Monday, March 30, 2015

Day 7: Port Augusta Rest Day

Collis and I have stayed in a cabin overnight so haven’t seen much of the riders today. I did do some laundry down near the camp kitchen and caught up with Gareth (who had very little planned for the day off) and Kirsten (who was heading out to the botanical gardens for a coffee). Everyone else seemed to be out of camp and doing some sightseeing.

Collis & I got some chores done and then we did the big shop for the two bush camps coming up. When we got back we found our electricity was off and had been for awhile. Some concern as I had a packet of Magnum ice-creams in the freezer for todays treat day. Annie and I had decided to bring our treat day one day forward as this Wednesday was a bush camp and I could safely say there would be no ice creams available out there. I sent Collis down to find Annie and tell her that we had an emergency as the ice creams were melting and had to be eaten. She was very quick to arrive but sadly they were beyond the nice slightly melted stage and we had to virtually drink them.


The cabin was too hot to remain inside so we went down to the camp kitchen for a cup of tea and the briefing. After the briefing the group were all cooking in tonight but Collis and I went to the Augusta Hotel for dinner and to catch up with my dear friend Denny and her husband Steve. Denny and I worked together about 10 years ago. Collis ordered a rump steak and it was huge, hanging over the sides of his plate and nicely cooked. I ordered the Salt & Pepper Squid entree and it was also a huge serving. We had a lovely night and we hope to catch up with these two up the road and eventually in Darwin.

Day 6: Laura to Port Augusta

No rush to get away this morning, everyone was in a very relaxed mood. The winds, the steep hills and the distance (100 kms) did not seem to worry any of the riders. It will usually just take one person to talk about headwinds or 20% inclines or weather events to start off a chain reaction of mild panic. This group have the attitude of whatever the weather will be is with the Gods and nothing they can do about it. This morning there are no or very little wind when they leave camp and the group flies along without a worry in the world.

Morning tea was at 45 kms at Melrose. I went ahead to set up and Collis wanted me to set up outside the Blacksmiths Cafe. I went up and down the main street 3 times and couldn't find the cafe. Collis was out of range for the phone so I made the executive decision to set up at the park opposite the bike shop, a cafe and the pub. The only thing missing was the toilets. The reason I couldn't find that particular cafe was because it had closed down since we were in there last year. Everyone went to the bike shop and Jane bought a new seat and Kirsten bought a couple of tops and a new seat. Theo bought some cleat screws. Coffee was apparently better in the bike shop than the cafe.

Lunch was just down the road at Wilmington and the same sort of thing was happening here- the town is dying. The cafe that we usually went to and the IGA were both closed down. The only thing open in the town was the pub and the local op shop so we went to the park for lunch.

The climb over Horrocks Pass began straight after lunch. This had been talked up a bit by some over lunch but no-one seemed too concerned. Crossing from this side is apparently the easier approach with a sharper, shorter incline with intermittent downhills thrown in. Everyone did it even though the wind had picked up a bit. Jane even thought she had another 10 kms of uphill when she had reached the top. The downhill was enjoyed by all.

Once over the hill the scene is amazing. You go from lush trees (maybe brown grass due to lack of water) to wide open plains of brown grass/dirt with the town of Port Augusta and waterways in the background. Hardly a tree in sight. The road surface changed once they got on the highway and the traffic was pretty horrendous with lots of trucks (big ones) and city traffic. The road itself was good but the shoulder (where they had to ride mostly) was horrible.

Staying at the Big 4 and everyone is camping. Collis and I have taken a cabin as we must now prepare for a couple of bush camps. The camping area has lost all of it's grass and they are camping in sandy dirt. The facilities here are good but it is a real shame they lost the grass completely.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Day 5: Clare to Laura

Late start this morning after a good night's sleep. The weather is a little warmer this morning and the wind is virtually non-existent. The riders left around 8 to 8.30 am with Collis and I leaving at approximately 9.15 am. They beat us to morning tea at Yacka. I think a few had been waiting for quite a few minutes.

After morning tea it was a leisurely ride through Georgetown and Gladstone. Jane stopped for coffee in Georgetown and then Theo, Mark  and Kirsten stopped for coffee in Gladstone. Jane was happy with her coffee but the other three weren't. Everyone arrived in camp early afternoon.

Annie and I went for coffee here in Laura and Collis shouted everyone a bowl of ice cream in the afternoon.

Alex and Barbara, who were here last visit, manage the community park and they do a really great job. Barbara leaves fresh roses in the ladies bathroom and Alex builds a fire and makes awesome damper for us. So everyone cooked in tonight and finished off their meals with damper and maple syrup or butter. Very nice. Sat around the fire mesmerised by the patterns and the usual bum warming. Gareth, mark, Annie & Kirsten played cards for awhile but as usual Mark won.

Day 4: Clare Rest Day

I was going to make as much noise as possible the next morning but the Pirates beat me out of bed. They were the 'Port Adelaide Pirates' rugby team and they had 2 games to play in the masters today. How they drove to the game let alone play in it, I have no idea. Anyway Collis and I went up to management in the morning, told them of the intimidation and threatening behaviour plus the big danger of a fire ripping through their park taking everyone with it. We were told emphatically that they would be evicted immediately. We just wanted somewhere to move our tents away from these idiots. Told no other sites available. The outcome was they were supposedly threatened with eviction if they didn't quieten down after 10pm. They were still very noisey up till that time and the police did a round of the park at 10 pm which scared them all off to bed so a better night had.

In the meantime everyone had a nice day off with everyone doing their own things which included laundry, sightseeing and wine tasting. Everyone was pretty tired all day because of the lack of sleep. Collis and I shopped for the BBQ we were putting on for the riders tonight. We ended up with "The best sausages in Australia", hamburgers and marinated chicken chops with green salad, roast potatoes and corn (done in the pizza oven). Pretty yummy and then topped off with chocolates provided by Annie.

Day 3: Nuriootpa to Clare

Another very cold riding day this morning. Very little wind this morning but every rider has complained about the freezing wind. We went through some interesting mining towns with lots of historical old buildings in the towns.

Morning tea was at Marrabel Soldiers Memorial Park. Interesting park with games for the kids (the riders struggled with these) and heaps of information on the pioneering families of the area. Very interesting. Morning tea today was a traditional German Apricot Cake bought yesterday at that really nice german bakery.

The rest of the riding for the day was mainly on the Reisling Trail and enjoyed by all riders although Lew chose the road in the end as he had done the trail before.


Arrived at Clare early again and spread out across the camping area but ........We have stayed here before with really pleasant memories but this weekend was the SA Masters Games being held in Clare. Most of the participants were staying in this park. When we first arrived we were told we could camp anywhere and it was a huge space so everyone spread out. Around 2 pm we became surrounded on three sides by young guys wearing t shirts stating 'it's a pirates life'. Everyone of them got out of their cars with a stubby in hand and for the next 11 hours their hands were never empty of alcohol. The tempo and the language increased constantly until around 9 pm when it had become a dull roar and every second word was a profanity. Collis reported them to the office asking they be asked to at least tone down the language- nothing seemed to be done. The rest of the camp settled down around 11 pm at curfew time but these louts just kept going. Eventually at 12.30 am one idiot lit a small gas tank and we had a fire spout shoot 30 feet in the air into a very thick, dry canopy of gum trees. One idiot burnt his arm and was intermittently screaming and then laughing. Collis and I once again went to the office requesting assistance. One camper called the police. Anyway the police and management arrived at the same time and everything settled down.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Day 2: Cudlee Creek to Nuriootpa

It was a very cold night last night with lots of wind happening outside of the tent. I had been in bed too long and my back was really aching. Time to climb out and risk the cold weather at around 6.30 am- no-one was up this morning.

Everyone left somewhere between 8 and 8.30 am with instructions to do lots of sightseeing and tasting of wines. We only had 53 kms to ride today. The group planned a coffee break at Lyndock. Really nice German Cafe/Bakery with lots of authentic german delicacies and breads. We had a lovely time eating and apparently the coffee was pretty good as well.

No morning tea break today so a leisurely ride through the hills and the wineries. Kangaroos or wallabies (I can't tell the difference) in a paddock near the road. Mark's knee is still playing up but the distance was better today.

Everyone into caravan park by 11.30 am.

Relaxed afternoon doing laundry and shopping. Everyone ate at the campsite and spent some more time socialising.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Leg 2: Day 1: Goolwa to Cudlee Creek.



Complicated directions out of Goolwa today so Collis only gave the riders directions as far as morning tea. The day has started out cold and windy. The group had the official photo shoot before they left and they rode out virtually together.

Morning tea (Strathalbyn) was 'double chocolate chip' cookies with all the usual extras. I had to make sure there were plenty of treats for Annie and myself as today is Wednesday and that just happens to be our treat day. Collis gave out further directions to get the group to lunch but we decided to drive up and wait on the corner for each turn they needed to make.

Not long out of Strathalbyn we found a group of the riders huddled on the side of the road with bikes on the ground and I thought the worst had happened. We both pull over and I jump out with the first aid kit just to discover that Theo had lost a screw in the bottom of his cleats and his foot was moving around too much. This was quickly fixed and they were back on their way again.

Collis has been looking for farm fresh eggs from the side of the road since we left Corryong (over 3 weeks ago) and at last his search was rewarded. He ended up buying 2 dozen eggs from this little old lady who required a 4 wheeled frame to be able to mobilize.

The hills today have been a bit of a challenge for some of them although the Taswegians seem to be having no problems. Mark has arrived on the ride with a sore knee and this did play up a bit today. Gareth ended up with a flat tyre- not sure how many this is for him yet.

It had got decidedly colder by lunchtime and we had stopped at this really nice park at Nairne with a heap of ducks for company. more directions provided to enable them to vet into Cudlee Creek and the exact location of the caravan park.

We go to book in at the park and of course they did not have our booking even though we spoke to them 3 times on the phone over the last 3 months. This happens all the time. Everyone was in camp by 2.30 pm and we were all feeling the cold weather. The ride was reported as cold but lovely- the wind turned at lunchtime and the split of 30/30/30 kms was great.

Collis shouted dinner of steak sandwiches or hamburgers from the Cudlee Creek Cafe as the tavern looked a bit suss. Everyone was into bed early as it was so cold and a little wet except for Annie and Mark who stayed up and played cards- the score was 1 win each.

Day 22: Milang to Goolwa- 42kms

Final day for this leg. We will be losing 5 of the riders at the end of the day. Jane was again in the car having decided to give her bottom a good rest. The group left the campsite around 8 am with plans to meet at the Goolwa bakery at 10 am.

The group met at the bakery while Collis drove to Victor Harbor to get their bike boxes. Cycle Across Oz shouted morning tea at the bakery although a couple of the boys who arrived early got a bit impatient waiting for everyone to arrive and unfortunately paid for their own. After morning tea we went to the campground and freshened up before heading out to lunch. Roger and Theo took Melanie's bike apart for her and packed it up before lunch.

Celebratory lunch was enjoyed by all and then we drove all the riders out to the mouth of the Murray and we toasted with champagne. The mouth is currently silted over but it was still great to view where all that water we have been following will eventually flow out through.

Tomorrow Collis will take Bryan (B1), Brian (B2), Julien and Melanie to the airport where they either fly out from or drive out from. He will pick up Mark, Kirsten and Lew for the next leg of our journey as they are flying in from Tasmania and Brisbane. Roger lives in Adelaide so he was picked up by his wife who enjoyed lunch with us before they left. Next Wednesday we will leave the Murray and head North.

I will continue the ride blog on this same site so that it doesn't become too confusing for everyone. Now for a little R&R for Collis and myself.

Day 21: Mannum to Milang

Collis changed the route today on the advice of Roger and therefore Roger was made the leader to lead the team out of Mannum.

Jane had a sore behind and decided to come in the car with me to give her derrière a rest. The day was quite perfect for cycling although the wind forecast was once again not promising so everyone decided to be cautious and leave early. There were quite a few hills to climb today so it was on occasions quite strenuous. Morning tea at Murray Bridge when the winds picked up and a decision was made by Collis that we would go to Langhorn Creek for lunch. This was a popular decision for most of the group but not all as it reduced the mileage for the day- some riders are using this leg as a training ride for the next leg.

Half of the group went to one of the wineries for lunch and that was the last we saw of them until later in the afternoon. The rest of the group rode with our support to Milang and set up camp. Those that stayed behind rode unsupported and maybe a bit crookedly to the campsite around 4 pm. It was quite amusing to watch where these riders set up their tents and the number of times they threw their flies over their tents just for them to fall off again. The men had the giggles and reminded me of a group of 15 year olds who had had their first drink. Another lovely camp site although a bit cool and windy in the evening.

We all ended up in the local hotel for dinner, although Gareth stayed behind to guard the campsite and heat up leftovers from the night before. We had heard our campsite discussed and other campers wondering if we were going to the pub- it all sounded a bit suspicious so everything got locked up. Gareth wandered up to join us later on- the cricket was on the tele.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Day 20 Swan Reach to Mannum

Everyone seems to have slept in to at least 6 am this morning. Much better but they were still off and riding at 7.30 am with the last, Annie and Melanie, leaving at 8 am. Scenery was great again today as we travelled along the cliffs next to the river. A bit of up and down today but the wind was again good before morning tea. Morning tea was at Walkers Flat which was very pleasant spot again.

The wind turned and blew up a bit after morning tea and they ended up with a head wind all the way into Mannum. Some riders struggled as they were probably trying to push themselves a bit hard. We were all in by midday. The girls have gone to the beauty salon this afternoon for a haircut.

Day 19 Waikerie to Swan Reach

Woken very early this morning by two riders rummaging around in their tents as early as 5 am. I had one on each side of the truck and I was not a happy chappy. B1 had a tube he needed to change and apologised for the disturbance but he didn't want to be late or to hold the group up. I forgave him.

This wasn't the best start to the day. Poor old Julien, after his victory yesterday, ended up with a flat tyre early into the ride today. Annie stopped and assisted him with the changing of the tyre.
Morning tea was at Morgon where we had to go back and forth across on the Ferry. Gareth has been missing this morning but he turned up for morning tea. It was discovered later that where Collis said turn left out of the caravan park, Gareth turned right then left further down that road and ended up catching the ferry at Waikerie and riding on the opposite side of the Murray to everyone else. The result was the same but we could have been in trouble if he broke down and we didn't know where he was.

After morning tea, Julien was again found on the side of the road looking very forlorn and it turned out he had broken the bolt that holds his bike seat on. Could have been an uncomfortable ride if we hadn't turned up. We couldn't fix it so he had to ride the spare bike for the rest of the day. The spare bike isn't the greatest on hills due to the gearing and there were a few hills today. Poor Julien. It also didn't have all the gadgetry attached so he didn't have any idea how far or how fast he was travelling. Lunch was on the cliffs overlooking the Murray.

B1 & B2 decided to ride with Julien for the rest of the day as he was a bit distressed with everything that had occurred today. Arrived in Swan Reach just after 2 pm and all was good. Collis kept saying the toilets at the caravan park had been updated but he was wrong. They are still the same old toilets.

The murray here is lovely with a sandy beach and lots of jetties out into the river. It is getting wider as we travel down and it is also getting greener- the water that is.

The whole group went to the pub for dinner and most were pleased with the meals and all impressed with the scenery from the decking. Lovely mild night.


Day 18: Renmark to Waikerie

Back to the morning rush. Everyone said that the truck noise was better last night so most had had a good night's sleep. Jane started the morning with a puncture or slow leak which required mending before she was able to head off. Not too far down the road she had to change the tube again as it just kept going down.

The weather was just perfect and the wind factor was in everyone's favour. Morning tea was at The Overland Hotel which is now closed on Monday & Tuesdays. We still set up our mobile kitchen for the riders. The mosquitoes and the march flies were a bit annoying.

B2 had two punctures out on the road which gave the other boys, Gareth & Julien, the opportunity to get ahead and get into town first. They were so excited to have beaten everyone in- it was great to see. Collis shouted everyone a drink at the pub on arrival. Most of us had a pastie from the local bakery for lunch.


Once we settled in at the caravan park Annie, Theo and I had a coffee at the chocolate shop- I actually had the iced chocolate (to die for). It was a bit expensive - the chocolates that is.


Day 17: Renmark Rest Day.

It was lovely to wake up and have a leisurely breakfast without the usual rush around to pack all the luggage and then catch the riders before the morning tea break. Collis & I went for a drive out to Loxton, stopping at the Almond World factory and picking up some tourist maps at Loxton
for the riders. A big grocery shop for tonight's BBQ dinner.


B1 & B2 had met up last night with friend's of B2s who was taking them out on a trip down the Murray River. Julien decided to remain behind and try and catch up on some sleep after he had been kept awake the previous night from the noise of the trucks going past. The other riders did the usual rest day activities with touring either on foot or bike in and around the town. Annie came and helped us prepare the salads for the dinner.

BBQ dinner was enjoyed by all with heaps for everyone to eat and lots of assistance provided during the cooking of the meat. No dessert provided but probably was not needed as we still managed to have some left over for Collis the next day.

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Day 16: Werrimull to Renmark

We were up again before sunrise today but no-one left camp until after 7.30 am. The riders were strung out down the road today with the leaders changing frequently.

First stop today was the Pioneer Village at Meningur. Roger and Jane didn't stop as they were on a roll and the wind was in their favour but all the others did. Morning tea was at the 45 km mark at a rest area and then lunch was at Yamba on the border crossing. Morning tea was mostly fruit and tomatoes as we couldn't take any across the border. Most riders were compliant but apparently not all of them (there is always one).

We were into Renmark by midday. B1, B2 and Julien had booked themselves a cabin, Annie grabbed one and then Collis and I have decided to have a little luxury and a break for tomorrows rest day.

Day 15: Mildura to Werrimull

It was sad saying goodbye to Mildura and the great caravan park we had discovered but it was time to go into the outback. Everyone was off early and mostly together as Theo wanted to take an artistic photo shoot of the riders next to the Murray.

Our first stop was to "Big Lizzie" at Redcliffs. Another photo shoot ensured and a read of the origin of big lizzie. Melanie, Jane & Theo stayed behind in town for another coffee but all the others headed off towards the morning tea break. Morning tea was just on the side of the road under the shade of a huge gum tree.

Werrimull pub was reached by lunchtime after the riders first real taste of some Australian Outback for the first time on this trip. They all enjoyed the peaceful road and it had pretty good surface as well. Very little wind today but increased around lunchtime so those coming in behind felt it a little.

Drinks were on the house (Cycle Across Oz) on arrival. We all set up in the backyard of the hotel and had access to the hotel's truckies shower(for the men) and ladies shower was inside the hotel. Lazy afternoon outside the pub, as it was too hot to really walk too far, and then we all went into the hotel after the briefing for an early dinner. Another round of drinks and dinner shouted by Cycle Across Oz. Apparently the steak was to die for and all meals huge sizes. The riders cleaned out the salad bar before the meals even arrived. The boys went for dessert as well.

The sunset was nice but not really spectacular.

Day 14: Mildura- Rest Day

Slept in till 8am this morning and had a lazy morning before heading into town for a late brunch. Annie, Melanie, Jane and Gareth did lunch at a Thai restaurant before the last 3 heading off to the movies again in the afternoon. Roger walked into town for brunch and a shop. Theo did two trips into town on his bike and the three amigos rode some of the bike path around the town and did some more shopping as well. Usual rest day stuff.



The weather has been superb and we keep hearing about the cyclone in WA which is causing damage to places we hope to visit in a couple of months. Hope they all stay safe.

Day 13: Robinvale to Mildura

Everyone except for one rider were up before Collis and I this morning. It is supposed to be a warmish day so they wanted to get on the road early before the heat kicked in. Collis had told them to leave by 7.30 am although some couldn’t understand the reasoning behind it. Everyone was about to leave when we realise Gareth hadn’t emerged from his tent as yet so Collis went over and woke him up. I suspect he may have dozed again after this as it was about another half hour before he came out of the tent. He was then in a slight panic as most were starting to leave and he still hadn’t had his breakfast or his first coffee for the day. He reminded me of one of our previous riders as he was rushing around.


They were all out on the road by 8 am. The scenery today was mostly mallee scrub until we hit the outskirts of Mildura. The riders were spread out with Melanie and Gareth coming up the rear. Morning tea was at the Mallee Fowl Rest Area and we realised that all riders except Gareth were wearing their Cycle Across Oz tops. They are very visible on the road.

Once we hit the outskirts of Mildura- the Trentham Cliffs, we noticed the beginning of all the vineyards and orange orchards. Apparently Mildura produces 85% of Australia’s wine grapes. That is a lot of wine.



Staying at a lovely caravan park which we haven’t tried before- Mildura Apex Caravan Park which is right on the river and only 4 kms out of town centre. Quite a few riders went for a swim in the river this afternoon and a few went on a tour of the local bars in the afternoon. The girls decided to have a movie night  at the local picture theatre and they saw “2nd Marigold Hotel” while the boys had a bonding session in the cabin of B1, B2 and Julien’s. Annie and I gatecrashed their party when we got back.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Day 12: Tooleybuc to Robinvale

Noisy night last night with lots of truck noise (I think I remember this being the same last year as well). Everyone was up early, even those that seemed to over indulge last night. They did not appear to have any side effects from the wine intake- I would be having trouble with my head and stomach, if it was me. Big argument occurred in the unit next to us this morning and I was a bit concerned for their welfare- not sure who was slapping who but it was a bit nasty.

We got on the road again, crossed the bridge and came across lots of orchards. The fruit trees seem to have really become established around here.  Received a phone call from Melanie to tell me about an orange stall, which is the same one where Jacquei bought a bag last year. Bought a small bag for $5.00. Passed Mel, Jane & Gareth not much later and then a car pulling a trailer passed us going quite fast but with half his load hanging off the back of the trailer and dragging on the ground. He seemed unaware of the sparks flying off his load but not much further down the road we come across a small fire. A truck driver had pulled over, got his fire extinguisher and put out most of the fire while I poured our precious water over the smouldering mess. In the meantime Collis rang the emergency services and we could see fires starting up all along the side of the road ahead. I decided to jump in my car and race ahead to see if I could catch the culprit and/or check all cyclists OK. Passed three more fires which were more established but then there seemed to be no more.Found the remainder of the cyclists at the morning tea stop which was at Boundary Bend. They were unaware of all the dramas and just happily waiting for me with their meals on wheels. Today was oranges, wild peaches, fruit cake, mixed nuts and dried fruit and biscuits. Collis arrived and he had contacted the CFA and the police (to try and catch the guy further up the highway). The Boundary bend boys flew past while we were still at the rest stop.

After morning tea we stopped frequently to check water supplies as the temperature was rising. Whilst Collis chatted with Roger, B1 & B2 a brown snake was spotted in the grass near by. While they were watching, the snake suddenly took off at a hundred miles an hour, chasing a little lizard, which he managed to get and eat.

We arrived at Robinvale around midday once again and everyone got to the shops for supplies and then the girls decided to celebrate "treat Wednesday" with Magnum ice creams.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Day 11: Lake Boga to Tooleybuc

First light over Lake Boga was very picturesque. Theo got this great photo where mine was looking pretty sad next to his.

Everyone rode via Swan Hill this morning for coffee and some had a second breakfast as well. The wind was blowing right up their behinds today and the weather was just perfect around mid-20's.

Melanie, Jane and Gareth decided to go their own route today and therefore arrived a bit later for morning tea. Morning tea was at Vinifera under the vines just near the site of the old primary school.

After morning tea they rode through mallee country and past the "ring" tree. Arrived in Tooleybuc in time for lunch again. B1, B2 and Julien all went for a swim in the river. Annie went for a jog and the rest of us spent the afternoon on our computers and reading.

I was later informed, via facebook, that 3 of our riders went for a walk looking for the local winery which happened to not have tastings so they ended up in the Sportsmans Club for the afternoon. They came home in time for a shower before the briefing and then the group dinner back at the club. More wine was drunk and a good night had by all.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Day 10: Barham to Lake Boga


Early start today. Everyone seemed keen to get back out on the road after their day off. Collis had to physically hold a couple of them to keep them in camp (joking of course but near enough). The group rode to the bakery for breakfast and coffee and left in a leisurely manner. Annie remained in camp for another half hour or so but was able to catch them all pretty easily.


Jane, Melanie and Julien found some wild peaches growing on a bush on the side of the road, so we have a nice selection of peaches in the esky now. These were also enjoyed at morning tea. Short ride to morning tea of 35 kms and we had it on the Loddon River under a bridge in Benjeroop.

We were at our days destination by lunchtime with the total kms today reduced to 56.5 kms instead of the 70 kms quoted. Lazy afternoon exploring the town and the local museum. The lake is beautiful with a few people enjoying the water skiing and the pelicans waiting around for some food.


The local hotel is not cooking tonight as it is Monday but they will do some pizzas for anyone who want one. Looks like Theo and Roger will take them up on the offer. Everyone else is going to cook in tonight.


Day 9: Barham- rest day.


We were all going to sleep in today but the kookaburras and galahs had another idea. The kookaburras were first with a very loud chorus around 6 am followed by millions of galahs & corellas waking and arguing over whose branch was whose before flying off for the day to annoy some poor farmer and his crop.


Everybody got in early with their washing before heading off, mostly on foot, to explore the town and the walk along the river over in Koondrook. Lots of coffee and bakery stops throughout the day and a few riders decided to do the river cruise in the afternoon. The cruise was a bit noisy and apparently the commentator was a little opinionated otherwise a pleasant afternoon.

A few of us went to the servicemen's club for dinner and the others stayed in camp and cooked their own dinners. Live music in the bistro at the club. The mosquitoes drove us all into bed early tonight.


Friday, March 6, 2015

Day 8: Moama to Barham

We had to keep quiet this morning due to neighbors that moved into the caravan next door sometime during the night. They obviously heard us as they got up and shut their windows. Everyone had left camp by 7.45 am. Because of our close proximity no-one was able to sleep in so they were all ready at some crazy hour.

Annie decided to ride on her own today because she is an anti social bugger (actually it was because she felt it was too dangerous to ride in a group today due to the increase in traffic).This was just her personal opinion- so she said." Moama where we met Joanna who had a big goanna" so Annie said a number of times.

Roger really enjoyed the day. He had a nice ride and was pleased to leave last night's camp. He said he cranked up the speed today after his rolling rest day yesterday. We had lunch at Cohuna and the park on the lake was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone but especially Roger. He was pleased with the coffee he had there.

Melanie's day started early. She didn't feel strong today. Annie took off after she took everyone to town and Melanie cycled with Gareth. Gareth really looked after her. She was just struggling all day. Her chest started hurting. At lunchtime she thought she would get in the car but then decided to keep going and she then got stronger after eating something. Julien, Gareth and Jane all supported her in the afternoon. The trees protected them from the wind.

The group were very excited about the amount of space and the location of our campsite tonight. We are on the banks of the Murray and have half a footy field to spread out on. Most riders have pitched their tents along the banks so they have a room with a view. Everyone stayed in and cooked tonight. Rest day tomorrow.





Day 7: Barooga to Moama


We left the kangaroo camp with Robbo supposedly leading the team but once again he wanted to go to McDonalds to buy his lunch. The team ended up splitting and leaving at different times.

It was quite windy out on the road and they all helped each other out. The first drama for the day was a gathering at Katunga waiting for reassurance re-directions. Robbo was behind so Roger was asked if he would hang back and ride with him.


Morning tea was at the 40 km mark at a farmers gate. Lunch was at Barmah in the town. Scenery was mostly dairy farms, irrigation channels and then around Barmah we went through River Gum forests with glimpses of the Murray from time to time.

Arrived at Moama around 2.30 pm. No-one ventured into the pool for a swim as it was a bit chilly but there were a few kids in the water. Our camping ground tonight was a far cry from last night with just 2 camp sites and one with a cement slab. We had booked these sites late last year and it was already booked up because of the Labour Day weekend.

The majority of us decided to walk next door to the RSL for dinner and we wee e not disappointed because the meals were enormous and tastey. The Sydney boys stayed at camp and cooked themselves some great meals. We all retired early but disturbed by some caravaners who decided to drink and chat till 1.30 am. I didn't hear them until Collis got up for a wee and then announced how disgusting it was and woke the camp so we all stayed there listening to them.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Day 6: Corowa to Barooga

Woke early to a change in the wind and a big drop in the temperature. Unfortunately the wind has turned around to the west/southwest and it is pretty strong. The riders were lead out of town by Jane today and they were struggling into the wind for most of the day.
Morning tea was at Lake Mulwala and we nearly got blown away. No-one really complaining too much about the wind so let's hope it doesn't go on for too many days. We were into Barooga by lunchtime and the group rode together for most of the day. They took it in turns taking the lead and worked together well. Another flat tyre today- Roger 2 & Gareth 2.

Ran into Robbo who is planning on staying with us tonight and riding with the group tomorrow. Robbo took great delight in telling Cycle Across Oz stories to the new riders.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Day 5: Corowa Rest Day

The noise this morning was absolutely unbelievable. The kookaburras went to town and then the corellas fired up. I thought the city was noisy- you should try the country side in the early morning. Otherwise a very peaceful night and lovely caravan park.


This morning we had the Snail Bike Race. We had two trials and then the final with the winners of the trials competing against each other. Collis called the race and I was the time keeper. Theo was the official photographer. The rules changed a number of times throughout the race but we ended up with Annie against Melanie in the final. It was neck and neck for most of the race but Annie was the persistent one who has taken the trophy. Her prize is a meal of her choice tonight. Jane, Theo and Roger decided not to participate as competitors but made great adjudicators. Annie is officially the slowest rider on this leg.


Following this we were going to go for a bike ride to some wineries but some riders decided they would rather be driven around so the ride was called off. Melanie, Jane and Gareth came with us to the chocolate factory then onto 2 wineries and finishing off with Parker Pies in Rutherglen. Collis dropped the girls off up the shops for a bit of shopping therapy.

We went to the Fairy Bistro at Wahgunyah for dinner  and after walking across the bridge and up the slight incline, we are told that there is no food on a Wednesday night. So, as a group, we marched out, back across the bridge, past the caravan park and up a bigger hill to the Corowa Hotel. Dinner here was pretty good with the special for the night being Parma & a pot for $17.00. All meals were huge and Collis couldn't manage to finish his plus mine so we actually sent some food back.

The three in the unit held a post dinner drinkies. We all sat around outside but the mosquitoes drove us all back to our tents. Lots of alcohol left over. Annie & I stayed up for a little while playing the banana game- don't ask.