Distance today 96km at 19km/hr average
TOTALS: Distance 5344km. Donations $7520.09. Days remaining 64. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
Note to new readers: I am travelling with my bike who’s name is Banjo. I often refer to ‘we’ meaning Banjo and I. ‘We’ have an amazing support team of family, friends, sponsors and folk we meet each day. But it’s still up to ‘us’ to face the challenge and tackle each day one peddle at a time.
It’s 6.30pm on Thursday the 15 July 2021.
We have cycled through the most spectacular scenery today. I took some footage at our first break that captured its essence.
I’m so grateful to be riding through this country. It’s so ancient and so precious with riches far beyond iron ore. It was a blue sky day and with a tail wind, I could sit back in the saddle and savour every moment.
The Roy Hill mining area extended for the duration of the sealed road. It had a number of outposts, an airport, railroad and township. It’s what pays for the party as far as the excellent sealed road, allowing easy access for its community.
I passed many mining cars today, two of which stopped for a check in and chat. First I met Shaun who’s a diesel fitter. He spoke about how important mental health is in the mining community. Many workers struggle and more access to services are essential for workplace health and safety. We exchanged details and he’s keen to share our challenge with his peers and through socials. I got a text from him later today saying, “
“Hi meree this is Shaun the guy you got a photo with. Good luck on your quest to making the difference. Be safe and god bless 😊 Thank you x”
Right back at you mate!!! Your genuine care for the mining community is apparent and I wish you and your colleagues all the support you need to be your best selves.
I also met Lisa who was down to earth and so encouraging about our commitment. She was fascinated about the details of our route. Lisa spoke about how much she loved working in an area so beautiful. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for taking the time to check in and for sharing our challenge with your peers. Please keep in touch!! Great to see females also have a presence in the mining industry.
We passed an iron ore train with 2 engines pulling and 2 more engines helping to pull the load of carriages mid section. The train was so long and I was able to capture some footage especially for Dylan who looooves train. Me too mate!!!
The train marked the spot where we said goodbye to Roy Hill Mining along with the sealed Road.
From here on in to Nullagine the scenery just got better!!!! It’s so satisfying to be able to share using videos as it does the experience of today the justice it deserves.
We celebrated our arrival into Nullagine with a 5km downhill overlooking a plateau in the afternoon light. Aaaamaaazing!!!!
It’s a dot town with a pub, corner store and post office. There’s a number of residential streets, an industrial area and a police station. At the town junction is a parkland with amenities. Overnight camping is permitted for caravans that are self contained. Camping is not usually allowed.
When I arrived, I was approached by Steve from Albany who has just travelled the Gibb River Road. He was telling me about another solo female cyclist who was attempting the 600km track. I noticed he’s already started following our socials and donated $20 to help our cause. Thanks Steve!!
The folk at the corner store contacted the police who said it was okay for us to camp given we’re doing a fundraising event. Thank you to the township for getting behind our challenge and enabling our safe travels onto Marble Bar tomorrow. 🙏
So now we’re tucked in behind one of the buildings in the parkland out of the wind. The crescent moon is shining as are we after a day that I’ll cherish as one of my favs to be sure!!
I’ll finish go with a gallery of some of the photos I took over the day. Enjoy!!! Night and talk soon xx
The 10 desert challenge 
Lovely post Maree! Regrettably we’ll miss you arrive in Marble Bar as we are leaving on Friday morning. But I can assure you, people are lovely here. If you want a good feed, go to The Iron Clad Hotel but be early, their great food is popular. Keep on cycling, stay healthy – sleep well. Lia
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Seeing you in the mirror along with the stunning scenery is just beautiful. I swear you are looking younger and more relaxed as each day unfolds. Keep pumping those pedals to change lives
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