Day 23 – Riding into Townsville

A bit of a slog today as the wind was wacky and hitting from the front and side for a lot of the ride. Magpies were out in droves as I rode through the smaller towns—I guess they’re all on high alert here at the moment… the heat may be making them go troppo. There will be a Big Magpie somewhere in Australia. I have to look it up.

The highway was super busy, even though I started earlier this morning (at last!), and I didn’t have a chance to re-route, so I was a bit stuck – and riding on autopilot. Went into a lull for a lot of it and had to remind myself to put some power down occasionally and avoid the rough patches in the pavement, though they kept me awake. A big ring day, saving my shifters’ batteries which, no doubt, will conk out precisely at the wrong moment.

I found a great bike shop in town where I got a new chain – which I will have to cut, strip, and wax at the next available opportunity – and some white arm covers, which should go well with the short-sleeve jerseys as the sun is cooking already. No bibs though; I am looking for high-density padding, which I think I’ll have to buy online from Assos and get sent to Darwin’s post office. We’ll see.