Nundroo Roadhouse to Ceduna to Streaky Bay

23.9.2006: Nundroo Roadhouse to Ceduna

Stats: 153.85km, 5hrs 58mins 53secs, 25.7km/hr
Weather: No record

My opening thoughts as we rode out of Nundroo Roadhouse were that I might find it very difficult to find anything to write about at the end of today. It seemed to be developing into a 'blandish' kind of day. Farm lands rolling by on slightly undulating hills repeated. This process remained true for much of the day.Through morning tea and on to lunch.

A brief stop in Penong, the first township we have seen since Noresman seemed to break the monotony. Much enjoyed ice blocks were eagerly consumed by all. Then as we figured out it was Saturday, it was decided there was little point in calling into the local Primary School. The first seen in over 900km. To wave to the students, so on we continued to Ceduna.

As we moved into lunch the winds had begun to pick up to the point that much of lunch had to be pinned to the tables to prevent it from blowing away. We were joined by two gentlemen who had been trying to drive a second hand flex bus from Adelaide to Perth for their boss. Who having taken three days to get approximately 800km, only being able to use first and second gear. Were having second thoughts about the journey into the Nullarbor.

After lunch we continued our fight with the winds. As gusting cross winds kept us constantly fighting to hold safe position on the road. Around 40km out, on a particularly open piece of ground, the cross winds played their trump card for the day. A singularly large gust of wind hit us from the left. Sending bikes and riders all over the road. The tandem & big Jim held ground quite well, George and Sally bore the brunt of the cross wind and were literally picked up and lifted across the road directly in front of me. I seemed to miss the central force of the wind, but still managed to end up 2/3rds of the way across the lane with a flying tree branch hitting me side on. All the while the road train heading towards us held its steady line. Sally had one foot out ready to ditch her bike. Whilst the rest of us regained control at the vital second.

It was only once the truck had passed before any of us riding at the front had any idea of what had gone on behind us. To class of STOP we turned to see Allen, who had also been abducted by the wind. pulling himself out from the grass on the far side of the road. Having been not only forced towards the on coming truck, but directly into its path. Only experience around handling bikes and clear thinking had saved him. Deciding it was not possible to fight the wind. Instead using it to push right across the road and off the other side as the truck had speed by.

Just two kilometres latter we turned to have the winds behind us and flew the remaining distance into Ceduna. The winds now assisting us all the way.

Punctures: Me (0), Group (6)
Brain Snaps: Mild (2), Moderate (0), Max (0)

24.9.2006: Ceduna to Streaky Bay

Stats: 110.53km, 4hrs 46mins 31secs, 23.1km/hr
Weather: Cool, Clear Sky's, Cross to Head Winds

I learned many rides ago that you never look at a days riding as planned by distance and categories them into easy and hard days. There are way too many environmental and physical variables that can work for or against you, to pre set your mental state for an easy day.

With all this in mind it is difficult to see how a day with a set total of 109km on our schedule could be anything but a gentle roll into Streaky Bay before our scheduled rest day on the 25th. Particularly when compared to the 170km average distance we have churned out over the past seven days.

We regrouped, having split into two churches to house all 22 of us overnight, for breakfast. Then with fatigued legs (and backsides) we began our day in generally high spirits.

10km in and we turned from the Eyre Highway. Our black (white and red at times) trail for so many days and for the first time since leaving Perth, we moved away from the constant passage of road trains and the associated sound of the buses horn.

With the move to the scenic peninsula streets/roads, reduced traffic conditions and now very challenging cross winds. We changed formation (for only the second time in nearly 2000km) to ride two abreast. With a structured system of rotation the day soon saw km's passing by. As we had a chance to talk in 5 minute intervals with various members of the group. I wonder if this could put a new marketing 'spin' on the concept of speed dating for cyclists.

In particular those of us being judged as light weights (or injured and/or fatigued) ad the benefit of being granted shelter from the cross winds buffeting those unfortunate souls riding on the outer. Days into this ride with suffering knees and a total body mass currently running at around 65kg, I am still finding it hard to guiltlessly and shamelessly accept such levels of assistance. In my head I know it is a necessity, still some where inside my thoughts something keeps telling me I am cheating some how in leaving others to carry me across Australia. I see this as a massive issue I am going to have to deal with. Not only as I continue this ride, but on after the ride in everyday activities.

Following a lunch stop we once again turned out of the cross winds. This time though it was not to the relief of tail winds, but to head front on into the now 20knot plus winds coming at us from the Southern Seas of the Australian Bite.

Our average speeds soon began to plummet as legs grew weary from pushing through 2000km in 13 days cycling. It was well into the afternoon that we finally rolled into the quiet, bt very welcoming surrounds of Streaky Bay.

We were greeted by the Anglican/Uniting Minister (seems to be dependant on an odd-even week rotation), his wife and the local Catholic Priest, who quite aptly had been described to us as a Fryer Tuck type charter. Their hospitality extended into a joint parish BBQ. Where we were joined by the second mad English man of our Journey. Rob Lillywall was cycling solo in the opposite direction, to Perth.

It was only however through persistent questioning that the full extent of Rob's journey unfolded. Two years ago he had left England and begun his odysee by cycling across Russia. He continued through various country's including significantly, the Philippines. Until he found himself in Cairns, were he made his way south to Sydney (via Penrith to talk at St Pauls) and Melbourne. Here his journey was interrupted by Malaria (contracted in the Philippines) and his extension to Tasmania was cancelled. Adelaide followed and now he is heading home (for Christmas 2007) via Perth and numerous other country's.

Talk about putting us in our place. "I had done a few short rides like yours" he had quite non-offensively stated in conversation. Freak (without offence of course).

Punctures: Me (0), Group (6)
Brain Snaps: Mild (2), Moderate (0), Max (0)

24.9.2011
The week ended very quietly for me in terms of training. The best laid plans cut down with the Senior Gnomes deciding they wanted to graduate on Friday morning and not have to come back after the holidays. Then a district lack of sleep between the hours of 1.30am and 5.00am wiping my Sat ride for fear of falling asleep mid way round Cobbitty.

I did manage to get out in time to work the water safety with Evie at the Panther club try on Friday afternoon. Watching SWMBO pull out what appeared to be her best triathlon to date. Though the 4 people who stopped whilst exiting transition to begin the run leg to say hello to Evie may not have total times to match their personal best achievements. I eagerly await to hear who convinced the club I was there designated marshall in contributing to club championship eligibility.

For now though its time to call days end. Having spent 3 hours marking out tomorrows opening Running Wild Race, Mt Portal with Luke Doyle and Paul Robertson. Still a short section to get done early tomorrow as the cold and wet conditions got the better of us. That and the dodging of lightening creating a reduced desire to had towards the high int of the immediate area.

So todays song for Evie: