Merredin to Southern Cross Revisited

13.9.2011: Merredin to Southern Cross

Stats: 109.95km, 4hrs 44mins 31secs, 23.1km/hr
Weather: Fine clear sky's, Cool-warm, Head winds

Our 'easy day as described by all in last nights discussion of what lay ahead today may in hindsight be looked back upon asa day that stretched and challenged many of the group. More than some of the longer days, distance speaking.

Having been granted the benefits of an extra hours sleep, we rose at 6.30am to the first day of clear blue sky's. With the constant fear of running into a student or hearing the bell of the school hall we were staying in, it was with great relief that we began this day of 'ease at 7.45am.

A quick 109km and we should be at Southern Cross well before lunch.

As we began a slow steady climb out of Merredin it became obvious the wind that had aided us over the past few days would today be against us. It also soon became clear that our road had an incline that mainly saw us climbing just above the horizon constantly.

Third dayitis (plus a prologue stage) soon began to set in and the mental preparation of an easy day began to take it's toll. As we pushed out speeds limited by the environment of around 20-24km/hr.

A difficult morning, of 60km, had us taking a break at Bodallin for morning tea. A servo and a small communal park felt like a most hospitable well kept botanic garden. Morning tea was stretched a touch to give fatigued body's an extended rest.

The late morning ride left us with around 49km to Southern Cross and with the tail wagging (including myself) a competition was devised around guessing the colour and make of each car coming through from behind us. Following some rules negotiations, 1 point was awarded for colour, 1 point for brand and a bonus point if both correct. Following my first correct guess of white Toyota it was agreed 'white Toyota' would no longer gain bonus points due to the regularity of such work vehicles.

This kept us occupied for 20-25km. However following prolonged period of no green Porches the ride again took central focus.

A tough day, with 186km tomorrow many will face inner demons over the next few days.

Punctures: Me (0), Group (3)
Indian Pacific Sightings: 1
Brain Snaps: Mild (1), Moderate (0), Max (0) (Note a big chance soon if I don't get froth on my cappuccino's soon)

13.9.2011
The day started well having managed to hear the alarm today and making it out of bed in time to make the standard Tuesday morning run from Sleep Trains. On arrival however it was apparent their would be many who failed to achieve this same accomplishment. So With Dr Phil and Sleep Train we set of enjoying the early morning sun shine mid September brings with out the heat of Summer.

Having said this, some heat would have been nice given the lack of Washing Machine coordination I suffered. Finding myself prematurely in shorts as opposed to the preferred long running skins desired in the lower Mountains chill.

Sleep Train left us at 5 ways to take to short option and Dr Phil momentarily took a step to the side before he regrouped a few kilo's lighter for his time out. Without racing by any stretch, just maintaining the positive mantra of 'run strong' a lap round Two Hills Circuit was complete in 56mins 20ses. Definitely the quickest Ive been round in quite some time, including the extended break waiting for the good Dr the finish his business in Sun Valley.

The rest of the day was pleasantly spent with the Gnomes in Knapsack Reserve. Having walked up from the car park at the bottom of Mitchell's Pass. Today being their orienteering expedition following a term in school preparing for such a day. The representatives from Orienteering NSW doing an outstanding job in setting an appropriate course for the Gnomes to race round for their introduction to orienteering.

From my position near check point 6 those coming through were dead set intent on claiming the title of fastest gnome with compass and map in Western Sydney. Combined with the exclamation of joy by the vast majority of gnomes post event. I would judge the day a tremendous success. I particularly liked the description of the day "It was just like the amazing race, in the bush".

The afternoons run for a standard double run Tuesday unfortunately side tracked due to a forgotten meeting for the Ride4Kids program at 5pm. never mind, recovering from chest cold may be the hidden benefactor.

So todays song for Evie: