Tuesday, August 6.

Day 10.     Bush Camp 3 to Caiguna Roadhouse.

67 km in 2 hrs 32 min at 28 km / hr.

Distance so far: 1161 km.

AHR:   97 bpm.

' Climbed': 187 ft.

Tonight's elevation: 380 ft ASL.

Punctures so far:  0

Out at 7.30 am.            In at 10.20 am.

Today's cycle I'm dedicating to our own family in Tipp. They have been my best supporters in various adventurous rides. They are all active too, thank God. I suppose it runs in families. Thank ye. ( Photo taken at Helen's christening )

After packing up and breakfast, Paul and I pulled out onto the straight. We had another 64 km to go on this unique stretch of road. Yesterday we covered 81 km. Think of it, a straight level road from Cashel to Newlands Cross. Incredible. Not much cover either. Wouldn't like to be facing into a headwind here. Yet the road didn't become boring or a drudge at any stage. Always some little thing to notice, something familiar or something strange. We did stop a few times to take photos and we could stand in the middle of the road to do so. Not much traffic; and never a danger that something would come around the corner. In fact I take most photos from the saddle.....have it down to a fine art at this stage.

Paul and I are conscious of safety at all times. We have our strategies. As well as stopping for a minute or two every 20 km (Bum Break) we have our duties at front and at back. At the rear Paul calls out 'Car back' when a vehicle of any sort is approaching. (Sometimes the rear view from my mirror is blocked by Paul.) That call means we cycle to the left of the white line or on it. In front, it's my duty to call out 'Hole'  and indicate whether it is to the left or to the right. 'Hole' covers potholes, rough ground, tyre debris, or other impediments. It works well. The trip leaders are also very concerned about our safety...they see it as their biggest responsibility to get us to Melbourne in one piece.

In fact, I get few opportunities to call out warning of pot- holes. The road surface is perfect in spite of the heavy vehicles that use it. The edges of the road look so fragile as if it's just a thin layer of asphalt on a gravelly bed.

Everyone rode at a faster pace today aided by the surface and the tailwind. It was just to be a short day as we did extra  kms yesterday  and energy levels were high......and the promise of a hot shower after 2 nights of bush camp added urgency to our progress. One of the cyclists, not young, took the 67 km as a private time trial and clocked in 38.3 km/ hr. but I wonder how many photos did he take? 

As we left early, we had the bonus of greetings as the others passed by. There are only 15 of us in the group.

We just had one stop this morning mostly just to take on water if needed. I have myself well equipped with water bottles (3), enough for any day's cycle. Road houses have their own large water tanks but value it highly. We may have to drink beer or wine with our dinner tonight to preserve the water!! I read a piece in the shop here how the nurses in Kalgoorlie before the Water Pipeline resorted to mopping the feverish patients brows with whiskey rather than damp cloths. Wouldn't encourage you to 'Get well soon'.

In time we came to the end of the 90 Mile Straight and whooped with excitement at seeing a bend in the road. Some experience. As straight as a pencil and totally flat except for a short bit at both ends. I fear that 0% may be burned onto the screen of my Garmin for ever. 

Shortly after 10 am we pulled into Caiguna Roadhouse ( shop, restaurant, cabins, fuel, camping facilities etc). The facilities at caravan parks here are brilliant....laundry, common cooking facilities, plug- in points to recharge, fridges etc. We three (The Three Amigos) took a cabin again and I got the Queen bed. Really enjoyed the shower and the shave.

I reckoned that I deserved a good refreshing meal and went for the Big Breky....the photo gives the idea. The plate went back straight to the cupboard, hardly needed to be washed. I didn't feel the slightest bit guilty by polishing it off.

Out at the back of the Roadhouse is another unique feature is the 7th / 11 th hole of the Nullarbor Links, the longest golf course in the world. From 1st tee to 18 th hole is 1365 km. one end is in Kalgoorlie and the other in Ceduna. The one in Caiguna is 'The Ninety Mile Straight' par 4 at 310 m. It has synthetic tee box and green and a punishing rough/ fairway.

I took the opportunity of the free afternoon to do a bit of laundry before we carry on another 2 days before next Rest Day in Eucla.

Another exhilarating day in the saddle.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.