Up early this morning and boy is it cold! Very invigorating. Collis has suggested they all leave around 7.30 am as the forecast is that there is a higher chance of rain around midday or later. It may not rain but best to avoid it if you can. We only have 70 kms today but everyone is still worried about the log trucks. Can't do anything about them so I have advised them to just get off when one is coming up behind them.
Everyone gone by 8 am with Neil leading the pack today. We soon come across Doug and Di and we know something isn't right as they had left a half hour before the others but they're now behind Jacquei and not far from Jim and Jen. Apparently Di's cleat is worn out and she is having trouble peddling on one side. Hopefully this can be fixed in Portland- she was offered the spare bike but declined.
Tailwind today and everyone happy even though it is still cold and the log trucks are out there. Jacquei said she has just been getting off the bike when the trucks come along and everything has been great. All into town by lunchtime.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Day 47: Mt Gambier to Nelson
40 km ride planned for today. I have suggested we all meet at the Umpherston Sinkhole for morning tea at 10 am and then ride the 40 kms after that. Everyone thought this was a good idea. Neil would not be meeting us for morning tea as he does this GeoCash thingy (I've read about it on the net as we met a couple of other riders doing it) and he is off to some whorehouse to see if he can get some clue? There is no cash involved so it soon lost my interest.
Doug and Di went out for breakfast and then didn't turn up for morning tea so we presumed they changed their minds. Jacquei, Jim and Jen arrived after getting re-directed by locals back and forth to a sinkhole next to the town hall. Eventually Jacquei rang and Collis gave her clearer directions. Most of the locals are unaware of this sinkhole. Apparently this town has heaps of sinkholes.
Anyway we got back on the road for the 40 kms. Very little winds but they were in the wrong direction. Lots of log trucks which were really very scary and they weren't going to move over for anybody- especially cyclists and drivers with a bike parked on top.
We found Neil, Doug and Di at the general store and Di was upset there was no IGA in town. Mt Gambier had a large supermarket, unfortunately they didn't take advantage of this and there are a few things they require. We won't allow them to go hungry and Collis is shouting everyone fish and chips for dinner tonight. Some of the riders were wanting to stay at the caravan park next to the general store but Collis had booked us into the other caravan park that he had researched as the best CP in the town.
Doug and Di decided to go to the pub for dinner and the rest of us had the fish and chips. The caravan park was set in a lovely bush setting with rabbits and kangaroos everywhere. We had some very cute and cheeky visitors in the evening. Great walks around the park as well. Neil checked out the local cemetery which is apparently well worth a visit.
Doug and Di went out for breakfast and then didn't turn up for morning tea so we presumed they changed their minds. Jacquei, Jim and Jen arrived after getting re-directed by locals back and forth to a sinkhole next to the town hall. Eventually Jacquei rang and Collis gave her clearer directions. Most of the locals are unaware of this sinkhole. Apparently this town has heaps of sinkholes.
Anyway we got back on the road for the 40 kms. Very little winds but they were in the wrong direction. Lots of log trucks which were really very scary and they weren't going to move over for anybody- especially cyclists and drivers with a bike parked on top.
We found Neil, Doug and Di at the general store and Di was upset there was no IGA in town. Mt Gambier had a large supermarket, unfortunately they didn't take advantage of this and there are a few things they require. We won't allow them to go hungry and Collis is shouting everyone fish and chips for dinner tonight. Some of the riders were wanting to stay at the caravan park next to the general store but Collis had booked us into the other caravan park that he had researched as the best CP in the town.
Doug and Di decided to go to the pub for dinner and the rest of us had the fish and chips. The caravan park was set in a lovely bush setting with rabbits and kangaroos everywhere. We had some very cute and cheeky visitors in the evening. Great walks around the park as well. Neil checked out the local cemetery which is apparently well worth a visit.
Day 46: Robe to Mt Gambier
Today is going to be a tough day. They have 135 kms to ride with a few hills and predicted headwinds. A few of the riders have been mulling over the weather charts for a couple of days now. Maybe they think that the more times they look, the better it will get. Then the other riders are philosophical enough to realise, what will be will be. We all know Collis is good but God he ain't.
Neil, Doug and Di took off just before 7 am and the rest of the team left around 7.30 am. The scenery was great BUT this was seen very little as they all plugged along into 35 km/hour headwinds. The traffic picked up the closer we got to Mt Gambier and this just added to the worst day for riding on this whole long leg. Everybody made it in by 3.30 pm. We were unsure if Neil was going to ride the whole day but he seemed to get his second wind, sucked it up and made it to the camp ground.
The caravan park has deteriorated since the last time we were here but still a very pleasant spot and right near the blue lake. Collis and I took both cars into town for dinner so that everyone could get a lift. It was pizza and pasta night at Sorrentos, all large serves for $13.90. Reasonable dinner had by all.
Everybody slept well after the tough day and there wasn't any chatter during the night to wake everyone up.
Neil, Doug and Di took off just before 7 am and the rest of the team left around 7.30 am. The scenery was great BUT this was seen very little as they all plugged along into 35 km/hour headwinds. The traffic picked up the closer we got to Mt Gambier and this just added to the worst day for riding on this whole long leg. Everybody made it in by 3.30 pm. We were unsure if Neil was going to ride the whole day but he seemed to get his second wind, sucked it up and made it to the camp ground.
The caravan park has deteriorated since the last time we were here but still a very pleasant spot and right near the blue lake. Collis and I took both cars into town for dinner so that everyone could get a lift. It was pizza and pasta night at Sorrentos, all large serves for $13.90. Reasonable dinner had by all.
Everybody slept well after the tough day and there wasn't any chatter during the night to wake everyone up.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Day 45: Robe Rest Day
The wind got pretty blustery last night but seemed to settle down by first light. Collis and I were nice and cozy in our final cabin for the trip. I was spoilt with a cooked breakfast in bed before we showered and headed down town for a hot chocolate.
In town we came across everyone but Neil. Jacquei and Jim had breakfast in town but Doug and Di had a Canadian breakfast in camp. Not sure what Jen and Neil did for breakfast. Collis and I then went for a long walk around the town and saw parts of this town we didn't know existed . We were trying to find the coffee roasting place but I was directing and of course took us in the wrong direction. It was a nice walk but it was getting very cold as the wind picked up from the south.
On our return to the camp ground we were told that most of the tents had started to lift in the wind and were heading into the lake. Fortunately one of the caravanners was around and he had spare pegs that he has lent the campers until they leave tomorrow. He pegged everyone's tent down securely and saved some food box lids and our chairs from going for a swim as well.
It was such a cold day that Collis climbed into the electric blanket and had a nanny nap for most. Of the afternoon.
In town we came across everyone but Neil. Jacquei and Jim had breakfast in town but Doug and Di had a Canadian breakfast in camp. Not sure what Jen and Neil did for breakfast. Collis and I then went for a long walk around the town and saw parts of this town we didn't know existed . We were trying to find the coffee roasting place but I was directing and of course took us in the wrong direction. It was a nice walk but it was getting very cold as the wind picked up from the south.
On our return to the camp ground we were told that most of the tents had started to lift in the wind and were heading into the lake. Fortunately one of the caravanners was around and he had spare pegs that he has lent the campers until they leave tomorrow. He pegged everyone's tent down securely and saved some food box lids and our chairs from going for a swim as well.
It was such a cold day that Collis climbed into the electric blanket and had a nanny nap for most. Of the afternoon.
Day 44: Salt Creek to Robe
Neil left first this morning and he beat everyone to morning tea. He must have worn himself out early because once the wind hit in he slowed down considerably. But he was not the only one. It was a bit of a shock to all riders after such great tailwinds. (I can't believe I am raving on about winds- save me Theo).
Everyone had a great ride to morning tea and then this wind kicked in which has made a shortish day a tough day. The scenery is still the Coorong until we reach Robe which is a seaside village.
Everyone into camp by 2.30 pm. Collis and I have gotten our last cabin for the trip and this is our view of the lake.
Everyone had a great ride to morning tea and then this wind kicked in which has made a shortish day a tough day. The scenery is still the Coorong until we reach Robe which is a seaside village.
Everyone into camp by 2.30 pm. Collis and I have gotten our last cabin for the trip and this is our view of the lake.
This is our view of the tents.
Day 43: Wellington to Salt Creek
All riders looking quite relaxed although Neil was maybe a little nervous as he was up and about early then had to wait around for everyone else. He is finding his mojo but it is hard when you are the new kid on the block. Jen having ridden with us before knows the routine but poor old Neil has to get used to the riding every day and a strange routine. He is doing OK.
Another good riding day with tailwinds. We are now in the Coorong and constant views of water and salt bush. Heaps of birdlife and I spotted a line of pelicans which were swimming in a line. Collis had seen the same birds earlier flying just above the water line so they must have landed after he passed them.
Salt Creek is a roadhouse which is run solely by Adam. He had previously had a girlfriend helping him plus backpackers but this all collapsed for him and now he's on his own. He has done a great job cleaning it up and keeping it running. We started off having the place to ourselves but ended up with a group of fishermen who decided to have a party to celebrate their one fish catch of the day. Then an older couple arrived and they parked off in the corner away from us.
Collis shouted everyone a Mullet dinner in the roadhouse which was enjoyed by all. The party ended up going until 2.30 am and we had some very unhappy campers. Jim had made a great fire which we had all enjoyed after dinner but it had gone out by the morning unfortunately. Jim had camped in front of the toilets and the fishermen kept tripping over his tent everytime they staggered to the toilet.
Around 3.30 am I was woken again by all this banging and scraping which seemed to be coming from the roadhouse. I wasn't game to check out what was happening as Adam has a gun and is an experienced hunter- didn't want him to shoot me by mistake. It went on for at least an hour and then Collis heard a truck take off, so still not sure what it was all in aid of.
Another good riding day with tailwinds. We are now in the Coorong and constant views of water and salt bush. Heaps of birdlife and I spotted a line of pelicans which were swimming in a line. Collis had seen the same birds earlier flying just above the water line so they must have landed after he passed them.
Salt Creek is a roadhouse which is run solely by Adam. He had previously had a girlfriend helping him plus backpackers but this all collapsed for him and now he's on his own. He has done a great job cleaning it up and keeping it running. We started off having the place to ourselves but ended up with a group of fishermen who decided to have a party to celebrate their one fish catch of the day. Then an older couple arrived and they parked off in the corner away from us.
Collis shouted everyone a Mullet dinner in the roadhouse which was enjoyed by all. The party ended up going until 2.30 am and we had some very unhappy campers. Jim had made a great fire which we had all enjoyed after dinner but it had gone out by the morning unfortunately. Jim had camped in front of the toilets and the fishermen kept tripping over his tent everytime they staggered to the toilet.
Around 3.30 am I was woken again by all this banging and scraping which seemed to be coming from the roadhouse. I wasn't game to check out what was happening as Adam has a gun and is an experienced hunter- didn't want him to shoot me by mistake. It went on for at least an hour and then Collis heard a truck take off, so still not sure what it was all in aid of.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Day 42: Gawler to Wellington
This is the first riding day for our final two riders- Jen and Neil. They are both accomplished riders with Jen having ridden with us before. Everyone headed out virtually together today but Di and Doug left the other four behind.
Lovely scenery all the way and the winds were great tail winds. Doug kept saying that the new riders were so lucky for their first day with a strong tailwind. In the 42 days of riding I think we have probably only had a handful of days where there was any hint of a headwind. We have again been blessed with great winds but this does not look as it may last.
We turned at Jervois and the wind then became a headwind. We rode through the cow fields of Jervois and no-one slipped in the cow poo which was all over the road. when we got to the caravan park, they opened up another area of the park that has previously been closed- all very nice. I decided to go for a walk to locate the hotel (which I thought was just across the road) but I walked out the gate and turned right, walked two blocks one way and one block back the other way before I found the pub just across the road from where I came out of the gate.
Lovely to be back on the Murray River after so many months. We have nearly done a complete circle. The new riders did very well for their first day.
We all went to the pub for dinner and the food was pretty good except Di and Neil (who is a qualified chef) had the lamb shanks and weren't really impressed. Warm night overnight.
Lovely scenery all the way and the winds were great tail winds. Doug kept saying that the new riders were so lucky for their first day with a strong tailwind. In the 42 days of riding I think we have probably only had a handful of days where there was any hint of a headwind. We have again been blessed with great winds but this does not look as it may last.
We turned at Jervois and the wind then became a headwind. We rode through the cow fields of Jervois and no-one slipped in the cow poo which was all over the road. when we got to the caravan park, they opened up another area of the park that has previously been closed- all very nice. I decided to go for a walk to locate the hotel (which I thought was just across the road) but I walked out the gate and turned right, walked two blocks one way and one block back the other way before I found the pub just across the road from where I came out of the gate.
Lovely to be back on the Murray River after so many months. We have nearly done a complete circle. The new riders did very well for their first day.
We all went to the pub for dinner and the food was pretty good except Di and Neil (who is a qualified chef) had the lamb shanks and weren't really impressed. Warm night overnight.
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