Distance today 111km at 20km/hr average
TOTALS: Distance 5456. Donations $7520.09. Days remaining 63. 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 7pm on Friday the 16 July 2021
We said our goodbyes to Nullagine this morning just and started our 111km ride to Marble Bar to see what the day would bring.
A short distance out of town we passed an abandoned anthill by the roadside. Great spot for a wee spot away from passing cars 🤣
Sections had broken away and exposed a network that looked like honeycomb. Isn’t amazing that such a small critter can create such a hive of complexity.
The morning light lit up the colours of the countryside with desert red rocks, olive green spinifex, and a blue sky day. Picture perfect conditions again for riding. I have a deep connection with this desert landscape. It calls out to be seen for its ancient magical essence. I hold it with such reverence and respect. We’re it’s students and caretakers and are healthier when our environment is being nurtured.
The wind had serious attitude. But it was on our tail thank goodness. We needed all the help we could get to tackle the range that loomed on the horizon.
Marble bar receives most of its rainfall during summer so the road is dry this time of year. It’s busy with trucks, mining vehicles and caravans. They through a veil of dust as they pass. It’s so thick I needed to stop at times until I could see the road ahead. But the dust clouds did make seeing approaching cars a lot easier.
The road began to snake through a mountain range. I checked with my Poppy and he said it’s the Gorge Range. The ‘Atlas Man’ knows his stuff!!!
It was hard going navigating the inclines with an eagle eye out for oncoming cars on the crests. But what goes up just come down and declines keep the happy hormones charged up for the next ascent.
I took advantage of a break to share a 360 vista with you.
The range descended into an open plain of spinifex and single rock uprights. They looked like pagan headstones. It was calling to be explored and would have made a great camp another day and time.
We took a break with 40km to go. The head and legs were starting to get a bit weary and Marble Bar was calling!!
I was very happy to finally arrive at 3.30pm. The campgrounds have let us stay for free which is super appreciated. I’ve been able to wash the red dust off. I think most of it was up my nose!!!!
We have a few days now to rest up before our postal pack arrives hopefully Monday. I’m looking forward to checking out the local sites and doing our usual ‘to dos’ in chill mode!!! To be continued in Marble Bar. Night and talk soon xx
The 10 desert challenge 
Once again your days ride has stied the wanderlust in me. Love the area you are now in and your description brings it to life. Admire your strength and determination.
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The country side looks magical 🤩
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