Day 8 - Balladonia to Caiguna
Trip Start
Aug 16, 2009
1
13
43
Trip End
Sep 18, 2009
Where I stayed
Caiguna Roadhouse
Nullarbor, Western Australia, Australia
Monday, August 24, 2009
Left Balladonia just after 7am and arrived in Caiguna at 2pm. The road was long and flat, with a section called the 90 mile straight being the longest straight section of road in Australia (146kms). We stopped at the sign and took the obligatory photos.
Also, there was a section of the road just 17kms out of Balladonia that is used from time to time as a Royal Flying Doctor airstrip – it has a wide gravel apron on both sides and landing strip markings!
The landscape has changed from small trees and scrub to just low scrub with an odd tree from time to time – a bit more difficult to find cover for the wee stops!
We passed a German lady cycling in the same direction with panniers etc, who has cycled through Russia, Mongolia, China and now Australia. Dorothy (that’s her name) has cycled over 40,000kms since she began the trip – pretty amazing for a single 46 year old lady.
Towards the end of the ride, several riders, including Mark, took off for a quick sprint to the roadhouse. I didn’t go, thinking discretion is the better part of valour, considering my sore knee. However, they did stop and wait for us about 3kms out – some say that they were pooped and needed the peleton to get them in!!
It was good getting in early to have a shower and relax before another long day tomorrow to Madura Pass – some 158kms away.
My butt is a bit sore tonight (as is my knee) – hope I go ok tomorrow. Marcus seems in good form, so he is travelling well.
