Day 23 - Rest Area 30km east of Madura to Eucla
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What a very peaceful sleep last night. I must had been tired, as I think I went to sleep at about 7pm. During the night I woke up and looked outside the tent. The number of stars I could see was so impressive. It's amazing how different the night sky looks when you are away from any sort of town. And I am certainly a long way between towns.
This morning I awoke and noticed a breeze hitting my tent. Looks like another day with the headwind. I was able to leave just after 6am today. Looks like I'm getting up earlier each day.
For the first 30kms I was battling a headwind. Kept looking at my speedo and it was saying I was going no faster than 15 kph. Which was sapping my energy, as it was a very sunny day. I found a rest area, which had a nice shady area, and enjoyed second breakfast.
I must have rested and ate for at least 30 minutes. Which is unusual for me, as I normally don't stop for more than 10-15 in the morning.
As it was getting vey sunny I made sure I was covered in sunscreen. As 5 minutes in the sun I turn red! I also tried out my new hat I got for this trip to keep the morning sun off my face.
When I got back on the bike, I noticed the headwind had disappeared. At first I thought it was tricking me. But no, the wind had actually moved north and was now either not there or a nice tailwind. I was stoked. For the next 60kms I just kept pedaling to take advantage of the wind.
I was able to get to the Mundrabilla roadhouse just before 12pm. I walked through the door and the first thing the lady behind the counter did was offer me a nice cold glass of water. Which I drank in one gulp. After I ordered my usual, burger with the lot (maybe that is what I should name this tour after!) and relaxed for about 45 minutes. Just when I was leaving the lady at the roadhouse offered to refill my water supplies. I have certainly had no issue getting water either from the friendly roadhouses or grey nomads. I usually try and carry an extra 8 litres, which seem to last me for a couple of days.
When I left I had decided as I was getting a nice tailwind I would continue to Eucla. Which is about another 65kms away. Well about 10kms down the road the headwind decided to return. I watched my average speed come back down to just over 15kph. I had to decide whether to do battle with the wind or find a bush camp for the rest of the afternoon. I decided to do battle.
I had to ride the next 45kms into a headwind. I made a deal with myself that if I made it to Eucla I would get a room for the night in the motel there. I didn't want to be riding at night, as it is so dark out here. I kept pedaling and watched my shadow get longer as the sun began to drop.
With 5kms to go I could see my goal, Eucla. One small problem, it is at the top of the hill! After battling the wind, I now had to climb the hill. It was about 15 minutes till sunset. The hill climb was a lot easier than fighting the headwind. As I was climbing I kept turning back and enjoyed the view out across the plain and to the ocean. It was such a great sunset to enjoy at the end of a hard day.
Once at the top I went to reception and got a budget room ($45 for me and TJ) for the night. Having the room means I can relax a little tomorrow, as I am about a day ahead of schedule for my crossing across the Nullarbor. The motel has great views across the plain and out to the ocean.
Tomorrow my ride will take me along the Bunda Cliffs. There are meant to be a number of great lookouts. So I'm going enjoy them and find another great place to camp.
This morning I awoke and noticed a breeze hitting my tent. Looks like another day with the headwind. I was able to leave just after 6am today. Looks like I'm getting up earlier each day.
For the first 30kms I was battling a headwind. Kept looking at my speedo and it was saying I was going no faster than 15 kph. Which was sapping my energy, as it was a very sunny day. I found a rest area, which had a nice shady area, and enjoyed second breakfast.
I must have rested and ate for at least 30 minutes. Which is unusual for me, as I normally don't stop for more than 10-15 in the morning.
As it was getting vey sunny I made sure I was covered in sunscreen. As 5 minutes in the sun I turn red! I also tried out my new hat I got for this trip to keep the morning sun off my face.
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When I got back on the bike, I noticed the headwind had disappeared. At first I thought it was tricking me. But no, the wind had actually moved north and was now either not there or a nice tailwind. I was stoked. For the next 60kms I just kept pedaling to take advantage of the wind.
I was able to get to the Mundrabilla roadhouse just before 12pm. I walked through the door and the first thing the lady behind the counter did was offer me a nice cold glass of water. Which I drank in one gulp. After I ordered my usual, burger with the lot (maybe that is what I should name this tour after!) and relaxed for about 45 minutes. Just when I was leaving the lady at the roadhouse offered to refill my water supplies. I have certainly had no issue getting water either from the friendly roadhouses or grey nomads. I usually try and carry an extra 8 litres, which seem to last me for a couple of days.
When I left I had decided as I was getting a nice tailwind I would continue to Eucla. Which is about another 65kms away. Well about 10kms down the road the headwind decided to return. I watched my average speed come back down to just over 15kph. I had to decide whether to do battle with the wind or find a bush camp for the rest of the afternoon. I decided to do battle.
 |
I had to ride the next 45kms into a headwind. I made a deal with myself that if I made it to Eucla I would get a room for the night in the motel there. I didn't want to be riding at night, as it is so dark out here. I kept pedaling and watched my shadow get longer as the sun began to drop.
With 5kms to go I could see my goal, Eucla. One small problem, it is at the top of the hill! After battling the wind, I now had to climb the hill. It was about 15 minutes till sunset. The hill climb was a lot easier than fighting the headwind. As I was climbing I kept turning back and enjoyed the view out across the plain and to the ocean. It was such a great sunset to enjoy at the end of a hard day.
 |
Once at the top I went to reception and got a budget room ($45 for me and TJ) for the night. Having the room means I can relax a little tomorrow, as I am about a day ahead of schedule for my crossing across the Nullarbor. The motel has great views across the plain and out to the ocean.
Tomorrow my ride will take me along the Bunda Cliffs. There are meant to be a number of great lookouts. So I'm going enjoy them and find another great place to camp.