28 Sept 2003

To be fair they do warn you that the first stage is the hardest. Well, it took me longer than last time. A lot longer!

The difference? Temp was about 32C , it must have been dry for a while so there was a lot of pea gravel and sand to contend with and the bike – despite what I thought were my best efforts – is heavier.

The trail is all up and down as it crosses a river valley. This makes it very pretty but a nightmare for a laden bike as you can imagine. Having started at mid morning I crawled into camp at five having drunk all the water on the bike. Normally I’d try to keep a reserve!

As usual my ride was accompanied by wonderful tree smells, no Eucalyptus yet but I’m expecting it any time.

Also disturbed a kangaroo – one of the Western ones which are only a bit over a metre tall. And you can’t hear yourself think over the continual bird noises…..!

Quote a full hut tonight, one family with a youngster practicing camping and four blokes. And me!