Friday, June 26, 2015

Day 20: Carnarvan Rest day


Lovely to sleep in again today. Even though we only have 3 riders, there still seems to be just as much work as for 20 (except maybe in the lifting of bags and the amount of food I have to cook.

Usual rest day today for most of us except Jill decided to ride out to the blowhole and back. I did offer to drive her but she wants to ride. It is approximately 75 kms there and of course the same back. She will end up doing at least 75 kms  into the wind. It was apparently worth the effort and the blow holes impressive.

Collis and I went to the local market but only bought food. They did have purses and wallets made out of cane toads with little cane heads on them. Our youngest daughter would probably liked one but they were pretty expensive. Then we went down to the mile long jetty and here we ran into Jurgen. They wanted $5 to walk the jetty so we decided to just view it from the lookout tower. The museum was interesting.

Gareth slept in this morning and he and Collis caught the lunchtime bus to the local races. I stayed in camp doing the books and Jurgen rested by his tent. The boys came back evens having not won or lost (or actually they did both).

2nd last rest day for this leg.

Day 19: Minilya to Carnarvan

I was very surprised that I was first up in our camp this morning. The thing was that I read the time wrongly thinking it was 6.15 when it was really 5.15 am. There was plenty of noise going on so I assumed the riders were pulling down their tents but really it was the road gangs going to breakfast. We parked fairly close to the generator last night which gave us a constant background noise so we missed all the truck noise and most of the road workers noise. One group were watching the footy and apparently barracking for Collingwood as the song was sung loud and clear at the end of the game. I actually had a really good sleep and think this may be the go at other roadhouses that have loud generators (as long as they go all night and don't cut in and out).

Jill took off first again this morning and the boys were about 15 minutes behind her. Morning tea was at a lovely rest area and we have all noticed that there is quite a bit of water laying around on the flood plains. We have once again been fortunate that there has been quite a bit of rain in front of us and now some behind us but we have missed it all so far. I am expecting rain by the time we get to Geraldton but that is just par for the course. Some of the rivers are flowing- slowly.

Lunch was called 5 km earlier than was suggested and this was at Collis' discretion. His reasoning behind his decision was that there was quite a distance between Jill and the boys and they seemed to be struggling a bit although the wind had turned in there favour. The reaction from the boys was quite negative so a brief discussion ensured but further discussion on this subject will need to occur. The boys stated they weren't struggling and they were enjoying the ride and would have preferred to have gone on further while the wind was in their favour.

We had another stop 30 kms down the road and everyone was into camp by 2.30 pm.  We all went down to the shops to restock up on food and I have one more bush camp that I have to cook for. It looks like it might be another lasagne and I cooked the sauce tonight and have frozen it for lasagne construction at the bush camp. Collis and I cooked up some corned silverside for dinner tonight and this was like a home cooked dinner- lovely. Canarvan Wintersun CP is very nice and we have a lovely spot down near the kids playground- 2 powered sites.


Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Day 18: Coral Bay to Minilya


Not so cold last night but some strange dreams and some strange noises around the campsite. Around midnight it sounded like mini explosions but then we realised it was someone thumping around in one of the rooms- strange but didn't go on for too long.

Gareth and Jurgen went off to breakfast at the bakery before departing today and Jill went to the cafe next door. No-one is in any hurry to leave this beautiful place. Everyone was on the road by 8.30 am, which is extra late for these three. Collis had trouble starting his car again and we had to get a jump start. He had the battery looked at a couple of weeks ago and they say there is nothing wrong with it. We will have to have the electrics looked at in Perth.

There was just nothing to look at today, the road is virtually flat, the scrub is just that scrub and only wildlife out and about are the birds. Lots of caravans on the road and I never thought I would hear any of these riders saying that they miss the trucks. As we turned onto the Minilya road we discovered a few trucks but mostly going in the opposite direction. Arrived at Minilya by 2 pm and Jill went straight out to do another 25 kms out and 25 back.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Day 17: Coral Bay Rest Day

Gee it was a cold night last night and apparently got down to 7 degrees. The weather will start going down from now on- goodbye my warm weather.

Collis has booked us on a glass bottom boat tour this morning and Jurgen and Gareth are doing the 2 hour version where they get to snorkle as well.



Day 16: Bullara to Coral Bay


Everyone had got on the road before we had a chance to make them any coffee or to even chat to them before they left today. We had assumed that they were leaving around 7.30 am and they thought they had informed us that they were leaving at 7 am. Some missed communication had occurred and this caused us to be a little concerned about supporting them adequately today and they thought we were not providing them with their morning plunger coffee. It was eventually all sorted but not until we had made it to Coral bay.

Collis had warned them that the wind would be their enemy today and even though they were riding only 70 kms (normally considered a half day) it would be a hard days ride. 13 kms outside of Coral Bay they do a right hand turn and then the wind should be up their bottoms. His prediction had been absolutely correct but they all managed the ride and we were in Coral Bay by midday. 

Gareth and Jurgen are camping and Jill has taken a cabin. Collis and I are on a site at the opposite end of the camping ground on a powered site. Tomorrow is a rest day. This is one of my favourite places in Australia. 

Day 15: Giralia to Bullara


Last night I half promised scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast but it all depended on the farmer having eggs and bread to sell to us. Collis was going up this morning to check out the egg situation but didn't want to go up too early in case the farmers were having a sleep in as well. We are able to have a sleep in today as they only have 40 kms to ride to the next cattle station. Jill was first up but decided not to wait for the eggs but would love some toast. Collis came back with a dozen eggs and I cooked up a big pot for Collis, Jurgen and myself. Gareth got up later so I made him a fresh batch and then he kindly did the dishes.

Jill and Jurgen headed out around 9 am and Gareth left about a half hour later. We fiddled around before going and had a lovely chat with the farmer and his wife- no hurry today. Jill decided to do an extra 25kms into the wind and then 25 kms back before coming into campas well as the 40 kms with the tail wind. They had a tail wind all the way today and we got to Bullara by lunchtime and Jurgen picked their campsite. Bullara is a little bit more upmarket to Giralia but they are both nice places to stay. Collis and I treated ourselves to a room as we would have access to the Bull Bar which is a really nice area with a kitchen, lounge and decking. Rules had changed since we were last there two years ago when our riders (who were camping) could also use the bar but this is no longer the case as they have improved the campers camp kitchen and have doubled it in size. It now costs extra for the campers to use the Bull Bar but they did let us cook them a meal there and they could sit on the deck to eat it. I was too embarrassed to tell them that they should have gone back to their area after dinner so they stayed on until bedtime and no-one seemed any the wiser. Bullara has a great outdoor shower which I really love but it was a little bit windy and I was having to run around chasing the water to wash myself.

Collis organised a meal deal with the station and we all got a piece of steak with two sausages, salad and potato, the meat was lovely. Cold nights have started so we are not staying up too late.

Day 14: Nanutarra to Giralia


Everyone is a bit subdued this morning due to lack of sleep. No fault of their own, this time, as the miners decided to have a party/BBQ in the camping ground last night (which management knew about) and they informed us that it would wind up around 8.30 pm. This was not believed so the riders all moved their tents away from the BBQ area to an area closer to the road. The problem being, now they were stuck in the middle of the miners and the trucks going over the bridge. Most of the miners did finish up around 9 pm but there were 4 or 5 that stayed on and partied until around 2 am. They were probably louder than the larger group but no-one from the roadhouse came and asked them to finish up.

Today was going to be a long day of 158 kms and we were hoping the winds would be in our favour. Up till morning tea the wind was light and the temperature was cool. But after morning tea, everything changed. They had a full on head wind and it was a real struggle. They were all struggling and Jill was still worried about the 4 km dirt road into Giralia at the end of the day. They ended up finding the riding today as the hardest so far this trip. The road into Giralia had just been graded (or half of it) and so it was a reasonably smooth ride into the property.

Collis and I were feeling sorry for the riders today so we were going to surprise them with a room each on the property BUT when we arrived there were no rooms available. A group of road workers were staying there and they were also having meals catered for so we were out of luck in both camps.

At Giralia they have a great huge kitchen for the campers so it was quite a pleasure to prepare tonight's dinner of vegetarian chilli con carne and then Collis made them pancakes with jam, honey, lemon juice, sugar and walnut toppings. Unfortunately we had no cream. Jurgen took over for the second round of pancakes and it was a nice night.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Day 13: Bush Camp to Nanutarra


Usual clean up after a bush camp but the flies were very annoying. It had been a very quiet night with no traffic but for some cows mooing close by and a pack of dingoes howling in the close proximity.

It was 60 kms down the road today before we caught them for morning tea. They have no traffic and the wind up their tails. Scenery still really nice- the hills are still around and some wildlife crossing the road in front of us. Wild flowers still abundant and changing.

Arrived at Nanutarra roadhouse by 1.30 pm and it looks like they have spent some money on it to do it up a little. At least we are able to access the water taps now without having to ask for the actual tap like the first time at this roadhouse. Green grass for the cyclists to camp on. We have taken a powered site so everyone can recharge before the next couple of days. A shower was the first thing on the agenda which is always the case after a bush camp. A shower on the day after the bush camp is the best shower you can have no matter where you are situated.

Day 12: Paraburdoo to Bush Camp


Paraburdoo ended up being quite a surprise which is usually the case when everything looks so glum when you first arrive. The showers and toilets were fantastic but with one setback- one key to open them for the five of us and someone kept locking the doors after we would leave them open. The riders had woodchip to camp on and plenty of room to spread out but the ambience was bleak.

Yesterday the riders spent their time in town whilst Collis and I caught up on some paperwork. Jurgen and Jill decided to have dinner at the pub and Gareth decided to eat back at camp as he had some leftovers from the day before. Collis and I went to the miners mess. When we got to the mess they ushered us in for free and told us to make sure we go to the lunch room after our meal and get food for the next days lunch as well. What a deal! All you could eat for nothing.

The others all enjoyed their meals and Gareth felt he may have eaten too much. Quiet night in camp. This morning the campground manager (who works for Rio Tinto) told us to grab as much ice as we needed to fill up the eskis.

Beautiful scenery this morning, which has surprised me as well. We were expecting mining traffic to continue and the landscape to be typical mining country-arid, stoney and big holes in the surrounding hills. But what we got was quiet road, lush green foliage with lots of wildflowers and rocky outcrops. No more mining trucks- yeah! The road surface is slow and hard going but there is no hurry as we are only heading to a bush camp.

Lunch was at the Beasley River Rest Area. Jurgen missed the turnoff and went another 12 kms down the road before a passing car told us he was up ahead and not behind us. Collis went and picked him up and they hid his bike on the side of the road. Thankfully after lunch we were able to find it and he was back on the road again.

It was my job to locate an area to camp for the night. There were lots of dry creek and river beds but we have been hearing of heavy rain up ahead so i was worried that some of the rivers may start to flow while we were sleeping. At 135 km mark  found a track into what appears to be an old gravel pit for road making. It had lots of space, a few trees, a bit of grass, plenty of wood and lots of flat areas- perfect.

The fire was started straight away so I was able to cook the chop suey early and then prepare the bread and butter pudding with plenty of time to spare. This made the meal alot more relaxed for me and the wine and ambience of the fire relaxed the riders.


Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Day 11: Tom Price to Parraburdoo


Annie is leaving us today. She rides out with Jill to the 35 ams then they both turned around and rode together for another 10 kms before they left each other and Jill followed us and Annie went back to Tom Price. 

A few hills up till morning tea and then flat after that. Jill did 100 kms today and the boys 80 kms. The caravan park here at Parraburdoo is a bit disappointing after last night but it is clean and the laundry is free. It is a miners accommodation so very regimented.

Day 10: Karijini to Tom Price


I’m not looking forward to Tom Price after seeing a recent mining town yesterday. No-one was wanting to leave Karijini except to be able to do some food and grog shopping.

Short day of 110 kms today. Cooler mornings since we came into Karijini so perfect riding conditions. The scenery has been spectacular today. Very lush and the landscape was quite undulating. The wildflowers are out in force with quite a variety.

Lunch was at a photo opportunity area on top of a hill looking down to Tom Price. Strange lookout with all these stones with memorials painted onto them to people passed away. 

Nice ride down into Tom Price which is quite a lovely little town with heaps of greenery and some interesting shops. The caravan park is green and lush with clean showers and camp kitchen. The only setback was all the signs up about no charging of electronics or they would be confiscated. Everyone did a little shop and cooked in tonight.

Day 8 & Day 9: Karijini National Park


Day One
Collis and Annie had a convoy going out to Joffre Gorge and then onto Fortesque Falls. It looked too steep for me to climb down to the falls swimming area so Collis and I stayed above while the boys climbed down. This sounds to have been a wise move as Gareth struggled with some of the climbs and the heights- he also has a fear of heights like myself. Annie and Jill left us there and took off to Weano Gorge down a dirt road.

From the Falls the boys were able to walk across to the Eco Lodge so Collis and I met then around there for lunch before going back to the visitors centre for a wonderful $2 shower. Collis tried using the disabled for free but once he stripped off his clothes he discovered there was no water in the shower.

We got back to camp around 3.30 pm. Tonight we are trying some freeze dried Thai green chicken curry and boiled potatoes followed by fruitcake and creamed vanilla rice. So no preparation required on my part.

The girls returned after dark and of course, like a worried mother, I was imagining all these dreadful things that could have happened to them. I sort of chastised them like they were naughty children but they really didn’t deserve it as it was actually only 6 pm. The trouble was I wasn’t sure how we would find them if they didn’t return and if they were in trouble. The girls came back on top of the world after having a lovely day of climbing cliffs and swimming in some beautiful waters.

Day Two

Collis and I had to drive over 200 kms into Newman to get my windscreen replaced. Once there we had to waste 2 to 3 hours in town (which consisted of a supermarket, a chemist, a newsagent, a bottleshop and a subway) whilst we waited for the car and then drive 200 plus kms back to Karijini. Newman is not a pleasant town and the correllas are tinted red from the dirt.

The riders amused themselves back at camp with bike rides and walks around the gorges. Tonight was another BBQ of steak and salad followed by a cheesecake. Four of us played cards until about 8 pm before heading to bed. The whole campground had gone quiet by then and we seemed to be the last off to bed.

Day 7: Auski to Karijini National Park


Dusty old night at Auski. The roadhouse driveway leaves a lot to be desired. One hole in the drive is big enough to swallow a car whole. Otherwise the showers and toilets were clean and of course we actually had no other choice of a place to lay our heads. There was definitely no lazing around this morning as everyone just wanted to get on their way.

Still lots of mining trucks on the road but they are decreasing as we travel closer to Karijini. Not far down the road we pass through a cutting and we are travelling through Munjina Gorge. It felt like going into an oasis. We were surrounded by hills and everything was green. It felt like a safe place and somewhere I could settle. It was beautiful.

We had morning tea at the turnoff to the park. We watched quite a few trucks turn in that way and the riders dreaded more trucks. They are over the number of trucks that they have encountered over the last couple of days. Annie has ridden out from the park and met us for morning tea. She will ride back with the riders and direct them into the park.

The road and traffic was better than expected and we were soon at the visitors centre. Lovely indigenous employee, Margi, gave us lots of advice on what to do and see while we are here. Ranger Dan met us at the entrance to the park and gave us free entry into the park and offered any assistance we may require. We paid our camping fees then headed out to see the camp hosts. These are volunteers who allocate camping areas and help maintain Dale’s Gorge campground. Ken and Marg were our hosts and Ken used to be the president of the WA Branch of Audax. So we got special treatment. He gave us a special camp site with plenty of space and shade. We had arrived in Karijini safely and in time for lunch.

Once camp was set up the riders walked out to Circle Pool and Collis and I went to Florence Falls and Fern Pool. The fish at Fern Pool are the type that will nibble at your feet. The boys walked from Circle Pool to Florence Falls but the girls returned to camp.

We had BBQ for dinner with BBQ’d veggies and followed by a small helping each of honey/nut fried bananas and cream. Early to bed tonight and looking forward to the peace of no truck noises. Jill has borrowed Annies sleeping mat as hers keeps deflating throughout the night. Annie is in her camper van and doesn’t need it for the rest of this trip.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Day 6: Bush Camp to Auski Roadhouse


No one seemed to be in too big a hurry to leave the campfire this morning. There had been some early morning dew which has left a few things damp. Clean up didn’t take too long due to the cleaning done last night and of course the tiny group. We didn’t even have Annie with us last night as she has gone ahead so that she can have a couple of extra days in the National Park.


The riders were flying this morning and we didn’t catch them until the 55 km mark. Perfect riding conditions- not too hot, very little wind and the mining trucks dropped off a little about 5 kms out of our camp. The scenery is really quite beautiful, it looks green (although it is still the spinifex) and we have hit a few hills with lots of river gums about. Not much water in the creeks but the Middle Bea Bea Creek was quite full. Juergen spotted about three brumbies running through the dessert this morning.

Day 5: South Hedland to Bush Camp


The three riders left together this morning and pretty much got lost straight away. Jill was doing a good job directing them until directions were questioned and they turned around and went back the way they had come. They went into a police station to ask for directions only to find that Jill was right in the first place. This has added an extra 5 kms onto their ride today.

Collis spent most of the morning on the phone to the insurance company. The windscreen will be replaced next Tiesday in Newman. The mining traffic is horrendous although the trucks are mostly pretty good at giving us a wide berth when they are able. I got driven off the road by 2 trucks coming towards me when the truck behind decides to pass the one in front just as I was passing the front truck.It was too late for him to stop his manoeuvre so I had no choice but to go off into the dirt. This happened to a couple of the riders as well.

The scenery has changed at long last. Lots of rocky outcrops , even a mini devil’s marbles along the road. We had to find a site for our bush camp and it wasn’t going to be easy. Firstly there is spinifex everywhere and it is just so prickly. Then there were very few tracks leading into the bush. The dry riverbeds would have been ideal but we just couldn’t get into them. The parking bays have no shelter and all right on the road. I ended up spotting a track that seemed to lead to a rocky outcrop with a few trees around so Collis checked it out. It was perfect and ended up being a great camp. 


Dinner tonight was a sausage casserole followed by fresh fruit salad and custard. Jill helped with the cleaning up and this was a great help. The night was a bit disturbed as the mining trucks went all night. The night sky was the best I have ever seen. So it was great lying in bed and studying the stars.

Day 4: Pardoo to South Hedland


I raced to catch the riders up this morning whilst Collis remained behind trying to contact a windscreen company in Port Hedland. My little chip in my windscreen that happened two days ago has turned into quite a large crack overnight. Bugger, it had to be the Citroen and it has a really weird windscreen.

I caught Jill and Juergen at the 53 km mark and Gareth arrived just as they were finishing. Still no sign of Collis. Gareth seemed to be getting further behind the other two and by lunchtime he arrived nearly half an hour after they had finished their lunch break. It turns out he had a puncture. Collis has turned up but he has to take the car into Port Hedland to see if they can fix it today.

We had another refreshment stop 30 kms after lunch. I started getting worried about Gareth as he was now more than an hour behind the other two. I went out to find him and he was still 8 kms back- he had another slow leak and ended up changing another tube. He now has no spare tubes with him today and I don’t have any in my car.

By the time I arrived at the caravan park, Collis had just arrived but the other two riders had been there for quite awhile. Apparently they can’t fix the windscreen as the crack is too long. I had told Gareth that if he wasn’t in by 3.30 pm then we would come looking for him with another tube. When I left him it was 2 pm and he had 20 kms to go.

Annie took Jill and Juergen food shopping and Collis and I tried ringing Gareth but had to leave a message. It was just after 3.30 pm when we went out again as he still had not arrived. We just got to the highway when he calls to say he was in camp. He had got lost on the way in.


Off to do the food shopping then as I have 4 bush camps ahead of me before we get to another supermarket. The caravan park has deteriorated since our last visit but it was OK. Lots of mining workers staying here and some disturbance with traffic from those on shift work.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Day 3: Sandfire Flat to Pardoo


Riders left later this morning as we have less mileage to do. Juergen’s tummy has settled down. Annie rode out with the group and then turned around at the 31 km mark. Her speed before turning was a leisurely 27 km an hour then dropped to 17 kms/hour into the wind.

We had a cup of tea on the side of the road with Bruce and Marg. These are the couple doing the highest peaks- they are from Mt Beauty. We passed a guy riding from Adelaide to Broome into the wind all the way. He has a support team that he drafts behind and is raising money for kids with cancer.

The tailwinds have been really great today and everyone in by 1.30 pm. Pretty good for a 140 km ride with 3 stops.  After lunch break we spot a large smoke cloud and we are travelling towards it. About 10 kms out of Pardoo we spot the fire very close to the road and large flames. We watch the fire for the rest of the afternoon and find out that it is a controlled fire.


Annie rode out 20 kms from the roadhouse and then back in. Collis was supposed to go with her but we found the spare bike had a perished valve and the tube had to be changed. I was impressed that he still got on the bike went 10 km into the wind and then 10 kms back.

Day 2: Bush Camp to Sandfire Flat


Beautiful sunrise this morning but as usual the camera does not do it justice. All except Juergen slept well overnight. He ended up with an upset tummy requiring many trip to the long drop throughout the night. He feels his tummy needs to acclimatise to the heat, water and supplements he is taking. It seems to be better this morning.

Morning tea was at 50 kms on the side of the road. When I was passing gareth a large steer munching on some grass at the side of the road, looked at him and jumped as if he was going to charge him but thought better of it. After we had gone past he wandered casually across the road. More wallabies out today with one jumping out in front of the car.

Lunch was at a parking bay around 85 kms. This was a nice spot. It is still windy and gusty with varying wind direction or should I say road directions. The cloud cover is persisting but it is starting to warm up. By afternoon teatime it is 30 degrees. Annie caught up with us at the lunch stop, had morning tea and has now gone ahead to Sandfire Flat to book in the van; she’s not sure what her plans are for this afternoon.

Afternoon tea stop was on the side of the road at 120 kms. The flies are sticky, the terrain a bit boring and I am getting sleepy. We passed over some salt flats which provided a change of scenery for a little while.

Sandfire Flat still has an air of neglect but I just get the feeling that they are trying to clean it up slowly. Small areas have been improved since last time we passed through. Strangely though the rte was an abandoned car in the camping area- just under the mango trees. We ran into the older couple who we caught in Broome- these two are cycling through every state plus climbing the highest peak in each state. In WA the peak is Mt Meharry, near or in Karijinni NP.


Most of us had a combination of roadhouse take away with food out of our boxes for dinner.

Leg 5 Day 1: Broome to Goldwire Rest Area Bush Camp


This leg we are down to 3.5 riders. Two riders pulled out just before we left home (in February) which left us with 5 riders then 2 days before the leg started Jane sent a text saying she was no longer able to commit to do this leg and was flying home to Perth. Annie has decided to partially participate and that is our .5 rider. So on this leg we have Juergen from Victoria, Jill from NSW, Gareth from NSW and Annie from Leeds.

Annie want to go with us as far as Kaijinni NP and then take off (in a hire car) to Perth, explore some of the SW corner, maybe back up to Broome for a couple of days then maybe meet us in Perth to see us off on our final leg. Annie rode this leg in 2013 but we didn’t do Karijinni back then so she wants to see that bit. She has hired a hi-top campervan and today will ride to morning tea, ride back, pick up the van then meet us at the bush camp tonight. Keen!

So a very cosy group started off this morning at 0630 hrs (we probably should have cancelled this leg but decided against it so as to be fair to all riders). We thought 5 riders would be OK and by the time Jane cancelled it was far too late to do that to the other riders. It should be a leisurely pleasant trip through some beautiful countryside. The two new riders seem really nice and accomplished riders.

The whole of Australia has a public holiday today for the Queen’s Birthday EXCEPT Western Australia. Last week they had WA Day so it might be too many public holidays in a row. Traffic was good on the road to Roebuck Roadhouse where we had our morning tea.The temperature is predicted to be 32 degrees which will make it closer to 37 degrees on the bike, so lots of refreshment stops. We will be stopping at 35, 55, 90 and 120 km marks. The total distance is 155 kms. Just after turning off at Roebuck and heading towards Port Hedland I spot lots of wallabies out on the road. The wind became favourable at this time as well but as usual this depends on the direction of the road but it is coming from the East.

Gareth was greeted at the rest area with applause from some nomads that we keep running into. Then suddenly their dogs flew out, running straight into his bike. he came off the bike with a nice roll but he still ended up with a graze and a cut- both which needed attention. The dogs were then restrained for the rest of our stay. a little of too little, too late.

Juergen suffered from some cramping but pushed on and finished the day’s ride. He was drinking plenty and taking his magnesium but apparently this can be a common occurrence for him. Jill could not believe just how flat the terrain is and that she has to drop down in gears just to be able to stretch her legs and relieve the bottom off the seat.

All riders and support crew were weary at the end of the day. Annie got in around 4.30 pm and was very excited with her new home. I cooked roast chicken and veggies followed by a berry, cake & chocolate concoction with cream. 

Friday, June 5, 2015

Day 20: Willare to Broome


Final day of the trip. Some riders were disturbed during the night with cattle sticking their heads into their tents or at least surrounding their tents and mooing all night. Jerry and Gareth were disturbed by the sound of the generator as well. Jane and Dallas left very early and not sure what time as no-one actually saw them leave. Lorraine and Pat left around 6.30 am with all riders heading out at intervals until there was only Gareth left. Gareth seems to want to be the back runner again today.

Morning tea was at 50 km on the side of the road and all were coming together except Gareth who was about a half hour behind them by morning tea. The wind is in their favour today with quite a few gusts pushing them along. Lunch was at 100 km mark and Gareth is still a fair way behind. The plan is for them to all meet up at Roebuck Roadhouse for an ice cream and /or drink (from Collis) and then ride into Broome together.

Everyone waited around for Gareth to arrive so that we could have photos and then ride off together. They once again spread out down the highway and were unable to stay too close together because of the traffic so they all arrived at Cable Beach around the same time except somehow Gareth dropped off again and was 10 mins behind the rest of them (we were starting to become concerned about what could have happened to him). Fortunately he arrived in one piece and we were able to congratulate everyone and take group photos.

Celebratory dinner was arranged at a cafe for 5 pm. We were joined by Pat's partner Tim, Lorraine's partner, George, Joe's partner, Nicky and Jane's daughter, Adelaide. Food, drink and service was good

Day 19: Bush Camp to Willare Bridge

Jerry slept in this morning and then Gareth found he had a flat tyre. Jerry managed to get going in good time after his coffee but Gareth changed his tyre the first time and accidentally replaced it with the same tube, then he put on a repaired tube but the patch leaked and he then finally replaced the tube with one of Collis’s patched tubes and we had success. This all took him quite a bit of time and he ended up an hour behind the group.

I went ahead this morning so that I could catch the group before the morning tea stop at 50 km mark on the side of the road. I managed to get there 5 minutes before Jane and Dallas arriving. Gareth arrived 30 minutes after the group had left and by this time Collis had arrived with extra chairs.


Lunch was at 85 kms on the side of the road. Lots of very large impressive Baobab trees today. At the Boab Rest Area there is a tree which must be at least 2000 years old- it was huge. No-one hung around too long at lunch as they wanted to finish the day. Most riders were in by 11.30 am.

Everyone hit the bar for a coldie as soon as they arrived. Then everyone decided to have dinner at the restaurant as they liked the sound of Steak, Barra and Prawns. Unfortunately everyone was disappointed, even those that didn't have that dish. Most meals were late, the food was reheated rather than freshly cooked and the veggies were frozen stuff. Mike and Dallas' meals were forgotten completely but when they eventually arrived (after and hour and a half) at least they got their monies back and fresh veggies.

Collis and I have taken a donger tonight and we were pleasantly surprised with His & her toilets and showers, 2 air conditioners, TV and green tea- who could refuse. There are quite a few cows around the camp ground and some with horns.

Day 18: Fitzroy Crossing to Bush Camp

No wind before morning tea which made for some difficult riding- at least the temperature had not kicked in yet. Last night was our warmest night yet where we didn’t require even a sheet covering us. Some threatening clouds this morning but nothing will eventuate.

Morning tea was at 50 kms on the side of the road. Lunch was at the Ellendale rest area at 88 km mark. Wind picking up slightly but still not strong and neither a help or hindrance. 

Pleasant surprise for the riders as they were told to expect a 130 km day but it turned out to be 118 km to Blina Station turnoff. Nice area for a bush camp with cleared areas and a few trees. Collis spoke with a guy coming out of the station who worked there and he said we could camp under the trees on the property. Jerry, Gareth and Geoff took advantage of this offer and were rewarded with plenty of shade. The others had some difficulty finding shade but that was their choice.


Dinner tonight was Chicken Korma followed by bread and butter pudding with cream. Nice campfire and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening. There was a lovely moon rising and sunset.

Day 17: Fitzroy Crossing Rest Day


We were apparently raided by a group of very young indigenous boys in the early hours of the morning. Collis and I didn’t hear a thing but Jane (who wears earplugs) heard the giggling. They ate the chocolate and yoghurt and soft drinks out of the fridge in the camp kitchen. No real harm done.

Public holiday in WA today being WA Day. Jerry and Gareth cycled out to Geiki Gorge for the cruise. Lorraine, Michael and Geoff went on the bus tour around town and then the cruise. Joe and Pat did the shopping for some of the group. Jane and Dallas did their shopping. Annie came shopping with us. The cruise was enjoyed by everyone except maybe Geoff who kept falling asleep.

Pat and Dallas went on the afternoon bus tour and cruise and their feature was a spectacular sunset over the gorge. This rest day couldn't have come early enough for Mike who is making the most of the day resting, drinking and eating. He needs to get back to his former self so that he can finish this ride with aplomb.


Most riders ate in tonight with a group of them having a group BBQ. Annie and I went to the restaurant for dessert after having 90 second rice with stagg chilli. We deserved it I think. I spent most of the afternoon cooking for the bush camp and then to the pool for a swim. Another hot day with quite a bit of cloud build up but only a few drops of rain drying as soon as it hit the ground.