Thursday, April 30, 2015

Day 11: Tennant Creek to Banka Banka


We are loaded up with food stuffs this morning as we go 5 days  before we find another grocery shop. Cycle Across Oz will be providing 3 of the 5 meals but they still have to provide themselves enough breakfasts and lunches plus snacks for 5 days. Grog seems to be taking up the most space. there are wine bottles in the car doors and the eskis plus 2 or 3 casks floating around.

Collis and I had to hang around for the welder to finish fixing the bike rack. The group had morning tea at Threeways roadhouse with Collis shouting through Jerry who was holding his credit card. Most of the group went into the telegraph station first before morning tea but Jane & Lew didn’t stop in sand they ended paying for their own coffee break (we now owe them a coffee and muffin at the next opportunity). We drove straight past the roadhouse because we thought everyone would be back on the road but we were mistaken as Kirsten and the boys were still enjoying their coffees. Anyway we waited around on the side of the road for them to catch up before heading to Attack Creek for lunch.

At Attack Creek Stuart (on his 4th attempt to transverse up north) and his companions were attacked by local aborigines and they turned back. John Milnber was killed here by a native in later years.

Everyone is in good spirits with the wind to their favour. All into Banka Banka by 1 pm. The bar is not operational here at the moment due to the son of the manager is unwell and in rehab. It was amusing to see everyone cooking their own meals tonight and interesting combinations of ingredients.


We have a half day tomorrow so everyone relaxed as we will not be leaving camp until 11.30 am.

Day 10: Wauchope to Tennant Creek.


Collis was up early today as he is worried that some riders may be a bit disgruntled with the changes made to the itinerary. So he sat in the car writing a little explanation for his reasons for the changes and then read it to them at breakfast this morning. Everyone reassured him that all was fine and he needs not to be so sensitive to questioning.

10 km ride to Devil’s Marbles this morning and I’m quite excited as I think they should all be impressed. This is one of my favourite places within Australia. All seemed impressed but difficult to tell with Lew who seems to have seen it all before. Group photos taken here on the rocks.

Lunch was on the side of the road under a beautiful white gum tree overseen by large numerous termite mounds and medium sized orb spiders. Wild flowers still abundant and changing types each day.

We saw the largest bloated cow (or could have been a bull, but no-one checked) ever today. So big that if a bird of prey decides to peck at it they will get the biggest fright and probably blown to smithereens. Lew says that this wouldn’t happen because it would get eaten from the inside out by a goanna first. The goanna will apparently enter through it’s rear end- not sure how a bird would know to wait for this. Anyway this was discussed over lunch.

We were in at Tennant Creek soon after 1 pm. I did the food shopping straight away while Collis took the bike rack to the welders. We are staying at the Outback Caravan Park which is a bit run down since our last visit. They had reserved us some green grass for camping but the nearest toilet block was under renovations and the girls showers were cold, a bit of a walk to the other block.

I cooked up the meat sauce for the next bush camp which will be lasagna (first attempt in the dutch oven). I’m a bit weary tonight after Collis’ early start.


Day 9: Bush Camp to Wauchope




Jeanette had a flat tyre before we even finished breakfast this morning. Great sunrise after a semi-spectacular sunset last night. Cleanup this morning was quick and easy as I had done all the washing up etc the night before. So we were out on the road by 8.30 am but then we found Gareth, Mark and Ingrid 10 kms down the road after Ingrid also had a flat tyre. We convened at Barrow Creek roadhouse just to check her tyre pressure. Today I have been driving behind Collis watching Annie’s bike get a real lean to it on the back of Collis’ trailer so we checked it while at Barrow Creek. The metal plates on the bike rack were quite rusted and starting to bend and split. Another job that will need to be fixed sooner rather than later. Extra straps were added to holding the bike on- it’s not going to go anywhere quick.

By the time we reach the morning tea stop at 48 kms, the rest of the group had been waiting there for a half hour. They had apparently been inventing heaps of tragic scenarios between them to account for why we were so late. Jeanette went on to say at morning tea:” No one is allowed to die on this trip as it would ruin her holiday.”

The group is still confused over the distance for todays ride and Collis is getting quite frustrated and a bit short with some of them when they still can’t grasp it even though he has gone over it with them a number of times. Not sure where the confusion is coming from unless the road signs (which are often wrong) are changing on a frequent basis.

Lunch is at 90 km mark but if anyone wants to go onto Wycliffe Well then as long as they let us know then it isn’t a problem. They are quite spread out before lunch and Ingrid is sitting at the back on her own. I let Collis know that I will stop every 10 ams and let her pass until we get to the lunch stop. It is getting a bit remote and lonely out here to have one of the girls out on her own for too long.

We are seeing lots of wattle today which is a bit of a surprise. Nice ride after lunch to Wycliffe Well. We all had a quick look around, took the usual photos of aliens and then headed to Wauchope.

Pleasant surprise at Wauchope as they actually acknowledged our booking. Collis was quite chuffed as most accommodation don’t write down our bookings because we book unpowered, then they say we didn’t book even when I show them the confirmation email. So Wauchope went up in our estimation immediately. We had green grass to camp on, clean toilets and showers, an adequate camp kitchen and very friendly staff. 4 stars for this place AND it even had a swimming pool which was open and cleaned but water was pretty cold. The food in the restaurant was pretty good as well but a little pricey although Collis managed to get the cheapest meal of a Truckies Mixed Grill for $19. He asked for an extra plate with the meal so we could share and they brought out two separate meals with full salad and chips and the meat halved onto both plates (I was impressed but he was a bit put out to think he might get less than he expected). The surf and turf was $42.


Monday, April 27, 2015

Day 8: Aileron to Bush Camp (Wolfe Creek territory)


Anzac Day today and I dreamt that the Aileron man on the hill was where they were having their anzac service- I'm sure I heard bagpipes in the early hours of the morning.

We are back with the bore water again and the sulphur smell in the shower is really off putting. We still have full containers of Alice Springs water so tonight's bush camp and riding over the next couple of days should be no problem water wise.

Lovely fresh morning today, not cold but the breeze is fresh. Looking at the flags out the front of the roadhouse, it looks like the riders might have a bit of a cross wind but it will be coming up from behind them.

Morning tea was at a little town called T Tree which contains (of all things) a winery and a mango farm. Jane stopped in for some ice cream and said it was to die for. Kirsten has done a gear cable leading up to the break ans as it was being fixed it was discovered that her gear lever was broken. An emergency call to the bike shop in Alice and they say they can supply the parts for $350 for a pair of levers plus transport to Renner Springs. In the meantime she is able to ride her bike in a fixed gear fashion while the wind is favourable. She thinks she will try out the spare bike when we get into camp tonight.

Wild flowers appearing today, not a lot but enough to add a lovely splash of colour to a very arid background. There are 4 main colours out here:
Azure blue for the sky
2. Black for the road and some of the dead trees.
Red for the dirt and termite mounds.
Green for the scrub
and then if we are lucky we get splashes of yellow/purple/white/pink.

Lunch is on the side of the road. Kirsten has 2 gears to ride in at the moment and is putting off using the spare bike. Gareth ended up with a puncture after lunch.

It took us a couple of trips down some dodgy dirt tracks before we find the best spot for a bush camp. It is a track leading off from a truck stop and therefore very little amount of wood around. This didn’t matter too much as tonight I only had to cook the rice and heat up the chilli con carne which I had pre-made and frozen. Dessert was fresh fruit salad with custard and cream (so no cooking). I must have got the portions right this time as there was nothing left over and a few got to have seconds of both courses.

Jerry was the quiz master after dinner and we were split into 3 teams. It was a music quiz so I requested to be on Collis’ team but Jerry said we would argue too much but I was pretty sure we wouldn’t. I know when Collis will shine and that is anything to do with music (except playing it of course). Of course Collis’ team won but amazingly Jane, Gareth and I came a close second. It was fun.

Lew was paranoid about the fire due to all the dry spinifex around even though we were in a large clearing and he had built a great wind wall. He was constantly making sure we kept the flames to a minimum and he stood guard until he went to bed. Before bed he even questioned who was taking responsibility for putting out the fire for the night.

The wind picked up around 10 pm and everyone was in bed but Lew had made me so paranoid about a fire that I had to get up again to make sure there was absolutely nothing glowing in the fire place before I could settle for the night.


Day 7: Alice Springs to Aileron


140 km day today- will be the furtherest some of them have ever ridden in one day. The wind forecast is for S/SE and the road is going in a NW direction- perfect.

Going around to the cabins finds just Lew up and about at 6.45 am. Everyone else was up pretty quickly after this though and all on the road by 8 am. Collis and I had a mucky morning, firstly packing up our cabin, then collecting luggage from the boys cabin and then sorting everything into the cars. We then had to grab some ice, sort the eskis, fill up both cars with deisel and then get on the road. Needless to say that the whole group were waiting for us at the Tropic of Capricorn for morning tea. The wind had definately been in their favour this morning.

Lunch was at the 85 km mark on the side of the road and we got quite a bit of horn tooting from the local aborigines as they drove past. Today we had a bit of a climb out of Alice Springs and we passed the highest point marker at 25 kms. Some riders were sure they were still climbing after this mark but it was only a delusion. According to Mark's garmin they climbed a total of 278 metres, down 157 metres, so we are 121 metres higher than we were last night. So it was a bit up and down.

40 kms out I noticed my first termite mound and they started to multiply as the day went on. A few wedge tail eagles around today and one even sat feeding on the side of the road- not afraid of the cars whizzing past. Just out of Alice was the beginning of the "No speed limit" and it will be interesting to see the distance this goes up the Stuart Hwy. Just as we passed the sign, the car sitting patiently behind me, took off at 100 miles/hour.

I gave Collis, Mark and Gareth haircuts tonight but couldn't con any of the girls into one. I got my haircut in Alice and when I said short, she took me literally. So I had to make sure I didn't have the shortest hair of the group. Mine looks a bit like a mohawk at the moment but hopefully will improve before we hit civilisation.

Days 5 & 6: Alice Springs: Rest Days


Everyone enjoyed their 2 days off although most did heaps of riding over those two days. The group visited The Desert Park, Simpson's Gap and Standleys Chasm individually or in small groups. Mark hired a car on the second day and went out to Glen Helen Gorge. Everyone kept running into Theo on and off over the break.

Collis and I mostly cleaned up, did some shopping and cooking (in preparation for the next few days on the road) and we went for a couple of drives.

All in  all it was a very pleasant break. Collis shouted everyone pizza on the final rest day.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Day 4: Bush Camp to Alice Springs


After the eventful night with jets, helicopters and aliens visiting us, we were on the road quite early. Collis gave Jerry the cash card in case we didn't meet them in time for morning tea at Stuarts Well which was only 30 kms down the road. Freezing this morning and everyone having trouble getting their fingers to work.

We made it to Stuart Well just before all riders except Jane who seemed to be powering on. We had a good break there and all had their sustenance. A few checked out the camels housed here and the emus caged at the well. Jeanette ordered a camel burger to have for her lunch.

Lunch was at the 85 km mark on the side of the road. Jeanette enjoyed her burger but was very full as she had also eaten a pie for morning tea. Everyone keen to get back on the road to get into Alice Springs.

All except Jane managed to find their way into the caravan park. Kirsten is staying 2 nights with a friend who lives here, the boys have all taken a cabin together, Jane has taken a cabin on her own and Jeanette and Ingrid are camping. Collis and I have taken a cabin as well.

Tonight we all went to the Alice Springs Rotary meeting/dinner as guests and Collis and Jerry both did a little speech on Cycle Across Oz and Jerry's fundraising plans. It was interesting to listen and see how the rotary is organised.

Day 3 Mt Ebenezer to Finke River (Bush Camp)


Jeanette was first up today waking around 4.30 am. She is determined to be more organised this morning. All riders out by 7.30 am- tough ride expected for the first 55 kms until we hit the Stuart Hwy.  We have called Erldunda as the morning tea stop (55 kms). The weather today is quite cool due to the wind chill factor and the wind is pretty strong and gusty. I have put on my thermal top and last week we were suffering through 41 degrees heat. The riders should warm up with all the effort required to cycle through this wind.

Collis and I drafted a few of them up the road for a few kms at a time but there was a bit of traffic around so we could only do it in small spurts. Some road works 10 km before Erldunda which was causing mini dust storms. Mark powered ahead from everyone but he said he was still only managing approximately 23 kms/hour. Kirsten & Gareth were averaging 16 kms/hr. Jerry and Jane rode together, Lew and Jeanette and then Ingrid bringing up the rear. Poor Ingrid doesn't have a speedo so can't calculate how far she has ridden or how far she has to go- a bit disheartening when you are out there on your own.

We ran into Theo and his wife at Erldunda and he stated he was very glad he wasn't riding in these conditions- this really cheered everyone up. Hopefully now the headwinds will cease as they head up the Stuart Hwy. This has been the hardest riding section I've seen in the history of Cycle Across Oz and all riders have managed very well and mostly without complaint.

After morning tea the riders were very pleased with the road surface and the wind direction and the mood lifted remarkably.  It was a quick ride of 33 kms down the Stuart Hwy to a very clean rest area with toilets.

Bush camp tonight at the Finke River rest area. Dinner was a chickpea and vegetable curry but disappointing with no real kick to it, so Collis offered around some Tandoori paste to spice it up. Dessert was a banana bread and butter pudding with caramel sauce and cream which was a huge success. 

Gareth thought he heard and saw the lights of a helicopter hovering over his tent tonight and I woke thinking a jumbo jet was about to land on us. But in the light of the morning we think it was probably a huge road train which was very well lit up. 

Day 2 Curtin Springs to Mt Ebenezer

I got up before first light today, because I was awake and so that I could catch the sunrise. Last time at Curtin Springs we had the most amazing sunrise (above) BUT today has been a real fizzer. I got a couple of shots of Mt Connor but that was well after sunrise.

Collis and I had to pack up quickly today as he had made the morning tea stop at just 30 kms. The winds are once again forecast for ESE and he says they will need more frequent stops. I thought yesterday was a long day- today looks to be even longer.

Jeanette and Ingrid were the last to leave this morning at around 8 am. Tomorrow we will aim for them to leave either at the beginning of the pack or at least in the middle. Today it took them a little while to organise their packs and tents which is totally normal for new people until they learn the routine.

The main group beat us to the 20 km rest area and we waited around here for awhile to give the girls a chance to catch up and the others to have a rest. Ingrid is having troubles with her seat height and Jeanette is getting a sore behind. Tough going for everyone to morning tea stop but still no real complaints about the wind. Scenery has been interesting with subtle changes to keep you interested. Lots of dingoes around the roadside today but not shy of the cars.

Another stop at Kings Canyon turnoff (to look at the vegemite tree) and the girts caught up again before the lunch stop at 60 kms. The flies were disgusting so I jumped into the car for some respite. I think the cyclists thought I was trying to get away from them. The truth be known, I was doing them a big favour by reducing the risk of my bad temper developing due to the flies.

Another 43 kms to the end of the day with still no break in the winds. Lots of dust blowing around and the campground has no grass either. Looks like we may spend the rest of the day in the bar. The footy was on the TV so that kept Collis entertained. The bar was packed with the local aborigines selling their paintings to the roadhouse manager, probably paying a third of the price he charges when he resells them. The money seemed to go in one pocket and out the other at the bar. Their Sunday treats seemed to be a plate of chips and meat pie plus a can of fosters.

One aboriginal woman went off saying someone had taken her money and her drink. She was yelling so much, she was asked to leave the bar area. She went out yelling to her mob outside and then waltzed back in with her top off but didn't get the reaction she was hoping for from the white people so went back outside and redressed. Collis didn't even see her even though she stood right in front of him- he just moved his chair so he could keep watching the footy, oblivious to all commotion.

Everyone except Jeanette ate at the bar. Jeanette was so tired she ate from her supply and was in bed by 6.30 pm. I was able to purchase a kids meal of sausages and salad for $6.00. Collis ordered the pork chops and he struggled to finish them as they were huge. Jane stayed the night across the road at her friends place and managed to get some washing done for some of the riders. We were all starting to head to bed around 7.30 pm- our earliest yet I think.

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Leg 3: Day 1: Uluru to Curtin Springs




First day of a new ride, a new adventure. We lost Theo and Annie from the last leg and we have gained Jerry, Jeanette and Ingrid. Jerry has done a couple of rides with us before but this is Jeanette's and Ingrid's first ride with us.

Our break at Uluru was enjoyed by everyone and all riders made the most of their time there. Collis and I had a lovely time with our daughter, Adele and grand daughter Brooke. They flew into Uluru to spend 5 days with us- fantastic.

This morning riders were gone by 7.45 am with lots of directions and advice on road etiquette and safety precautions. So it was goodbye to Ayers Rock and the Olgas and hello to NO reception and headwinds before we hit the Stuart Hwy. The water at Ayers Rock was lovely to drink so we have grabbed as much as possible to take with us. Soon it will be bore water only- no more cups of tea for me then- YUK.

The scenery around Ayers Rock to Curtin Springs is really quite special. It looks like a forest in places with tall Desert Oaks, numerous in numbers with scrub grass as a carpet in between. These trees have a straight trunk and fluffy looking foliage- a bit like giant dandelions. Lots of camel dung along the side of the road but I still haven't sighted any.

The wind kicks in around 8.30 am and it is a full on headwind. Morning tea is planned at 30 kms at a rest area. All riders except the two new girls are there waiting for us. So far the wind isn't too bad. We had iced vo-vos and a pecan danish bun for morning tea.

Collis changed the next stop shorter again at 25 kms down the road and then we would assess how everyone is managing. Gareth is already telling me, "It's pretty tough out there." Slow progress for the first day. The weather has warmed up a little after a cold start to the day but now all the riders are stripping off their jackets. Traffic is quite busy.

By midday they had only done 60 kms with 25 to go. Mark is struggling today with leg cramps. He remains strong with his riding but has to stop for magnesium powder, water and a banana. He has 10 kms to go.

All riders in at Curtin Springs by 2.15 pm. Very few complaints about the wind and we pre-warned them about the poor camping conditions. All was forgiven when Collis shouted them all a meal of Rump steak with chap potatoes and cauliflower cheese followed by sticky fruit cake with ice cream and then followed by a port.



Day 19: Curtin Springs to Uluru

An unbelievable sunrise this morning that went on for absolute ages. It was impossible to actually capture the colours and it’s expanse. Theo has been our official photographer on the last two legs and we will miss his expertise for the rest of the trip.

Morning tea at a rest area around 53 ams with fruit cake, chocolate biscuits, chocolate vanilla flavoured min ties and starburst lolly pops.

This is where I left the riders as I raced towards the airport for the imminent arrival of my daughter and grand daughter. Collis took them into Uluru and that’s where I caught up with them again. We now have 5 full days off before the next leg begins.


Annie & Mark hired a car and went to the Olgas tonight and then off to Kings Canyon tomorrow where Annie will leave Mark before heading home and then flying to South Africa on holiday. Mark will then catch up with the others and getting a lift back to Uluru. Jane, Gareth & Kirsten splashed out on a sunset meal at Uluru before taking off to Kings Canyon on Tuesday for a couple of days before returning to Uluru on Thursday.  Theo finishes this leg here and his wife is arriving tomorrow and they will travel around the area before heading home. Lew is going to hang around Uluru for the five days and hopes to ride around the rock.

Day 18: Mt Ebenezer to Curtin Springs

All riders on the road by 7.45 am- we are getting closer to the great rock and everyone getting a bit anxious. Theo slept in this morning which is a bit unusual but he didn’t hang around and was one of the first to leave camp. They had an easterly wind today which was perfect. Morning tea was at Kernot Range rest area which was lovely clean compared to the ones we have seen over the last few weeks.

We sighted Mt Connor as we came up over a ridge and everyone first thought it was Ayers Rock except it had a flat top. This caused a bit of confusion until we found out it was Mt Connor.

We arrived at Curtin Springs Homestead before midday. There was an emu roaming freely around the camp- it’s called Mongrel. Busy place with heaps of buses and cars with a continuous stream of shoppers, toilet users and people pinching water. Around 3 pm it all seemed to calm down. 

The camping ground is pretty barren and forlorn looking which left Kirsten in a dilemma. She isn’t feeling very well and thinks she may be getting a cold so she is thinking of upgrading into a room. In the end she decides to do the camping thing.


Cycle Across Oz decided to have the end of ride celebratory dinner here tonight as not everyone will be staying around at Ayers Rock tomorrow night. Dinner was really nice with porterhouse steak (grown on the property) with mashed potatoes and green beans. Dessert was a choice of bread & butter pudding or sticky date with ice cream. They also threw in a couple of bottles of wine. After dinner they gave Collis a bottle of their own labelled port. I’m looking forward to enjoying that on the next leg. Great night!

Day 17: Kulgera to Mt Ebenezer


Lew, Theo and Jane all left first today around 7.30 am and the last two to leave were around 8.15 am. Everyone seemed concerned re-water supplies even though we have 3 full water containers of rainwater and bore water in the tank under the truck. I had to reassure a couple of the riders a number of times during the day. Not sure what has stirred this up except it may be due to the signs around Kulgera roadhouse saying “ Don’t drink the water- buy bottled water at the SHOP”. Bore water is the only water we will get from now on till after Broome so they better get used to it. I have found it best if you mix it half/half with rainwater if possible. I don’t like bore water boiled for cups of tea.

Today we turned west down the road to Uluru. Exciting as Cycle Across Oz has never been down this way before. Morning tea was at 43 km mark on the side of the road. Annie is struggling today with leg cramps and she is bringing up the rear. Lunch was at Erldunda where we all got our first lot of reception for a couple of days. Everyone was quite anti-social receiving  and sending emails to loved ones. Food was quite expensive with coffee once again costing $7.00 a mug. Caged emus at the roadhouse and Kirsten thought she saw some dingoes in the bush. Annies cramps were worsening so I hung around out on the road to make sure she came in OK. She was consciously drinking heaps, taking magnesium tablets and powders but nothing seemed to be helping.

She was still cramping after lunch so Mark decided to ride with her from drinks stop till Mt Ebenezer. Mt Ebenezer is visually dismal and had been closed down for 2 years before a company buying the leasehold and trying to bring it back to life. They will apparently hand it back to the aborigines once they are out of financial difficulties. Theo was first in today.

Just behind where Collis and I were camped was a cemetery which was approximately 100 metres away.

Day 16: Bush Camp to Kulgera

Riders start leaving around 7.30 am and all gone by 8.15 am. We cleaned up and left by 9.15 am.

Jane was the first into morning tea this morning which was at the border crossing into Northern Territory. Photo shoot organised by Theo. Loads of bus trips stopped for a toilet stop and photos with heaps of backpackers walking around.

We arrived at Kulgera before midday with the riders close behind. Some rocky outcrops dotted the landscape today and Kirsten got quite involved in photo taking- so much so that Mark turned back to look for her as he was worried about a young woman out there on her own. Mark’s nickname in his riding group back in Tassie is apparently Shepherd because he constantly rounds up the stragglers. Lew informed us that Mark had gone back but we were nearly ready to send out a search party as they were taking quite awhile. apparently when he caught up with Kirsten he suggested they climb one of the outcrops and take photos from there. Kirsten reported that the scenery was fantastic and we are awaiting the results of these photos.

Lazy afternoon in camp, spending heaps of money in the roadhouse as nothing is ever cheap in any roadhouse. Annie caught up with a Yorkshire girl who has been working in the roadhouse for around 10 days. She is travelling and hopes to keep going and she’s not in any hurry to get home. Lovely, lively girl.

Everyone promised to help finish off the Japanese Curry BUT the roadhouse had Lamb Shanks as the special so guess where they all ate. Annie, Collis and I ate as much of the curry as we could fit before we had to throw the rest out. We did wander into the roadhouse for dessert of apple crumble and custard. This was well worth the calories and they were huge servings.


Kulgera is looking a little rundown since our last visit but they were flooded out last January and they are working very hard to get it back up to scratch.

Day 15: Marla to Bush Camp

There was a beautiful sunrise this morning and a few cyclists managed to capture a representation of it on camera. The first rider left around 7.25 am and the last rider left camp around 8 am. 

It has been very noticeable the lack of wildlife on both of these legs of the ride- there has been hardly any roadkill either on this leg. Most roadkill has been cows. Saw a couple of live cows this morning but nothing else.

We chatted with a self supported rider at the roadhouse this morning and he had come from Uluru. He had been advised to not ride in this direction and he now wishes he had listened to this advise. He has battled with the headwinds all the way and is thinking of turning around and going back the other way. He told me he was riding to Adelaide but he told Lew he was riding to Coober Pedy- he was a little vague on details.

The scenery has changed a little this morning with some flat top mountains on the horizon. The weather started to warm up by lunchtime and the winds went from SSE to ENE to ESE by time the riders left the lunch break. The flies came out and became just a little bit annoying. Traffic has increased and there are more caravan's out and about unfortunately. They are our biggest danger on the road.

Whilst trying to find a good camping spot, Collis stopped suddenly and I nearly went up his bottom. Close call. The riders were chatting about a few horses they saw, whether they were wild or not. Never did find out.


Dinner was a Japanese Curry with sausages and vegetables. I over catered seriously on this and we have ended up with heaps left over even though everyone (except Theo) had seconds and some thirds. Dessert was a peach cake with cream. Flies were horrendous but fly nets and arabian caps worked well. They left on sunset. No mozzies. We played a word game called Ghost around the campfire which was quite funny.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Day 14: Cadney Park to Marla

Woken this morning at 5 am by a couple of family groups with mother's voices louder than the children's voices. They weren't considering anyone else in the camp ground. We are just fortunate that most of us were in bed by 8 pm last night - we had all had adequate night's sleep. Because of the early waking, the riders were all gone by 7.45 am and they only have 80 km ride today with the best tail wind you have ever seen.

Collis was hanging around in camp but I decided to go ahead as I thought the riders would be moving pretty quick today. I arrived at morning tea stop (43 kms- rest area) just after Annie arrived and just before Kirsten. The girls were leading the pack today. Problem was that Collis had the hot water for their cups of tea but I thought he wouldn't be far behind.I was wrong and the reason for this was discovered when he decided to tell the males of the group what happened to him back at the campground. Some ?Danish girls climbed out of their campervan and headed to the toilet when the second girl climbed out and looked to have no undies on. Turned out she had on a g-string but he was very taken aback and lost track of time. Hhmmmm.

The terrains was special today but not really sure why- it was quite flat and scrubby bushes up till morning tea when the trees kicked in. It was just so peaceful and serene. Arrived at Marla before lunch time so we now have to find things to entertain ourselves with after lunch, shower and some laundry.

Day 13: Coober Pedy to Cadney Park

Up early this morning and got the boiling water started early. Forecast for southerly winds today but unfortunately the road doesn’t go directly up the middle- it has lots of twists and turns. I think I upset a couple of riders at morning tea when I made silly singing noises every time the “wind” was discussed. I just became annoyed and bored when the winds were the main topic of conversation for every morning tea. How much can one say about the wind that your fellow rider does not already know. I think my issue is actually my guilt that I am sitting comfortably in the car and not suffering along with the riders. One rider said(out on the road today): “ We are getting about 5 kms of tail winds and then 5 kms of side winds. This is what we signed up for- there shouldn’t be any complaints.” Morning tea at 40 km mark with cold pizza, easter eggs, jam biscuits, dried fruit and fresh fruit. Who could ask for more.

The day started off with scenes of sandy mounds across the landscape and then this suddenly stopped- similar to little anthills. Coober Pedy apparently translates to “White man’s burrow”.

After morning tea the riders flew down the road with a very strong tail wind. Lunch was at the 90 km mark and Collis was way out on his estimated time of arrival for every rider. Some were in by more than half an hour earlier than predicted. The terrain has returned to low scrubby bushes and trees with occasional creek channels or beds. The soil is still very red.

We had a water break at the 120 km mark but no-one stopped because they had excellent winds. Poor old Gareth came along hoping to catch some of them at afternoon tea just to find they had all gone on so he thought he better not stop. Lew asked Collis to pick him up when he passes him down the road so we stayed longer than we usually do (just to encourage him to try and complete the day). When Collis drove past him he appeared happy to keep going. Lew rode the whole distance.


Everyone camping tonight after lots of discussion between Mark and Kirsten re- motel rooms and asking people to share. Not sure if anyone was asked but they both decided to camp.

Day 12: Coober Pedy Rest Day

Usual rest day activities with lots of bike cleaning, laundry and shopping in the morning followed by:
1. Lew, Kirsten, Jane and Mark all went on a 4 your town tour which was run by the caravan park. Apparently very interesting and informative.

2. Annie and Gareth did their own separate town tours visiting places that interested them and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

3. Theo has been here before so he just wandered around the town.

4. Collis and I did another big shop for the next bush camp and the next 7 morning teas.


Collis decided to shout everyone pizza for dinner at the caravan park and he ordered 5 family pizzas- they were huge and we ended up having a whole pizza left over. Lew was overheard negotiating with Jane re- when he would get in the car tomorrow and when Jane would want to get in. Jane was noncommittal and I’m pretty sure she would prefer to ride as much as she possibly can. Pretty sure Lew is planning on getting in the truck tomorrow.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Day 11: Bush Camp to Coober Pedy

Woke before sunrise and hoping for an impressive sunrise to top off a great bush camp but we were sadly disappointed. Lew, Kirsten and Annie had flat tyres. Lew and Kirsten had to change their tyres but Annie managed to pump hers up and it lasted the whole day. We must remember to tell all riders to carry their bikes into all bush camps due to these prickles that looked like landmines.


The riders left from about 7.45 am until 8.30 am. We cleaned up and left around 9.15 am. Morning tea was fruit cake, biscuits and fruit at the 50 km mark down the road. Lunch was at the 90 km mark where Collis took my car and the blown tyre and headed to Coober Pedy to get a new tyre.

Lew grabbed a lift from lunch to afternoon tea and then he swapped with Jane who is having a bad day all round. It was a tough day even though the kms had been reduced and everyone was happy to see Coober Pedy. The campground has no grass (Kirsten states it's a carpark) and there is a centennial celebration in the town.

Day 10: Wirraminna to Bush Camp 158 kms

The day started off with a fantastic cooked breakfast out on the patio. Collis and I managed to get 20 farm fresh eggs provided as well. They allowed us to fill up all our tanks and containers with rain water as well. If anyone is out this way and looking for a really great place to stay then you can't go past Wirraminna. The bore water is full of minerals and a bit odorous but apparently really good for the skin. My hair came out really soft but Theo said his hair was a bit dry.

Morning tea was at Glendambo which has become very run down. We had the company of a very friendly kelpie for a while until his owner arrived from a nearby property and took him home. Gareth decided to buy a coffee, one for him and one for Jane, and handed over $10, only to be told it would cost $14. Not sure if it was worth the cost. Kirsten bought a small bottle of coke and it cost $4.70. Hot cross buns for morning tea.

Lots of cattle grids which the riders have been advised to walk their bikes across. Most have ignored this advice but Theo and Jane were doing it. Until one time we drove past Theo and he rode across the grid and waved to us at the same time. My heart skipped as he looked like he was about to come off his bike once again. Theo reassured me that it looked worse than it was as he does a mountain bike jump.

Lunch was on the side of the road at 90 kms but no-one was really hungry. I spotted a dingo or a wild dog slinking through the bushes at the side of the road. The temperature was warming up quite a bit by lunchtime. We had another stop at 135 km mark for water only. The camp site was revised and we will be going further than first estimated. In the afternoon they had little or no wind and if any wind then it would be a tail wind. The trailer had another blow out (second one for the trip). It was so violent that it blew the mudguard off.

Great bush camp spot tonight with no spiders or those pesky bush rats. Lots of flies were the only drawback. Flynets came into use. We had curried tuna and rice followed by apple crumble and custard. Most of it went and enjoyed by all.

Friday, April 3, 2015

Day 9: Bush Camp to Wirraminna

Riders left around 8 am today with Collis and I cleaning up after our first bush camp. This always takes quite a time and is really a very dirty job. The flies kick in and my patience levels drop quickly. I do not like the clean up part of the camps but as Collis keeps reminding me- it is what I supposedly signed up for. The jobs just seem to be uneven, is all I’m saying. We managed to leave the camp site around 9.30 am and you wouldn’t even know we had been there.

Morning tea was at Woomera although Jane, Theo and Lew chose to not go out there but to stop and visit Pimba only. Woomera was interesting but they had a head wind all the way back to Pimba. Today has been a day of tail and side winds. We travelled past all the salt lakes today and stopped at the 80 km mark for those wishing to take a lunch break. While there my friend Denny & Steve arrived as they were driving past and had spotted the cyclists so guessed we would be somewhere close.

We came across a rider on a bike friday who informed us he was from Alaska and was riding with his mate who was about 10 kms in front. He said he was 78 years old last week and it is his 7th time cycling coast to coast in Australia. He found out where we were staying tonight and got the phone number off me and him and his mate have booked in as well.


Wirraminna was a very pleasant surprise. The rooms allocated to us are spotless with lots of little luxuries provided. Everyone seems real happy. Dinner was cooked for us and served out on the patio of the main house. We had roast lamb, pork and beef with all the trimmings plus some. This was followed by apricot pie with cream and ice cream. It was a fantastic meal and lovely being served and you could go back for seconds as well.

We had a lovely time sitting around chatting to the two Alaskan blokes and the family who manage the station. The Alaskans have extended us all their hospitality if any of us ever get to Alaska. They are a couple of characters- they have known each other since they were three and they travel together each year. Michael was a geologist and Jim is currently a loan shark. They hardly speak two words to each other all day long and they are constantly telling each other off. A bit like an old married couple.

Day 8: Port Augusta to Bush Camp 135 kms

Driving out of Port Augusta this morning, the town came to a sudden halt and we were hit by the sight of the Aussie Outback. Today is April Fools Day and we were trying to think up a trick to play on the riders. At morning tea Collis told the riders that there was a change in riding plan today and instead of 135 kms they would be riding 177 kms to Pimba. He mucked it up by saying the weather was going to change and they would have southerly winds to help them. So everyone virtually just said yeah OK, except Kirsten who whistled at the distance. He then had to tell them it wasn’t true and was an april fools joke- it fell a little flat.

We couldn’t actually find the morning tea rest area so chose a cleared area next to the railway line. Kirsten arrived late for morning tea as she had a slow leak. Mark talked her into changing the tyre and he actually did the change for her. They rode off together but didn’t get further than a km down the road before the same tube was flat again. Mark came back and got us and they changed the tyre and the tube. This put them a fair way behind the rest of the group so I went ahead and Collis stayed behind to keep an eye on them.

Lunch was at a rest area around the 92 km mark and everything was going along smoothly now. The group was fairly well staying within cooee of each other and helping each other out in a full on head wind. Lew is struggling a bit today but was determined to keep riding.

Collis and I picked a camp spot around the 135 km mark in amongst the sand hills and trees. Not a huge choice around this area as not always a lot of coverage. As we pulled up Collis pointed out these huge holes in the sand and put in my head that they contained trap door spiders. When Annie arrived he told her to watch out for them even though I told him not to mention any of this to her as it would freak her out. Theo and Jane came in close together but it was awhile before I noticed Theo had some injuries on his R) side. He had run into Jane’s back wheel and went down into the middle of the road. Lucky no traffic at the time. No adverse damage and appears to be all superficial grazes- he was a lucky boy. Lew was helped in by Mark and Gareth as he was intermittently walking and riding.

Dinner tonight was a sausage casserole followed by bread & butter pudding with cream. It was enjoyed by all and only a small amount of casserole left and no pudding left over. Lovely night around the campfire although it was quite a humid night. Sunset was quite good but difficult to photograph and no stars due to cloud cover. Lew warned everyone to take their riding shoes into the tents with them as the bush rats have a habit of dragging off shoes if left out.


So in my mind I had trapdoor spiders crawling all over our awning and bush rats trying to climb up the inside of the truck all night long. Not much sleep had by me especially with all the trucks going past throughout the night as well.