Day 20 Southern Cross to Merredin 110km

This was a heavy headwind day.
Route 94 deterioated for 75km out of Southern Cross, then the shoulder widened to become a bicycle autobahn. It was a hairy ride for that 75km, and had to constantly check the mirror and over my shoulder.

It seems that the W.A. term for a cyclist is an "anchor". This is what I was called with gusto by a passenger of a passing shiny utility that had a muffler problem. I don't understand the nautical connection, but will look it up later. He may have  said the Nyoongar Aboriginal phrase "gnank-aarr" which means "my voice has broken and I will soon be a man!".
In any case I responded with a friendly bird-like wave and carried on my way.

To date the bike has been faultless. Here is a list of equipment failures to date:
1. bent kick-stand from being overloaded
2. suncream impregnated riding gloves that hold their shape.
3. slightly stretched brake cable from a heavy stop.
4. slightly scorched saucepan.
5. self-deflating Thermorest (tm) mattress.

Right now I am at Kelleberrin on route to Cunderdin, the second last stop.

Remy from France

Rabbit Proof Fence near Merredin

More wildflowers

Hill near Norseman

Day 19 Bush camp 4 (beyond Coolgardie) to Southern Cross 140km

The last two days have been getting hotter. Today it was about 30degrees.
Southern Cross marks the boundary from mining country to the wheat belt.

The last two days brought good tail winds, so I managed to gain a day.

The camera's memory stick to USB adaptor can't physically fit in the PC here, so I can't add photos to this entry. Pity, because there are many different types of wild flowers that I've photographed along the road side. Maybe I could add them tomorrow.

Route 94 isn't very suited for bicycles. The shoulder, if it exists, is too narrow and bumpy. The edge of the asphalt has a 5cm drop to the gravel. The gravel is bauxite, which is like riding on ball bearings. So, if any other cyclists are reading this blog for information on a suitable route - avoid 94. I've had a near slip and fall but was able to stop falling over.

Next stop is Merredin, but if the wind is good I may go further.

Day 18 Widgiemooltha to Coolgardie and beyond 125km

Hi All,

I have mixed up all the days and have just corrected them all.
Had a poor night sleep. The camping ground at Widgiemooltha was 50m from the loudest generator, underneath a light and about 20m from the highway. I turned off the light, but the owner came down an hour later and switched it on again.
I had an easy 76km ride to Coolgardie, most of it seemed to be downhill.
It's so good to be in a place where the buildings are made of brick and not tin or fibro cement. And there's an IGA! Whoo - civilization.

I forgot to mention the longest golf course in the world; the 1365km long Nullarbor links golf course. http://www.nullarborlinks.com/.

The road from Norseman to Coolgardie took a lot more concentration to ride since it is narrower, hillier and winds its way North. I had to pull over on the side many times when I could hear a truck coming. Also, the traffic is increasing. The trucks are gargantuan and carry gargantuan machinery that digs, drills and levels mountains. Most cars here have an orange light on their roof and most people wear fluoro vests. Yes - I'm in mining country.
Never mention taxing what's in the ground that rightfully belongs to China, or you'll be in for a fight!

The next link in the riding chain Westwards is the Boondi campgrounds 90km from here , then Southern Cross 100km further. I'm not sure if I'll make the campgrounds, but will see how far I can go in the next 4 hours.
At this rate I should be in Perth late on Nov 17.

Wildflowers

Postcard from Cocklebidy.

Day 16 Fraser Range to Norseman 100km

After some very tiring days battling 20 knot headwinds , er gales, I've officially crossed the Nullarbor and am Norseman.
Today was a pretty good ride. Yesterday it took 10.5 hours to ride 90km. At times the bike was in the lowest gear, and was going at 7km/hour, even on down hill sections. I walked about 3km up some hills.

Fraser Range Station is a wonderful gem of a place to stay. If you're ever crossing the 'bor, it's well worth the  stay. Very historic and picturesce surroundings.

I won't publish any photos tonight since this caravan park PC keeps bleating about illegal applications. I don't wont to have the memory stick erased! Will try in town tomorrow.

Today I finally met the mysterious cycling pair who have been one day ahead of me. They were taking a rest day before heading off to Esperance. Everyone I've met who was heading East kept mentioning them.

From Noresman there are three ways to Perth:
1. Scenic and hill route to Esperance then Albany then up the South West coast. This is the way that most cyclists take. I won't be because its an extra 4 days to Perth.

2. The 'industrial' way to Coolgardie then down Highway 94. I'll be going this way.

3. Woodlands trail to Wave Rock and Hyden. This saves a day, but it is a track and you need to camp for two nights.

Ok, I'm going to check if the washing machine here has choked on the dusty clothes I put in, then see about the reported famous pizza in town.

Maybe photos tomorrow.
Next destination: Widgiemooltha 94km away.

Thanks for your comments again.

Day 15 Fraser Range to Norseman

Rob hopes to have internet access tonight so he can update the last couple of days.

Day 14 Balladonia to Fraser Range

Headwinds and cold front on the way

Day 15 Bush Camp#3 to Balladonia 130km

Headwinds!