Balladonia to Caiguna Revisited

18.9.2006: Balladonia to Caiguna

Stats: 182.51km, 5hrs 33mins 15secs, 32.8km/hr
Weather: Clear Sy's, Hot, Tail Winds

We continued with great blessing as we ventured further into the Nullarbor Dessert today. Brilliant westerly winds once again pushed us along the Eyre Highway. Providing much fresher legs at the end of 370km in two days than any of us have hoped for.

We rose early again, however today breakfast was supplied by the roadhouse we had been staying at in Balladonia. As is accustom to roadhouses, eggs, bacon, sausages etc was aplenty and whilst this was initially a welcome change. Possibly portion size should have been more carefully considered as I must have been carrying an extra 10kg for the first half hour of riding.

As we rode this morning we continued through the desert surrounds of scrub and scattered trees for quite some time. Around 30km into our ride we started on the longest straight stretch of road in Australia. I can vouch for the fact that there is certainly no hint of a corner for over 140kms.

This straight run, with tail winds that continued to strengthen as the day went on saw us sitting at speeds of 35-45km/hr for most of the second half of the day. All the while subtle change was occurring around us. Where there had been scattered trees and a base of shuts. There was now scattered scrub with a base of grasses. Followed by next to no scrub and just patchy tufts of grass.

Yet the fewer the trees the greater the number (apparent) of birds we could see. At one point a pair of Galah's must have followed us followed us for around 10-15km. Swooping, gliding, diving in front of or next to us all the way.

With wind assisted speeds, we soon reached the end of our lengthy straight and following the obligatory photos we immediately turned into our accommodation, the Caiguna Roadhouse. I guess that corner will have to wait for the first 100km tomorrow. As will changing our clocks forward 45mins (a definite no no this side of the corner apparently).

Punctures: Me (0), Group (4)
Brain Snaps: Mild (1), Moderate (0), Max (0)

18.9.2011
Whilst there was no training for me today. I had a great time floating around the Sydney Running festival ring the father on duty. Whilst SWMBO took part in the Bridge Run. An abundance of BMMC and low landers known were taking part in a range of events and I had a great morning moving from road corner to road corner trying to see as many of them as possible on course.

I must say I was more than a little pleased not to be running this year as temperatures rose to low 30's mid morning. Temperatures not conducive to pleasurable running in my experience. Particularly this early in spring when the body is just starting to return to the World of warm weather.

For the record SWMBO had a great run, pumping out a 54min Bridge run just 2 weeks after being held in emergency for most of the night with IV fluids being pumped into her dehydrated body. This gives her a couple of triathlons/duathlons and multiple fun runs. All in the first 11 months since Evie was born. Super effort that :)

Tomorrow I have to pull out the adult cloths instead of my normal comfortable PE attire. Will be interesting to see how Deputy Gnome sits with my happiness at work and impact on training over the next 4 weeks of work. Better go figure out how to tie the tie again.

And for Evie today: