Early start to beat the heat, and it worked out OK. Half moon when I started and then nothing for over an hour until sunrise. Pitch black, middle of nowhere…. Roos and wallabies crossing, road trains, some cows on the side, and feral pigs grunting. I even saw a pair of eyes at one stage, reflecting my bright lights – maybe an owl or a pig… Did not stop to find out! Definitely a new experience, a bit scary in a few places, including crossing crocodile-infested creeks! There is something about the very early mornings, the quietness and the way the sun silently brings the light back up, the colours reappear and things seem to be right again.
I managed to have a much better ride than yesterday – I was a lot more disciplined with the riding, the out-of-the-saddle parts, the food and hydration. I do not enjoy much these long flat rides, but I need to learn to manage them as there is a stack of those ahead.
I got to the camp in Normanton around 10am, after battling 7km of strong headwind, and Justin had already set everything up. Plunged into the artesian pool and had a shower, had eggs on toast and tried to sleep, but it was already over 35c so I only had a mini rest.
Waxed 4 chains and cleaned the bike as well as I could without taking bits off it. My rear tyre seems to have very little tread left, while the front still looks OK. Big difference between the two. I have increased the pressure a bit to see if I can get a few more kilometres out of it, but I am not sure as I can see quite a few micro cuts.
Rest day tomorrow, glad to take it as it’s been a big block with over 900km ridden and 4,600m climbed. Next block has longer rides but less climbing. I hope the repetitive piston action of my knees keeps doing what it’s supposed to. Magic stuff, joints.
Discover more from Rule 5
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.