BORDER VILLAGE TO NULLARBOR - DAY 11

Today, 27th August, has been another hard day for the cyclists. The 184km ride featured cross winds and head winds but nothing that could really be called a tail wind. It is not really the done thing but the riders were draughted by the bus for the last 50km or so of the ride today because the daylight was threatening to close in before the riders could reach Nullarbor Roadhouse, and because it was considered safe to do so due to very little traffic.

It is worth making comment about food because we would not be here without it! As mentioned previously, our foodies have done a magnificent job of providing for the needs of the department of the interior. But eastwards from Norseman, our evening meals and breakfasts have been provided by the roadhouses where we have been staying and they have presented us with some excellent meals. Tonight was no exception with beautiful soup, a choice of several main dishes plus a lovely desert. Border Village presented good food but the service was poor. Caiguna was quite satisfactory but Balladonia was the best in terms of atmosphere and their food was equal to our meal here tonight. It is amazing what places like this area able to present when they are so far away from anywhere.

I put fuel into the bus this afternoon for the first time since Norseman. I have done about 950km on that tank and methinks that is pretty good bearing in mind that I do a lot of driving in 4th gear and even 3rd gear on some of the hills. Remember, I am travelling at bicycle speed and when they slow down because of a hill, so do I. The last 50km this afternoon was all in 4th gear as it provided a more stable speed for the cyclist being draughted. The bus is a great vehicle and very suitable as a rider support vehicle.

We get to sleep in a little tomorrow morning as we have only 148km to travel. As a result, I am catching up on what did not get done this afternoon due to our late arrival. I will try yet again to see if there is data connection here. There was support for voice at Border Village but not for data. Until next time, good night and God bless.

Before I forget, Trevor is feeling better each day but still has a way to go before he gets back onto the bike and seeks to ride for a day. He reduced his medication last night and woke up feeling pretty rotten this morning. Riding across the Nullarbor is out for him but there is still plenty of riding left before the journey is over – that is Trevor’s way of looking at it and I think it is a commendable attitude.

Just one thing – I have internet connection at Nullarbor Roadhouse and I am posting what I have been putting together for each of the days since Norseman. I will edit these at Ceduna or Streaky Bay and add some pix to fill them out a little.