Today, Wednesday 19th August has been a somewhat short day on the road with only 109km travelled. The air has been almost completely still but there have been times of light drizzle and even a little fog. A significant amount of rain fell overnight, such as would have made the farmers happy. The hall where the riders were staying was quite noisy in places with the rain flooding from one section of the roof to another.
Before we left our overnight venue Jim told us of variable road conditions and very little or no shoulder in some places. In places, there turned out to be quite a good shoulder due to recent roadwork. But, recent roadwork often means loose gravel, and it was some of this gravel, more than 5cm deep in places, that brought Edna K down in a heap and bent the handlebars of her bike a little. Edna herself lost a bit of skin but the damage could have been far worse.
We have had more than our fair share of punctures today. The wet roads and the debris that comes from motor vehicles and their passengers have punctured a few tyres today. One of the riders was commenting how long it has taken us to travel our 109km today – not a good average speed at all – too many stops and no wind assistance.
Before we left our overnight venue Jim told us of variable road conditions and very little or no shoulder in some places. In places, there turned out to be quite a good shoulder due to recent roadwork. But, recent roadwork often means loose gravel, and it was some of this gravel, more than 5cm deep in places, that brought Edna K down in a heap and bent the handlebars of her bike a little. Edna herself lost a bit of skin but the damage could have been far worse.
We have had more than our fair share of punctures today. The wet roads and the debris that comes from motor vehicles and their passengers have punctured a few tyres today. One of the riders was commenting how long it has taken us to travel our 109km today – not a good average speed at all – too many stops and no wind assistance.
We are at Southern Cross tonight and Coolgardie tomorrow night. The sun is now shining through the spaces between the clouds and there is reason to hope for a better day tomorrow. Many of the team have had their shower and some have gone looking for the Laundromat and a coffee shop. Some are cleaning and oiling their bikes after the ride in the rain and the mess this morning. Dinner tonight will be at the Palace Hotel.
Again we are thankful to the Lord for His safe keeping of every member of the team throughout today in less than wonderful weather conditions. He is faithful and to be praised.
Sorry to hear Edna has already hit the tarmac. But I know she's made of tough stuff. Tell Barra THEY WERE PUNCTURES!!!!
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