Day 15 – through Bundaberg

Started off very cold (5c) and warmed up after about 1h. Thankfully the wind had dropped and it was a relatively OK ride on the Bruce Hwy segment, then turned off on Goodwood Road and followed that into Bundaberg. I stopped at a bike shop to see if I could buy some new bibs as the arse pads of the ones I have are starting to get a bit too flat. No joy. I guess shops do not stock much clothing any more as people prefer to buy them online. I have to plan how to get some new ones in the next few weeks. I found some OK gloves though as also the ones I have are wearing out. I am more and more valuing good gear – some of it is just expensive and not worth much, but occasionally you find a good brand, with designs made by smart people, rather than just for looking good while you cycle towards La Perouse in a 20-rider bunch travelling at 25kmh (I am such a snob!). I have not yet made the full switch to “riding in the heat” gear, which is not going to be much fashionable, but hopefully practical. Justin and I have been looking up how Bedouins dress (for real!), and I am leaning towards that look, though I may need to adapt it for cycling 😉

A couple of road work blocks made me wait in line for 10 mins plus. There are lots of rules these road workers have to enforce, poor guys. I felt tempted to just ride through them, but I am still trying to do the right thing. So had some chit chats, and they go “oh we do not see many cyclists here” and I go “yeah nah.” If I mention I am doing the Big Lap around AU on a bike, they usually go “Oh right” which obviously means they have no clue. But why should they, ha.

I took a photo of the ISIS Golf Club. Who would have known!! 😂

I have had not much time to think while riding, something I thought I would do a lot of. I am too busy watching the traffic behind me, both on my mirror and on the radar, and constantly making decisions about where I ride, especially if there is no shoulder. Most cars and trucks are quite sensible, but on average there would be 10% that come way too close and I get sucked into their wash. Not pleasant. I am very much in their hands though, because as much as I try and take every safety precaution I can, given the circumstances, it will only take one distracted driver for it to be game over.

Tonight, we are camped in an open paddock in Rosedale. On water restrictions as the tanks did not get refilled, so despite being told “We have plenty of water” my shower was 45 seconds long. I still insisted on running the washing machine on a 14 minutes cycle. I love the washing machine in the van!

I have had no news of the cactus, but I understand Pothole – Sofia’s dog – which is currently living at the farm, is missing Spike.