortunately, both the village and the café were closed, so it was a look from the outside before getting back on the tandem. After nearly 100km for the day, they finally rolled into Miriam Vale and enjoyed some well-earned pub food. Keep following along as Joyce and Phil make their way towards Canberra, raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s with every kilometre they ride.
3: Rosedale to Bundaberg
As they headed towards Rosedale, they met one of the more memorable characters of the trip so far, the Japanese “Catman”. He’s been on the road for around three years, first on foot and now by bike, raising money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Rosedale also brought a memorable overnight stay, in a working man’s donga behind the pub. The room was small, dark and initially a little tricky to get into, while the showers had a few quirks of their own! Thankfully, another good pub meal helped finish the day on a high. Then it was back on the bike and off towards Bundaberg. The scenery began to change, with macadamia trees and factories giving way to sugar cane paddocks. It was a beautiful part of the journey, although sharing the road with large trucks made for some challenging moments along the way. Eventually, the Burnett River came into view, a very welcome sign that Bundaberg was just ahead! After pushing the tandem across the bridge and into the city, another big part of their journey was complete. There have already been punctures, long days, unexpected encounters and plenty of kilometres, and Joyce and Phil are only just getting started! Keep following along as they make their way towards Canberra, raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s every kilometre of the way.
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4: Bundaberg to Childers
After some big days on the tandem, Joyce and Phil took the chance to enjoy Bundaberg at a slightly slower pace, starting with coffee and cake in the centre of town, followed by an afternoon walk along the Burnett River. Rested and ready to go again, they were soon back on the bike and heading towards Childers. This stretch of the journey was a lovely one. The road wound past fruit trees with much less traffic to contend with, and with the sugar cane harvest almost finished, there were thankfully fewer trucks sharing the road too. A roadside coffee stop soon became more than just a chance to refuel. Joyce and Phil got chatting with the owner and another passerby about Shifting Gears for Women with Parkinson’s, sharing why they’re making this journey and the importance of raising awareness. Both promised to spread the word, and the owner even handed them a $10 donation. The couple had their first-ever snickerdoodle and discovered it was a delicious cinnamon-based cookie. It turned out to be a memorable coffee stop! Then it was onwards to Childers, where a quiet night and, importantly, no trains or noise were waiting for them. Sometimes it’s the little conversations along the road that make the kilometres even more worthwhile.
5: Making it to Maryborough
By the time Joyce and Phil reached Maryborough, the kilometres had well and truly caught up with them. They were too tired to head into town, but there was one local sight they wanted to share. Maryborough’s famous Mary Poppins pedestrian lights, celebrating P.L. Travers, the author behind Mary Poppins. So, rather than getting back on their feet and sacrificing a much-earned rest, they asked the neighbours in the next motel unit if they could take a couple of photos for them. And, as seems to keep happening on this journey, a simple conversation led to another unexpected connection. Their neighbour was singer Billie-Jo Porter, who was on her way to the Muster in Gympie. They got chatting about the ride, and Billie-Jo was interested to hear why Joyce and Phil were travelling all this way and raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s, and was more than happy to help. Their motel happened to be directly opposite Maryborough Hospital, but despite being so close, they didn’t hear a single ambulance all night. Joyce and Phil’s conclusion? Maryborough must be a very safe place to live! Another town, another new person met and another opportunity to get people talking about Parkinson’s.
6: The Road to Tewantin
The road from Gympie to Tewantin was always going to be a challenging one, with plenty of hills waiting for Joyce and Phil. What they probably weren’t expecting was a mountain bike adventure along the way! Following their map, they found themselves on a track called Alt 4. It didn’t take long to realise this was definitely not the ideal route for a tandem loaded up for a long-distance ride. The path became muddy, puddles became stretches of water, and at one point Joyce was out in front checking whether they could even get through. There was plenty of walking the bike, navigating around mud and wondering exactly where the map had sent them! Eventually, they found their way back onto the road and could continue towards Tewantin. After such a long day, arriving at their friends’ house was a very welcome sight. The tandem could finally be parked, the washing could go on, and Joyce and Phil could enjoy a night with friends before thinking about the next stretch. With rain forecast for the following two days, there may still be a few more adventures waiting for them. Whatever the road throws their way, they’re continuing towards Canberra and raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s as they go.
7: Tewantin to Caloundra
After a chance to rest, do some washing and spend the night with friends in Tewantin, it was time for Joyce and Phil to pack up the tandem and get moving again. Next stop: Caloundra. The route brought them alongside the beautiful Noosa River, making for a pretty spectacular start to this part of the journey. But somewhere along the way, Google Maps had other ideas! Joyce and Phil found themselves hopelessly lost for a while, with their directions seemingly sending them everywhere except where they needed to go. So, they went back to a much more reliable navigation system, asking the locals. After directions from several kind people along the way, they eventually found the right route and were back on track. Near Maroochydore, there was finally a chance to stop on a bridge, take a photo together and appreciate just how far they’d already come. These little moments are becoming a big part of Joyce and Phil’s journey: wrong turns, unexpected conversations, challenging roads and the kindness of people they meet along the way. And through it all, they’re continuing south towards Canberra, helping raise awareness for women living with Parkinson’s with every kilometre.
8: Finding the Way to Caloundra
After enjoying a well-earned day off in Tewantin, Joyce and Phil were back on the tandem and ready to continue south towards Caloundra. Getting there, however, wasn’t quite as straightforward as planned!
After becoming very lost around Noosa, they crossed paths with Glen, a fellow cyclist who knew the area and kindly led them for quite a way towards Caloundra. Along the way, Glen also mentioned there was a Parkinson’s centre nearby on the M1, a fitting connection to the reason behind Joyce and Phil’s journey. Another reminder that sometimes the best part of getting a little lost is the people you meet who help you find your way again! Follow Joyce and Phil as they continue towards Canberra, raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s along the way.
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9: When the Bike App Has Other Ideas
Leaving Caloundra behind, Joyce and Phil set off towards Margate, with the Glass House Mountains making for a pretty spectacular backdrop along the way. But once again, their cycling app decided to add a little extra adventure to the day! The route led them through mud and puddles before eventually bringing them to a set of steps, not exactly ideal when you’re travelling on a fully loaded tandem. With no way to continue, it was time to turn around and find another way through. It’s becoming a bit of a theme on this journey: beautiful scenery, unexpected detours and routes that look much easier on a map! But Joyce and Phil continue to find a way forward, one kilometre at a time, as they Shift Gears for Women with Parkinson’s.
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10: Margate to Cleveland
Joyce and Phil left Margate and continue towards Cleveland, travelling through an area that brought back a few memories along the way. Their daughter lived nearby in Clontarf many years ago, making this stretch of the journey a little more familiar than some of the roads they’ve travelled so far. They weren’t the only ones out and about either! Several lizards and two snakes made an appearance along the route, along with a few rather aggressive magpies who weren’t quite as welcoming. Eventually, Brisbane came into view, with the bridge and city views marking another milestone as Joyce and Phil continued making their way south.
From familiar places to some very Australian wildlife encounters, it was another day full of stories from the road. And through every town, hill and unexpected encounter, Joyce and Phil continue raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s.
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11: Making it to Surfers Paradise
Another big day on the tandem as Joyce and Phil left Cleveland behind and continued south towards Surfers Paradise. And, as they’ve discovered more than once on this journey, just because a track appears on the map doesn’t necessarily mean it will get them where they need to go! At one point, the track simply ran out, leaving Joyce and Phil with no choice but to hop off and push the tandem until they could find their way back onto a rideable path. After a long, hot day, there were a couple of very welcome signs that they were getting closer: first, Dreamworld, and then finally the first glimpses of Surfers Paradise in the distance. Eventually they rolled into Surfers, ready to get off the bike, put their feet up, and enjoy a well-earned rest. Another challenging stretch was officially behind them! With Surfers reached, Joyce and Phil are one step closer to Canberra as they continue their Shifting Gears for Women with Parkinson’s journey.
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12: A Moment to Explore Surfers
After the long ride into Surfers Paradise, Joyce and Phil finally had a chance to take in a little more of their surroundings. From their motel, they watched the city settle into the evening, looking out across a skyline that continues to change as new buildings go up around Surfers. Down on the beach, they also came across a local story they hadn’t expected. A tribute to Peter John Lacey introduced them to a man who was well known in the area as both a lifesaver and real estate professional. More importantly, he was remembered as someone who was deeply dedicated to his community and loved by those around him. It’s these little discoveries that have become such an interesting part of Joyce and Phil’s ride. They may be travelling through each place on two wheels, but along the way they’re getting glimpses into the people, stories and communities that make each stop different. Surfers Paradise is another one to add to the list, and soon it will be time to get back on the tandem and continue south towards Canberra...
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13: Surfers to Ocean Shores
After their time in Surfers Paradise, Joyce and Phil were back on the tandem and heading south, following the seafront as a ship worked just offshore dredging sand. Before long, they crossed into Tweed Heads, a lovely spot, although a very busy one! Continuing south, they passed a sculpted horse along the cycleway before setting their sights on Ocean Shores for the night. But there was a small problem waiting for them when they arrived… they’d booked their accommodation for the wrong day! With a new motel found, there was just one more challenge: A long climb to reach it after an already big day on the bike. Along the way, they also came across a wonderful old pub absolutely packed with people of all generations. An unexpected sight for the pair and one of those little moments that make travelling by tandem such an adventure. Another day down and another collection of stories to add to the Shifting Gears for Women with Parkinson’s journey.
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14: A Hot Day, a Big Prawn & a Bike Hospital
The next stretch brought another very hot day on the road, with some steep climbs to tackle along the way.
Passing a koala crossing was a very Queensland moment, but the heat and hills were starting to take their toll. Joyce began feeling unwell and knew it was time to stop, eat something, and get some energy back before continuing. Eventually, they reached Ballina, where of course there was one landmark they couldn’t pass without a photo: the Big Prawn! The tandem also needed some attention, so it was off to the “bike hospital”. Thankfully, a helpful local got them sorted, and they could get back on their way. From there, things became a little easier, with a short, flat and beautiful ride towards Woodburn. Along the way, they passed the last of the sugar plantations and its mill, before spotting an old church that had been given a new life as a home. Hot days, steep hills, unexpected repairs and another giant Australian landmark, all part of the journey towards Canberra! Joyce and Phil continue to pedal on, raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s with every kilometre.
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15: Woodburn to Grafton
After making it to Woodburn, it was time for Joyce and Phil to settle in for the night. With a population of around 600, Woodburn may be a small town, but it has plenty of character and a history of hosting large fishing events. Their accommodation for the night was certainly on the basic side, but after another day on the tandem, a place to rest was very welcome! Before leaving town, they came across some words of wisdom from Doris Lessing outside a local shop, another little discovery to add to the collection of things they’ve found along the way. Then it was back on the bike and onwards to Grafton. After another day of pedaling, they arrived at their accommodation to find a beautiful old tree out the front, a lovely sight to finish another stretch of their journey. From small country towns to unexpected words of wisdom and beautiful sights along the road, there’s always something new waiting around the corner for Joyce and Phil. And with every kilometre, they continue towards Canberra, raising awareness for women living with Parkinson’s.
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16: A Friendly Face Along the Way
On their way to Coffs Harbour, Joyce and Phil had another lovely encounter on the road, this time with Jamie-Lee, who has been following their Shifting Gears journey! Their map was attempting to send them across an old bridge, but luckily Jamie-Lee was there to point them in a better direction. She showed them the best way to go and even met them on the other side to make sure they made it through. Jamie-Lee told Joyce and Phil how much she loves what they’re doing to raise awareness for women living with Parkinson’s and was kind enough to share some photos from their meeting with them. A big thank you for looking out for Joyce and Phil, helping them find their way and sharing these wonderful photos with us. It’s people like Jamie-Lee who are making this journey even more special. If you spot Joyce and Phil on the road, come and say hello! We’d love to see your photos, hear about your encounter or hear how Parkinson’s has touched your life. Share your experience with us and help keep the conversation going.
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17. On the Road to Port Macquarie
The journey south continues, and the road to Port Macquarie brought Joyce and Phil a little bit of everything.
There was a small ferry crossing, where a fellow passenger kindly captured a photo of the pair with their tandem, before they were back following the A1 south. Of course, Google Maps had a few ideas of its own! More than once, the route took them into the unknown, with rough stones and sections where the only option was to hop off and push. Then, while making their way through a national park, they came across a gate designed to stop four-wheel drives. There was only one problem, it also stopped a fully loaded tandem! The luggage had to come off, the bike had to be maneuvered through, and everything loaded back on again before they could continue. There was also plenty of time spent looking up into the trees for koalas, although the bats hanging out near their room were much easier to spot! Another day of ferries, unexpected obstacles and plenty of problem-solving as Joyce and Phil continue south for Shifting Gears for Women with Parkinson’s.
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18. When Plans Change
A wonderful breakfast at Tea Gardens seemed like the perfect start to another day on the road.
Then came the news Joyce and Phil didn’t want to hear: their ferry had been cancelled because of the strong westerly winds. There was nothing to do but change plans, get back on the tandem and take the long way around the lake. What should have been a ferry ride became a much longer detour, with those strong winds keeping them company along the way. Eventually, it was time for a lunch stop on the road to Laurieton. The sun was shining, and the roads were busy, but despite the blue skies, there was still a definite chill in the air.
Along the way, Joyce and Phil also spotted some of the tall nesting posts established for sea eagles, helping provide places to nest where natural habitat has been lost. Not quite the day they had planned, but that’s becoming part of the adventure: when one route closes, Joyce and Phil simply find another way forward
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19. Testing the Patience!
Not every day on a 1,500km+ tandem journey is going to be smooth sailing, and this particular stretch certainly tested Joyce and Phil! Google Maps sent them along what they described as one of the worst sections of the journey towards Newcastle, and after plenty of difficult roads, detours and unexpected obstacles, tempers were beginning to fray. With each other. With the road. And, as they put it, with the world at large! Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop, find something to smile about and remind yourself why you started. Thankfully, the views helped. Looking from the bridge towards Bateau Bay, the scenery was beautiful, even with the weather coming in from the south. Then it was time to keep pedalling.
The Shifting Gears journey has brought some incredible moments, but it has also brought plenty of challenging ones, and Joyce and Phil are taking us along for all of them.
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20. Finally, a Lucky Break!
After plenty of wrong turns, rough tracks and cancelled ferries, Joyce and Phil were probably due a little bit of luck. And finally, they got some! Heading from Ettalong towards Palm Beach, they boarded the ferry on a beautiful sunny day, surrounded by sailing boats and some pretty spectacular views. Then came an unexpected bonus, ferry operators were taking industrial action, which meant no ferry fees! As Joyce and Phil put it, their first lucky break! With the tandem safely on board, they could enjoy a rare stretch of the journey where someone else was doing the moving. A chance to sit back, take in the views and give the legs a break before getting back on the bike. After so many unexpected detours, it was nice to have something unexpectedly go their way!
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21. Finding the Little Things Along the Way
Not every update from Joyce and Phil needs to be about a wrong turn, a steep hill or another Google Maps adventure! Travelling by tandem has given them plenty of opportunities to slow down and notice some of the smaller things along the way. One sight that has really stood out has been the spectacular coral trees. Their bright flowers have been appearing everywhere along this stretch of the journey, bringing plenty of colour to the roadside. And when the riding is finished for the day, the Shifting Gears journey doesn’t completely stop. Phil has been keeping busy documenting their adventures through his blog, although judging by the photo, he’s found a pretty comfortable way to get the job done!
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Sadly, Joyce and Phil have ended their ride before reaching their Canberra Destination. Traffic and other ongoing route hazards have made this journey too unsafe to continue on a tandem bike. Thank you Joyce and Phil for your huge effort and for shifting gears for Women and Parkinson's.
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