Day 14 – Riding to Howard, in the wind

My thoughts of an easier, flatter ride today were quickly rewritten by some nasty wind which picked up pretty much into the 2nd hour of the ride. I might as well have gotten rid of the big ring, as even on the flat or mild descents I had to push pretty hard to keep going in the small cog. All very slow speeds which meant I was on the bike for a long time, again. Bummer. About 4km were in the middle of the plantation along Tin Can Road, very nice spot. I got rained on too, but that was a minor problem compared to the wind, which has a habit of thrashing me around. Between avoiding the long vehicles, riding in the non-existent shoulder (which made me go into the grass many times) and the gusts, I had a few scary moments. Rule 5 was invoked, loudly, 3 or 4 times. I somehow managed not to curse as I remind myself the doctor did not order this. I had a crumpet with Nutella though, and no mother around to tick me off when I ate it too early in the day!

Justin set up camp in Howard on a roadside stop, quite acceptable TBH even if it’s right next to the rail line. The silly thing is that whoever creates these stops – good idea! – then does not put any rubbish bins on site – bad idea! – so guess where the rubbish ends up going… There is a ton of it on the highway, all sorts of things get thrown out. Humans are a very bad species, come to think of it. I feel a bit sad at times, as I can see how this will eventually have to come to an end.

I hope my cactus is doing OK at home. I missed the cactus today.