Thanks to those that responded.
I thought this might have spurred a little more conversation than it has. Not to worry, next time I'll take more scenery and bike shots.

Thanks for letting us ride along.
As for more conversation, don't worry many of us were reading and riding with you, they just do not comment.
I feel your pain of covering 600 miles (940 km) in a day, we have done that many times here, in both the ice and the heat, but once you reflect back, it was all worth it in the end. The pain of the long day fades but the fond memories remain with you forever.
+1

(next time throw in some Australian politics in) just kidding. It was a great ride report, something more of us need to do. Myself included. I hope to make it back to your country some day.
