What a Breeze!

After the long ride to Norseman riders and support people found their beds very quickly this evening and  I have it on good authority Frank was in bed by 7:30pm and snoring by 7:33pm! (OR maybe that was the elusive 'drop-bear' we have heard about in the area?

Prior to this were were served up the wonderful stew/casserole with mashed spuds Maureen and Sally had whipped up , followed by banana cake for tea. Reminiscence of the day took place with one interesting tale from Ray about how the Police had been called out of Norsemen to investigate the "unsafe bike riders on the road": a complaint some Truckee had cause for concern. After a chat with Ray and and a few options on the best way to follow bikes being offered by the policeman all were on their way with no great problems encountered from here on in.

Once again it was an early start again this morning although not quite as early as the previous day. Everyone was on the road by 7:30am with Ray having to fill with fuel before leaving Norseman.

The riding today was everyone's dream - 40km westerly winds. Yes that's right a tail wind pretty much for the entire day. We did encounter a slight bit of rain, but the wind more than compensated for this little bit of inconvenience. 

The ride was shortened today due to the fact of people trying to recover from the big day yesterday but with conditions like they were I'm sure come tomorrow when we have to make up an extra 30 kms with winds predicted to NOT be so favourable, maybe it won't have seemed like such a good idea. Nevertheless we have been bush camping again with Paul in his element with chainsaws and fire! A very relax set of people sat around talking, reading, taking massages, napping this afternoon getting ready to do it all again tomorrow. 

While in Norseman David and Sally found an oven mit with the closest thing to a 'drop-bear' on it with a mouth and teeth, presenting it the Robert the Cowboy this afternoon. Welcome to Austraila mate! Robert even tasted his first witchety grub today, so he really is becoming an Aussie lad.

Another night at the movies with 'Kenny' being the program tonight. Once again for Robert's benefit with Paul having to explain a bit of the lingo in it. All good fun and no harm to anyone. Another  early morning coming up, so farewell from Fraser Range WA?

Finished with the West.

An early start this morning saw the troops gathering at 6:00am for breakfast around Ray and Maureen's van to chomp into the famous MacDonald's breakfast. I know it probably doesn't really cut-it in the healthy stakes, but when you are trying to get 11 riders on the go by 6:45am desperate measures are called for.
As the day was dawning our riders and escorts headed out of Kalgoorlie via Boulder down the highway where Norseman awaited us after 189 kms. Riders were told to pace themselves but even after our rest day yesterday casualties started to appear. First to go was Darren, not because of his 'cold' but because he'd stripped his gears. Next was 'Lande, who was suffering with her back and shoulder. Barry continued on under sufferance due to his knee injury. ( I think Voltaren must be a wonderful drug as Barry pushed on finally making the full day albeit a little later than the rest. Tim had his moments with nausea and (yes, sorry- vomiting). Frank had another spill from his bike, but not too serious besides a little bit of pride and a gear lever offset from handlebar.
Once again we had to deal with road-trains, most being very courteous and believe it or not we actually saw 2 trains today, one stopping our riders in their stride.
We have now made it into town and all are sitting relaxing with an ale or two( reputations of 2 pots must be maintained!) some have had showers, even saw Mandy chewing on a raw carrot: she is obviously very hungry.

Team captain - Tim receiving the 'juice' from Nurse Mandy

Nurse Mandy administering the 2 Pots remedy in fast acting liquid form.

Paul is still running around like a headless chook fixing struts on trailers, or battery wiring on cars or ...whatever.
Now for a little bit about yesterday and our day in Kalgoorlie. We drove the main streets looking for electrical shops so some more riders could be 'wired-up', then went at 1:00pm to watch the big blast at the Super-Pit. Quite impressive to see the explosive grid all set out and then a poof of smoke and quite a while later, a horrendous bang nearly scaring the living daylights out of everybody. That's when the big 'Tonka' toys rumbled down the track with the excavators loading them up, only to return slowly up the road to the top. The scale of this is staggering as at the bottom the trucks  and other equipment look like 'Matchbox' toys.
Back to the park to finish off washing, making up beds and helping Maureen and Ray with the unenviable task of stocking up on food and goods for the next 2 weeks on the road. Food was going in every direction with boxes packed and repack, labeled and stacked into cars, vans and anywhere there was space. The logistics of this feat is one to behold and I asked Maureen " When Tim turns 60 are you going to do something like this again?"
"NO!" Came her quick response. Sorry Tim, sounds like you're on your own there.
Then it was tea-time and a farewell speech to Nick Stray as he was flying home in the morning. I think it was a reasonably emotional farewell for Nick and the group as friendships have been formed and their bond will hold for a very long time. ( I have it on good authority (Tim) that Nick has made it to Melbourne is is now on his way home. Safe traveling Nick.

Nice day for a ride

Well I've come to the end of a great, but hard day and will sign off for now. I will upload photos when I can connect the computer later tonight.

What could possibly go wrong?

Gee a train, what next I wonder?

Oh darn, another road-train.

I think we need a break.

Riding through a burnt out area from a bygone era.

Change of scenery - Lake Cowen crossed our path.

Kalgoorlie - First Leg Down and Dusted.

We made it! The first major leg of the trip has been completed with all people completing it, albeit a bit sorry for themselves. The 'rest' day programmed for tomorrow is a welcome relief after 5 days solid riding, passing over 600+ kms (some more than others).
The ride started this morning from the camping experience we had last night with some interesting stories coming out of camp about sleeping habits of some of the members. Apparently Jesse thought there was a couple of walrus looking for mates from the sounds coming out of Frank and Darren respective tents.  Frank assured us he doesn't normally snore and last night must have been an aberration!

I did ask Jesse how he actually knew what mating walrus sound like? He said he "had watched a lot of David Attenborough" and as he is a teacher I thought I'd allow that reason.
The film night went down well with all, although we did have an '80's music DVD going and nearly didn't get to the film except Shirley (a 'ring-in' camper next to us) paid good money for Red Dog, so we had to see it!
There were a few running repairs done to equipment today as Tim's ear-piece broke with Paul getting the SupaGlu out for a quick mend. Frank fell off his bike today and broke an arm on his mirror. (Lucky it wasn't the mirror or the Good Karma may have left us). We nearly had to do some running repairs to the last set of riders as their escort apparently fell asleep at the wheel. Those early mornings are obviously getting to Ray as well.

Dr Robin has had his first job, that of removing stitches from Col's back. Hope he was gentle Col; doctors don't always have the best reputation for that type of job. Maybe Nurse Mandy may have been a better option!
Tonight we celebrate at the local hotel to say well-done to all so far, but also to say farewell to Nick Stray who could only complete this first major leg. Not a bad effort for someone who has had basically no training leading up to the ride (due to a heavy cold affecting chest and sinuses) and very little experience in road riding. Well done Nick - proud of you - even if I am a biased Mum. (Thanks to all the riders for helping him along the way: whether it be advice or as a riding buddy - Barry and Simone particularly, I'm sure he has appreciated it all).
I do know for a fact he will miss the group but work calls and I'm sure he will find time somewhere in his life to see a bit more Australia  - not sure if it will be by bike though!
Please check out the photos below and also on the next page (Photos Too) as I have uploaded relevant photos of the riders here and other interesting things on the other page.

Don't go too far as we will be back at it again in a few more days, so stay tuned.

Robert in full flight. Something about a 'lady cowboy'???!!!!

David relaxing after a hard days riding.

Celebrating Col's (nearly) birthday!

One of Paul's inventions: A flashing light - glued - found on road and LED strip flashing put inside!

Col - the birthday boy!

Robin - the doctor

Ray - the cool dude!

Maureen - Cook extraordinaire!

Sally - sous Chef!!!!

Jenny - Blogger

David - rider and assistant to all

Nick Stray - novice

Mandy - keeps the boys in line!

Simone - logistics coordinator

Barry - the patient one!

Jesse - the quickest gun in the West

Darren - the gentle giant

Frank - the bro' of Ray

Lande (Yolande) - The courageous one.

Robert - the crazy cowboy.

Tim - the foolhardy leader

Nick Sayle - who now becomes 'Just Nick' (not Old Nick).

Paul - Entertainment Officer/ Mr Fix-it / Steptoe

Film night in the outback camp.

Our first bush camp

Here we are in sunny WA somewhere between Southern Cross and Kalgoorlie on a way-side stop with picnic tables, rubbish bins, fire pots and tent city!

The ride today was 129 kms but none of the days actually seem to be getting easier. Tim is complaining of ulcers in his mouth, I've developed cold sores, Darren has his head cold and now Barry is having trouble with his knee - and this is not even the first week!

Although all this may be making life a little less than ideal, we are all still safe and sound. By the sound of things this has been a feat as some of the trucks today didn't really appreciate the effort we are putting into this trip, with some fairly terse words directed at our party. A little leniency please: we are going as fast and as safely as we can.

Robin has provided the showers for riders which was very much appreciated. Paul went to work on his speciality - wood getting, towing in a dead log from somewhere out the back of the camp. Robert is orating a story ( not sure about what as I left to put a pot on for tea) but I'm sure it is highly entertaining as was his harmonica playing last night.

Paul has set up his second passion - his outback movie which I believe tonight's playing will be Red Dog and Maureen and Sally have the tea under control. What capable people we are travelling with and tomorrow night I will introduce you to all the crew as I now have all photos ( I hope) and will upload when I get to Kal.

The pot is now boiling so gotta go.

Southern Cross

Today should have been a walk in the park in comparison to yesterdays mammoth day, but the weary figures that appeared out of cabins and tents this morning looked a whole lot different. The frosty morning probably didn't help either with ice across all windscreens and camp bags (if left out).

I told you it was cold! Yes the white stuff is ice!

Poor Darren was feeling quite unwell with a 'stuffed-up head': rest of the body was okay. So with some Panadol under his belt he soldiered on and paced himself throughout the day.
There were a few minor injuries incurred on the ride today with Jesse and Frank both coming off their bikes (in separate incidenets). Luckily neither of the felllas sustained any more than a few cuts and bruises (so I've been told anyway).
No other catastrophic events took place today with the road actually being quite quiet, arriving into camp at no later than 1:45pm. With the early day, washing and catching up on emails etc was the main activities outside of bikes. Some have even walked to the hotel in town for a 'wee pint' and sample some local hospitality here in Southern Cross. Some have taken the leisure time at its word having a 'kip' before the evening festivities.
Yes we are having festivities tonight, even if our birthday boy Col actually has his birthday tomorrow! Time out here looses all meaning with dates etc, so some confusion reigned supreme this morning as we all sang 'Happy Birthday' to Col before take-off today. Anyway I'm sure Col won't mind getting a little older one day ahead of time. Too late anyway if he does as the room is decorated and ready to go!
The last bit of info I

have is that we have been joined by another friend who has braved this mad pack and will continue on our journey with us over the next 3500 kms. Welcome Robin, hope you enjoy the trip with all the 'crazy' people!
Till  we meet again - bye.

"I just want my Mum. Whose crazy idea was this bike ride anyway?" 

Earthquake zone. 1969 had a massive earthquake, destroying nearly all the town, railway lines etc.

Yes, i did get some time to find a WA wildflower: this beautiful Grevillia.

Some ready for the day.

Tim seems happy today ...how long will that last?

More intrepid riders starting the day

Lunch break - well deserved.

Are We There Yet?

Hello, again from the wonderful world of cycling: alas it is not the Tour de France but nevertheless we do have some very excellent bike riders a.k.a Jesse, Colin, Nick Sayle. Throw in a splash of Robert (our cowboy), Mandy, Frank, Darren, Barry with a hint of Simone, Tim, Nick Stray, Yolanda (Landi) and the twist of David and we have our own extremely intrepid cyclists. All very brave indeed especially following today's epic 160kms!

The mood, this morning in contrast to the day before, had a more subdued colour to it as the previous day riding was still very fresh in their legs and mind. 

Leaving the camp together at 8:00am-ish, it soon became obvious there were going to be a few different styles (groups) of riding. The fast, moderate and pacers. Not only was this going to be a ride of endurance physically but also a battle with mental demons as well.

The first casually of the day was Landi, who was struggling with a severe shoulder injury from a previous time. She decided the ride can be accomplished in many ways and although she did take to the back-up vehicle on occasions, she also showed true courage by riding several stages throughout the course of the day as her health allowed, including the final 20kms into our rest area for the night. Well done Landi!

The next casualty of the day was our heroic leader (at least the instigator) of this historic journey across our continent. Tim was really hitting the bottom depths of his limits when coming into the final stop prior to the last leg. I will upload the photos tomorrow which will show the despair of this poor soul, not being able to talk and almost throwing his bike to the ground before he threw himself! To give him credit he did get back on after some sustenance and 'encouragement' from his mates to complete this leg of the trip.

Along with dodging road-trains, wide loads, cars etc everyone finally arrived into camp after 7 hours riding (for some). At least their were no riders going past their stops today, although the support crew did find a few 'creative' ways of getting into some towns.

Another highlight was the lateral thinking applied by Paul to help riders identify 'stops'. This came in the form of an old witches hat, spray painted black with "2" stenciled into the side of it. Attach a yellow balloon and this was to be our 'marker' for the day. So far, so good, we just need to remember to pick it up as we go!

Then tonight as everyone wondered if this whole riding idea was really a good one, we had a fabulous 'bonding' team exercise where everyone in the crew (riders and support) had to tell the group a little bit about who they were and their history. Who knew we had National netball champions amongst us, along with ice- skaters, engineers, nurses, electricians, mechanics, football and cricket icons? This group only gets more interesting every day (and more exciting to write about also).

So once again we come to the end of the day. Some very tired bodies have been dragged off to bed, but all can be proud of their achievements. Tomorrow is another day ...and yes we get to do it all over again.

Sleep well and don't let the bed bugs bite!

Houston: we have lift off!

Yes we have started the epic journey across our continent, all 118 kms of the first leg.
Nervous tension was felt in the camp early this morning with bags being repacked and thrown into the trailer, (you will see what I mean), or was it the frosty morning that had people on edge. Maybe it was the Adrenalin flowing through the arteries, but everyone was buoyant and ready to roll out of town.

Are we packed yet?

The morning run was 'interesting' to say the least and I'm not talking about the riders, we left them to their own devices to get of Perth with the van people taking to the highways and byways. A few missed turns but eventually we found ourselves out on the clear open road in amongst trucks, cars and other various vehicles.

Now we're packed!

We only had 45 kms for the first break for morning tea but the hill getting there was a real heart starter - (or killer depending how you viewed it) and I am talking about the riders this time. They had to climb about 600 mts in about 5 kms: solid going. No doubt the legs were burning and the concentration fierce as they tested their physical and mental aptitude up this hill but they all made it, even if Nick Stray went sailing past the stop and cruised another 3 kms down the road only to have to turn around and come back.
Maureen the consummate organizer had morning tea in abundance with the lollies proving very popular to top up those energy levels.
On to Lunchtime and once again all was good with the van people setting up a healthy arrangement of different food stuffs for people to choose. Unbeknown to us though the group had a minor dissension leaving the last stop with the group splitting and coming in two different routes; the first group arriving a good half hour before the others. Never mind I'm sure there will be kiss and make up over a stiff drink or two tonight (hopefully).

And we are ready to go!

Onto our last stop and this was to be our home for the night: Northam. Once again poor Nick S, concentrating on the white line didn't see the turnoff to the caravan park so did a 'scenic loop' of the town before arriving into port.
As a side issue (again), no I haven't convinced Ray to use the UHF but I'm working on it "Good Buddy".

Mandy had the first puncture of the trip, so it was a tad frantic on the side of the road changing tubes only to find the second tube also had a hole in it! Thanks to Frank who had also stopped to help out had a spare tube so at least Mandy could continue. There was NO WAY she wasn't ride into town!
Well tea is about to begin so with that I'll post a few fun photos of the day and say adieu for now.
PS - the reference to Houston is to celebrate our token Yank with us - Welcome aboard Robert.

Nick Stray made this ture

The last pair to come in for lunch.

Paul Stray washing dishes - mark it on the books!

Only another 15 kms to go gang - we can make it!