Rest Day Marree

It’s 249pm on Sunday the 30 May 2021

I have appreciated another day in Marree today. I spoke again with my family this morning and it was clear I needed more time before setting off again. Connecting with family meets a deeper need and reenergises the soul and smile. Just hanging out sharing everyday chitchat is perfect and I am enjoying multiple moments of that in between other todos today. After 8 days it was time and I know now just how much I need that time between stages where possible.

People often ask do I get lonely. The answer is no. I have always found deep connection with nature and naturally interact with Her birds and critters and wonders. It’s a fuel for the soul, as well as family and being part of a humanity I believe in.

What’s interesting is how much Banjo is a part of doing my day to day purposefully. I often refer to ‘we’ and ‘us’ and this may be confusing for followers who don’t understand the relationship. Banjo has a real identity in my heart and I share my immediate space with him with care, respect and a sense of adventure. we also have fun and it’s fun enjoying that dynamic. It’s sometimes captured on video but it’s always present and genuine. I’m sure a psychiatrist would have a field day analysing this but I’m okay with that. My relationship with Banjo happened instinctively and feels every bit natural and right in the extreme circumstances. He clearly meets my need to tackle the day in a relational way. When we had the flat my immediate response was ‘it’s okay mate, I got your back and will sort it out.’ We look out for each other that way and that’s the way it is!!! Delusional maybe but mentally healthy nonetheless.

I had a phone interview with Nick Crawford from the Moreton Daily/Dolphin News. He’s doing a third follow up article in this weeks online publication. Nick commented that following the challenge is compulsive viewing. That meant so much. Thanks Nick, it was really great talking to you. You got the early o’clock raw draft of how it’s been so far and I hope you salvaged some decent material out of our conversation for your article. Your media support is as always appreciated 101. He asks for a picture of Maree in Marree. Very funny 🤣

I have also been able add the cash donations from Gail, Mark, Nathan, Cindy and Melinda. That’s a total of $180 fine folk yay you!!!!! It’s also been good to read and reply to comments and contacts. Your contact is felt and I will continue to reply when I can in a timely way. 😘

It’s been good to email the boys at the mountain biker to check on how I can better manage the issue with my pump removing the inner core of Banjos tyre. Darren said it sounds like the valve core may have loosened during our travels. It can just be tightened, preferably with a valve core tool. Pliers will work, but I need to be careful to not over tighten it. He said not to worry too much about it – maybe just check it for tightness when I pump his tyres. I did this and got over my pump aversion with a valve core tool on order for the Laverton postal pack. 👍 thx Mum and dad 😘

I had real difficulty last night trying to upload my posts from the last week. I think 2/8 have successfully published but not without removing the multi media like videos and galleries. This was distressing because recording moments to share with you is a huge part of my day. I spoke this morning to some of the local folk and they said that the phone and internet connection is limited in remote towns like Marree and that this will continue where we’re heading. Its slow and often cuts out, making longer downloading processes impossible. Now I understand why my posts were failing, I can edit them so I can still share my days with you. I’m just happy there’s internet access albeit limited. Respect to the workers who enable any sort of service in such remote corners of our desert country.

I’m sure the locals have been entertained with my many wonders around town while talking with my family. Love this photo. The lady who owns the house scored the chairs from the local hospital who were upgrading. Bless her!!! “Expecting guests” I said. “No, just too good to bloody waste.” I wish her lots of good times and people watching.

On my routes I managed to take some pickies to appreciate the vintage and heritage of Marree.

So I’m going to finish editing the posts that are yet to publish. I apologise for images only, but please appreciate with me that any sharing is better than none. It would be impossible for me to do this challenge alone. I am part of a meaningful and purposeful collective of family, friends, sponsors and followers, all supporting beyondblue to build mental health in Australia.

Rest Day Marree

It’s 249pm on Sunday the 30 May 2021

I have appreciated another day in Marree today. I spoke again with my family this morning and it was clear I needed more time before setting off again. Connecting with family meets a deeper need and reenergises the soul and smile. Just hanging out sharing everyday chitchat is perfect and I am enjoying multiple moments of that in between other todos today. After 8 days it was time and I know now just how much I need that time between stages where possible.

People often ask do I get lonely. The answer is no. I have always found deep connection with nature and naturally interact with Her birds and critters and wonders. It’s a fuel for the soul, as well as family and being part of a humanity I believe in.

What’s interesting is how much Banjo is a part of doing my day to day purposefully. I often refer to ‘we’ and ‘us’ and this may be confusing for followers who don’t understand the relationship. Banjo has a real identity in my heart and I share my immediate space with him with care, respect and a sense of adventure. we also have fun and it’s fun enjoying that dynamic. It’s sometimes captured on video but it’s always present and genuine. I’m sure a psychiatrist would have a field day analysing this but I’m okay with that. My relationship with Banjo happened instinctively and feels every bit natural and right in the extreme circumstances. He clearly meets my need to tackle the day in a relational way. When we had the flat my immediate response was ‘it’s okay mate, I got your back and will sort it out.’ We look out for each other that way and that’s the way it is!!! Delusional maybe but mentally healthy nonetheless.

I had a phone interview with Nick Crawford from the Moreton Daily/Dolphin News. He’s doing a third follow up article in this weeks online publication. Nick commented that following the challenge is compulsive viewing. That meant so much. Thanks Nick, it was really great talking to you. You got the early o’clock raw draft of how it’s been so far and I hope you salvaged some decent material out of our conversation for your article. Your media support is as always appreciated 101. He asks for a picture of Maree in Marree. Very funny 🤣

I have also been able add the cash donations from Gail, Mark, Nathan, Cindy and Melinda. That’s a total of $180 fine folk yay you!!!!! It’s also been good to read and reply to comments and contacts. Your contact is felt and I will continue to reply when I can in a timely way. 😘

It’s been good to email the boys at the mountain biker to check on how I can better manage the issue with my pump removing the inner core of Banjos tyre. Darren said it sounds like the valve core may have loosened during our travels. It can just be tightened, preferably with a valve core tool. Pliers will work, but I need to be careful to not over tighten it. He said not to worry too much about it – maybe just check it for tightness when I pump his tyres. I did this and got over my pump aversion with a valve core tool on order for the Laverton postal pack. 👍 thx Mum and dad 😘

I had real difficulty last night trying to upload my posts from the last week. I think 2/8 have successfully published but not without removing the multi media like videos and galleries. This was distressing because recording moments to share with you is a huge part of my day. I spoke this morning to some of the local folk and they said that the phone and internet connection is limited in remote towns like Marree and that this will continue where we’re heading. Its slow and often cuts out, making longer downloading processes impossible. Now I understand why my posts were failing, I can edit them so I can still share my days with you. I’m just happy there’s internet access albeit limited. Respect to the workers who enable any sort of service in such remote corners of our desert country.

I’m sure the locals have been entertained with my many wonders around town while talking with my family. Love this photo. The lady who owns the house scored the chairs from the local hospital who were upgrading. Bless her!!! “Expecting guests” I said. “No, just too good to bloody waste.” I wish her lots of good times and people watching.

On my routes I managed to take some pickies to appreciate the vintage and heritage of Marree.

So I’m going to finish editing the posts that are yet to publish. I apologise for images only, but please appreciate with me that any sharing is better than none. It would be impossible for me to do this challenge alone. I am part of a meaningful and purposeful collective of family, friends, sponsors and followers, all supporting beyondblue to build mental health in Australia.

Distance today 84km at 13km/hr

It’s 637pm on Tuesday the 25 May 2021.

I set the alarm this morning for 530 in time to pack up and join the Clifton Hills team for breakfast at 6am – Coffee and Toast and great company all on to get into their day. What a perfect way to start the day and say thanks to the folk for letting me stay and making me feel so welcomed. I really loved the experience of seeing a cattle station in action and the diverse range of workers that it takes to get the job done. It was also very helpful to water up with 6L and charge the battery pack for an over night stop before Mungarannie Roadhouse. Two of the workers at the station made donations which is always appreciated. Cindy from Aurburn SA and Melinda from Georgetown QLD each donated $50 so I’ll pop that online in Marree. Thanks guys 🙏

We got under way about 8am after saying goodbye and thanking Peter for his generosity. Fiona, his wife described Peter as a man with a big hat and smile and he was certainly that with a big heart to boot. I admire their capacity and resilience to successfully run a station with a family ethic that resonates in very happy workers.

The road conditions were pretty good compared to what we have already travelled on. The road is undulating with thick sand at the bottom points where the rain has flowed and left sediment. There’s still quite a lot of water pooled in waterholes keeping the bird life and cows happy. Banjo handled the soft sand well as long as we hit it in a low gear to spin through and up the other side.

There was a side wind earlier but the riding conditions were pretty good for the first 20odd kms. We met some lovely people in this first stage. First a couple, Robin and Val travelling with their grandchildren Tully and Lola up to Darwin. The kids were fun and loved checking out Banjo. They were full of questions and good humour and are now keen to get their own fat tyre bike. Banjo of course was proud as punch and glowing 🤣 thanks for my can of lemonade fine folk. Have fun checking out the ‘Big Red’ sand hill at sunrise in Birdsville and safe travels to Darwin.

Shortly after, Gordon pulled up to make sure we had enough water and were travelling okay. He was a sweetie looking out for us and offered good tips about the road ahead and filled my water bottle x

The road swung round a bit after this and into a gale headwind for the rest of the day. We travelled between 7-10km per hour for the next hours and it was hard going. But I was happy to be moving forward and we slowly chipped away at the afternoon with a few stops to get a break out of the conditions.

We had thought it may be possible to get through to Mungarannie today but unfortunately I was done at about 4pm. I spotted a gravel area by the roadside where there was a concrete bollard to tuck ourselves away from the wind. good spot to call it a day and set up camp.

The moon is close to being full and mum has texted that it’s actually a blood moon tomorrow night. How delicious for our camp where’ve that may end up. The first leg will be to the roadhouse where we will water up and have something to eat and drink before tackling the afternoon. One step at a time and for now we’re safe and settling in for an early night and start in the morning. Time for dinner xxx talk soon

Distance today 70km at 13km/hr

It’s 709pm on Thursday the 27 May 2021

We woke this morning to the full moon still shining his best before sunrise. Nice view from the tent all snug and cosy. We didn’t get to light the fire last night but it’s a nice gift to the next campers tonight.

Jeff, the manager at Mungarannie Roadhouse said they opened between 730 and 800am and I was keen for a cuppa and toast before getting underway. He charged my battery bank behind the bar so I also needed to pick that up. I demolished my 4 pieces of toast and jam and 3 cups of coffee on the house!!! Nice 👍 Jeff topped up my water bottles and 4L for the next 2 days. I snuck in a quick bit of shopping like cool mints, Mars bars and a block of chocolate for after dinner treats. All essentials of course 🤣 Jeff finally agreed to a photo that I had been hassling him about and we were good to get into our day with a happy belly, warm heart and pumped up tyres. It was a good stay at Mungarannie.

Loved the ride today!!! It started with a treat as we followed a hawk chasing critters in the low lying shrubbery by the roadside. He was darting from side to side but not having much luck at least while we were following. Little critters lived to see another day!!

Stopped at 20km for a wee wee break after all those cuppas. I spotted the best specimen of the dreaded burr bush as mum calls it, after the debacle it has caused banjos tyres.

Tirari desert beckoned today. The area is dotted with lakes outwards to lake Ayr. I could see expanses of lakes many of which still have water after the rains they had at Easter time. The blokes at Clifton Hills were commenting how green it is at the moment compared to other times in the season. It was beautiful to appreciate how lush the arid landscape can be after rain and how much the birds and flowers flourish when times are good.

So today we clicked over our 2000km big milestone yay!! 2000km and 3 deserts in we’re super chuffed!!!! The challenge is all about the journey and we’re happy to be this far into it to be sure!!! Every kms a bonus and if we add them up over time, who knows how far we will get! It’s a true adventure after all!!

We were fortunate today to have a constant series of sand hills that followed the road. Even though it was quite hilly, the sandhills provided a buffer of sorts from the southerly and made for a better ride averaging 13km/hr. We both felt more “ping in our swing” and enjoyed a better head space and positive day!!! It makes a difference with what I see also as I’m not so in my had just trying to tackle the conditions 1km at a time.

We had our next break at the base of sand hill by the roadside, great spot!! I noticed how much bird life was about mostly smaller bird like finches and willy wagtails. They were busy darting around and very entertaining to watch

The sun was casting longer shadows in the later afternoon. The angle of the light was picking up shiny reflections along the roadway. What I first thought was glass was in fact crystals in the granite rocks. They were sparkling like diamonds and we stopped to check them out closer

At about 430 we arrived at our stop for the night, Cooper Creek. It’s a quiet camp site which is great, just one other camper. The moon rose again so handsome and bright and provided the best backdrop to our fire over twilight.

The embers have lost their heat so I’m not feeling the chill of the night. I stir them to savour the last of their warmth which is delish.

During the night I remembered all going well we will be in Marree on Saturday and the post office will be closed until Tuesday. While I was waiting for Jeff to open up the roadhouse I mentioned it to a lady, Wendy who was travelling that way today. She offered to collect my parcel so I wrote an authority to collet it when they arrived. I got a satellite message from Mum during the day that wendy had collected my next parcel and left it at the hotel when I arrive. How awesome it that, thanks Wendy you’re a jet star. Your help has made a huge difference and avoided us waiting around for those days, great stuff!!

It’s time for dinner o’clock and tuck myself cosy into bed for an early night. The moon is stunning!!!! It’s a big sky night with less stars because of the moonlight and the silence is intoxicating. Night and talk soon xxx

Distance today 35km Ave 10km/hr

It’s 6.47pm on Thursday the 25 May 2021.

Woke this morning and wondered over to the Mirra Mitta Bore to check it out. I could see the steam rising from my campsite and needed to explore with a cuppa.

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The campsite looked so small but it was a haven for us last night and I slept like a baby

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A Willy Wagtail visited while I enjoyed second cuppa o’clock then it was time to hit the road and headwind. A southerly blew up overnight and she was cold and strong and made for the toughest ride yet by far. We worked twice as hard for half the speed. It was good to stop after 20km for breakfast and a break

We entered into Strzelecki desert country and the landscape distinctively changed. The contrast of red gibbler plains, yellow gravel roads and blue skies was startling. The road is more undulating as it snakes through the hills and weathered jump ups. You can feel how old the country is and it’s a beauty to be seen. Riding slows the experience and keeps it front row centre for the senses to take it all in.

I was very happy to arrive at Mungarannie. It was coffee o’clock, actually it was two coffees o’clock and savoured 101. I planned to water up and head off again after some lunch but that didn’t happen. Instead I got talking to other folk enjoying the pub. It’s super quirky with everything imaginable hanging from the roof and around the mantles

I spoke to a few couples heading up from Marree and they were able to give me heads up on water points along the way – so helpful for planning stopovers for the next 210km – Awesome!!!

Then I met Bill and Wendy. I shared the story of Banjos tyres and my loss of confidence in the pump I have onboard. Bill checked his spare kit and found a valve extender. He said I could have it as well as a valve core extractor and a spare valve. We then experimented on Banjo and got the extender to work a treat with a car tyre compressor. His tyres are now a better psi for the road conditions. His tyre pressure was too low today and added to the challenging conditions.

Its full moon tonight and heading over for dinner, the big white shiny bright fella was rearing his handsome head above the tree line. Just stunning!!!!

I’m enjoying a salad and chips while I post to you fine folk. It hasn’t been a lot of distance today but it’s been worth the earlier stop with the info and extra kit now on board. Three more days to Maree and I can’t wait to talk to my family. Time to finish dinner before they close up shop. Talk soon xx

Distance today 50km

It’s 818pm on Monday the 24 May 2021

What a nuts day with up and down moments that I imagine are going to be pretty common given the challenge and the insane amount of unplanned events that will happen. Today was an introduction to all those twists and turns that lay ahead

This is what we woke up to. Oh dear flat tyre mate!!!!

So While I packed up camp, I processed what had happened and what next to do. My best guess was that we got a puncture on the way into camp last night. There are a lot of those prickly ground bushes on the side of the road generally and we had to scoot around them (I thought) to get our spot behind the dune.

These bushes are unforgiving. Their prickle has a thorn about 1cm long. I checked the tyre for the puncture point and found one imbedded. This is expected and won’t be the last puncture we get which is why the boys at The Mountain Biker put silicone in his tubes. When the tyre rotates the silicone moves round and is drawn to the escaping air and seals it. However the tyre needs to be moving to activate and that didn’t happen obviously as we made camp for the night. Hence the flat this morning

Once I figured out what happened, I then pumped his tyre up intending to ride it around a bit until it sealed. I have a pump that screws onto the thread of the valve. I must have been a bit zealous and tightened it right up. Then when I went to undo the pump I removed the core valve and all the air . Oh dear!!! With no valve tools or shifter I couldn’t tighten the core valve up so that it wouldn’t undo with the pump. It was a super easy job to do but tightening by hand wasn’t enough and without the tools I was in a spot of trouble. What to do next. All I could think of was get a lift back into Birdsville and access to services. It was a long anxious wait

Soon two brother-in Laws drove past, Peter and Nigel from Canberra. Peter in particular was savvy with mechanics and understood what happened and what needed to be done. He grabbed a shifter that did the job and a valve extension tool that let him use the compressor. They even waited back a while and let us get down the road a bit to make sure the silicone did it’s job and we were all safe and underway again. Beautiful men!!! Me and my family thank you with all our hearts.

Of course we were fine as we are well prepared for punctures. It was 50km to Clifton Hills. Suddenly the bumpy road and head wind and sore bum and shoulders took a back seat to the appreciation of being back on track.

I did 38km to the next rest area and had a short break to reset for the last 12km. A bloke in a camper gave me a can of lemon soft drink. That and the packet of pineapple peaces and muslei bar from Nigel earlier, we were all caloried up and ready to tackle the headwind and bumps again for the last 12km.

Around 4.00pm we arrived at Clifton Hills.

Peter and Nigel had popped into the station to let Peter Nunn know I’ll be later than expected. By that stage I was pretty done for the day and keen to ask Pete for a place to pitch my tent.

Peter and Fiona offered me a bed in the workers demountable oh yay and a bed to boot!!!!

They have 22 staff working on the station in total. A mustering team of men and woman also arrived today and they were amongst the table of guests for dinner tonight. Mustering season is during the winter months where they use horses and bikes to move the cattle where needed. Everyone eats together around a huge table. There’s also a cook and a nanny. Everyone is open and outgoing and come together with a real sense of family and common purpose. Outback folk share a commonality that’s generous, fun and down to earth. They’re hands on and baked with common sense. Everyone shares a knack for what works and a tool belt of practical skills to get the job done right. Some have moved from the Cities but most are born and bread on farms and now do contract work doing what they know best. It was really interesting enjoying the chaos of good cheer and curiosity around the table this evening. No picks to share sorry

So it’s 9pm and I’m going to get myself off to bed for a rise and shine start with breakfast at 6am. One of the ladies wants to make a donation but didn’t want to make a scene around the table tonight- bless her so I’m on a promise to find her before we head off in the morning. Night and talk soon xx

Distance today 71km Ave 15.8km/hr

It’s 719pm on Sunday the 23 May 2021

Let’s start the day where we finished up this afternoon.

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I’m sitting by the fire at our first wild camp with about 45km to go until we arrive at Clifton Hills Station and hopefully catch up with Peter as well as water up for the next two days. All going well We should arrive at the Mungeranie Roadhouse by Tuesday afternoon. That means I’ll water up with 6L for 1 night/2 days cycle, when I arrive tomorrow. Maybe grab an extra litre for the afternoon. All good!!

This morning we said goodbye to our campsite after a great night sleep

We had only just started our ride when one of the fellas working on the Clifton Hills station stopped to say hi and make sure we had enough water. Most cars that passed today stopped to check in if we needed anything. It’s great that folk look out for others on the track especially this little bike packer!! His name was ‘Darc.’ His work vehicle is a flat try Ute with a trail bike on the back to stop and check the fences. Very cool set up!! He loves his job and recons it’s not a bad way to spend a Sunday. Lovely man and shared one of his Granny Smiths for a snack later. Thanks mate!!

The countryside is just beautiful

Soon we were again stopped by Nathan’ a young fella from Warrnambool, Victoria. He is a strong advocate for mental health too having a mate who took his own life and has now helped to set up ‘Let’s Talk,’ a local service fo help prevent suicide. It helps to connect when in distress and know you don’t have to suffer alone and in silence. Amazing stuff Nathan who also donated $50 for Beyond Blue. Compassion is a beautiful thing and Nathan resonated with care. He is certainly a credit for all of us to aspire towards building our own circle of compassion for each other.

Not long after we were also stopped by Larry, Tim and Terry, heading to Birdsville to start the Simpson desert crossing tomorrow. These guys were construction workers who spoke about the prevalence of mental health issues within the industry. Apparently there’s a change of culture whereby workers are being encouraged to speak up about their struggles without fear of being criticised by their peers for being ‘weak.’ Being vulnerable is certainly not a weakness just ask Brene Brown!!! They were also a bit of fun and full of good natured cheekiness

We had our first break at a road sign inviting travellers to enjoy the Birdsville track. To be sure!!! And a great place to savour my apple 🍏

The cycle today was tricky with a stony surface for the most part. The rocks are quite large and makes for a bumpy ride. I don’t want to let down Banjos tyres too much as the rocks are sharp and pose a risk to cutting the walls of his tyres if they’re too deflated. Gotta look after the boy so it’s worth a bit of bouncing around to keep him safe. Unfortunately the backside and shoulders weren’t so keen and they were feeling it after a few hours in the saddle. I ended up riding without a bra and undies to reduce the friction. Bouncy ride indeedy 🤣. That’s probably a bit more information than you need but hey it’s all part of doing what I have to to get over the bumps- so to speak 🤣

Just after 4pm I saw a great spot for a camp and was happy to call it a day. It was time to take the time to enjoy the scenery and bond with how beautiful it truly is.

After setting up camp we were treated to one of the most stunning sunsets I’ve experienced.

As I was collecting firewood I spotted lots of wild flowers and enjoyed paying attention to the finer details of desert life.

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And that’s us for tonight. The embers are dancing in the fresh night air and the moon has a ring of glow. The night sounds are filled with crickets and cows and I’m one happy camper. Time for dinner, talk soon xx

Distance today 77.16km Ave 15.8km/hr

It’s 730pm on Saturday the 22 May 2021

Hi everyone. I’m typing under the light of the moon and stars and it’s a big sky night. There’s a notable silence without the wind (and dingos) howling 🤣 broken occasionally by a distant bird screech and cow moo or two 🌵😀

Stefan suggested to camp here on our first night at a facility used by mains road in SA when they’re out this way grading the track.

It was a welcomed sight this afternoon when we arrived at about 5pm. I was expecting it to be another 10km or so according to a couple who stopped for a chat towards the end of the day. Great spot to tuck ourselves away from the wind which was blowing for most of the day but has eased off now for a stunning evening.

It’s still pretty chilly but I’m super cosy rugged up in the new layers and down jacket that arrived in the Birdsville post. Thanks Mum 😘 it makes a huge difference and I’m confident I’ll be toasty warm over the next months. I’ve got my heavy duty gortex jacket, pants and gloves now to pop on when the air’s got some attitude.

I’m enjoying a cuppa while posting and it tastes particularly delish with a dose of appreciation having carried every litre that I’ll use over the next days. Water’s precious!! Stefan mentioned there was likely water here but no guarantees. I made sure I had enough water for the next three days and two nights and thankfully as there’s a tank but she’s very empty.

I’m working on 2L during the day and 2L overnight. That basically adds up to 4L for everyday on top of the 2L I start with. Ie 6L for 1 night/2 days, 10L for 2nights/3 days, 14L for 3 nights/4 days and so forth. It was late this morning by the time I figured a system to carry water whereby I can increase/decrease the litres as needed.

Basically I have a foil bladder that moulds in the bottom of each pannier and can carry up to 4L each without stressing h seams. I also have 2 x 5L heavy duty bladders that can be attached to the outside of Banjos front/rear racks. That’s makes a total of 26L I can carry for up to 7 days if needed. I can use the same system for shorter distances by putting less water in each bladder to distribute the weight evenly across Banjos frame.

When I arrived this afternoon I worked out how to easily attach the outside bladders and super chuffed that it’ll work a treat. They’re such great bladders donated by Liquid containment, but they’re very robust and not flexible enough to mould inside the shape of the panniers. A combination of both systems is where I’ll start and adjust as I learn along the way what works best.

I left this morning just after 11am and popped into the roadhouse to see if they had any Vaseline or lip balm delivered over night. The lips are very dry with the air and wind. Unfortunately no go, so plan B is the bum cream. That sounds so wrong on so many levels 🤣 but it works and uses what I have on board until the next parcel in Marree.

The Birdsville Track was easy enough to find and we were soon under way and excited to embark on this next stage.

10km on we gave way to a truck first and crossed over the cow grid into SA.

About 45km into the ride the road cuts through the Sturt Stony Desert. Our first desert crossing and boy is she sparse.

There’s a lot less traffic on the road which I love and adds a real flavour to the remote feel of the desert country.

The first road train passed later this afternoon with no surprises; I could hear it coming ages before with heaps of time to pull over and hate the event.

I find a beauty here in the desert and another side to mother nature to appreciate. I can see why so many people are drawn to the experience and cycling puts the senses front row centre to savour.

The road conditions were good to start with a hard sand base but it soon became quite soft in parts and corrugated and was harder to ride. the average has dropped but as long as I don’t try to push against the conditions it’s all good to navigate in a lower gear. AAA got a good work out accepting, adjusting and adapting to the change that will surely amp up over the next days. I had mostly a headwind today, not too strong but it also made the going slower.

After setting up camp I was able to send a tweet and Facebook post using my Inreach mini paired with the phone. I more so appreciate this kit now knowing there will more days in between cellular service. How nice was it to also share messages with my family and feel that connection. This counts and keeps the happy hormones warm and content staying close to those who matter most in my life. Love my family!!!!

So that’s us for day one on the Birdsville Track. The body has responded well getting getting back into it with the boy!! Im feeling good tonight and ready to tackle tomorrow. I prepared dinner earlier and the tummy says it’s time to enjoy the oats and seeds while I paw over the maps to see where we may end up tomorrow. Nice sharing our inaugural day of desert bike packing. Night and talk soon xxx

Distance today 85km at 14km/hr

It’s 616pm on Friday the 28 May 2021

It’s fire o’clock at Clayton station campgrounds.

The station provides this facility for campers for $10 a car per night. The draw card is an artesian ‘spa’ which is an above ground water tank that you fill with hot bore water and have a soak. Not really my cuppa tea being more COVID conscious these days but a handful of campers have enjoyed it over dusk. I had a giggle as they got out with sunset squeals into the chilly air.

We got underway this morning at about 845am, ready to tackle the 80-90km here.

We came across our first bull dust today. Just a few patches of 50m or so. I’ve never experienced bull dust before. It’s like talcum powder. The shoulder of the road was easier to spin through so for today at least it was more a novelty. I’m positive that will change down the track 🤣

Goodness it was windy today. The ride was mostly long straight tracks across open floodways so very little break in the conditions. By 25km I was well and truly ready for my last Clifton Hills apple. I found a hedge by the roadside and tucked myself away to enjoy the beep beep finches that were nested in the tree.

While I was stopped a handful of travellers past and all checked in that I was okay which is always great to be on the receiving end of. One couple, Tientsin and Donna stopped for a chat. They’re from Samford and travelling with their fat tyre bikes on board to stop and explore the Birdsville track along the way. They have heard of our fundraising challenge through a number of fat tyre forums they follow. I was so excited to hear about that. They both know Troy Szczurkowski.

I touched base with Troy via Instagram earlier on in Mitchell. Troy is well known by fat bikers and has raced trails overseas including Alaska. He offered to share our socials through his network and it seems to have reached his followers which is awesome to get the word out for beyondblue. I often think about his encouraging words of advice to tackle each day one step at a time.

We had our second break and a late lunch down the track to psych up for the last 20km. We were feeling a bit weary at this time. After a while the wind takes a toll and every bump feels bumpier 🤣

Later in the day I crossed over a cattle grid and into the Clayton Cattle Station. The track had been graded beautifully and felt like a highway. I was very relieved to see the sign 3.4km to Clayton Station campground.

It’s funny how there’s a bit more zing in our peddle when we’re about to stop for the day 🤣

We set up camp and a fire for dusk o’clock and are now quite cosy doing our post. The harder the day the more I appreciate the sunset and tonight’s was yet another one to savour over a cuppa.

I hope to set off a bit earlier tomorrow to get into Marree so I may get into dinner by the embers and tuck myself into beddy byes or the night. It’s so noticeable how comforting it is by the embers. They’re cosy warm and it makes me think about my family and the thrill of talking again tomorrow. The moon’s rising through the clouds. Love you so much. Night and talk soon xx

It’s 6pm on Friday the 21 May 2021

It’s been a really great couple of days enjoying lots of chats with my family and preparing for stage two of the challenge-The Birdsville Track.

I don’t imagine there’s going to be too much Telstra access over the next 9 days until we arrive in Marree. That’s where the Birdsville Track ends and stage three begins- the Oodnadatta Track. But one step at a time and the next 9 days are in my sights. I’ll be sending updates via satellite to Twitter and Facebook and of course be emailing with my family. Love my Inreach mini!!!!!!

It’s been a real privilege enjoying Birdsville by connecting to some of the locals and getting a feel of the place from that local perspective. They’re as colourful as the sunrises and sunsets in this part of the world

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The locals all share this down to Earth tough love approach. There’s no room for anything other than common sense and getting on with what works to get the job done. If it makes sense then they’ll do it and do it well. If it doesn’t then they won’t waste their time.

Its seems a tougher way of life, and very community minded. The locals will do anything to help if you’re ‘fair dinkum.’ Once you earn their “she’s alright” status, there’s even room for a bit of fun and banter.

Everyone pitches in when needed. I spoke to the admin assistant, Sharon at the police station this morning who later served me at the roadhouse and next week will help out at the school as they’re a bit short.

There’s plenty of work out here, especially during the cooler months when it’s their busier season. Apparently, there’s not enough people wanting to work out this way and they’re all stretched to service the daily turnover of tourists.

Sharon used to work at North Coast Regional police Office and we remember each other well when I was a police officer at Caboolture. I also met Jerry at the local hardware who helped me sort out how I was going to be more visible on the track and keep those dingos away. Any noise will frighten them like stones in a water bottle or a whistle. They’re just scavenging for food and not otherwise a threat. I’ll prepare my food earlier and not give them reason or smells to investigate my campsite closer. Good plan! Thanks Jerry!!

The lady at the post office was a straight shooter 101 but we ended up having a mutual understanding once she explained the local way and I could communicate a respect for their ethic. She was very helpful and efficient and made it easy to pick up, sort out and send back my non essentials with good confidence in her service and the postal system.

The local police office, Stefan was amazing. He showed me spots along the route that may have water and will let the next roadhouse know when to expect me as part of a safety plan. Desert country has its own beauty which attracts the droves but the locals are very serious about communicating how quickly it can go bad and be dangerous. People have to be rescued every day and Stefan was more than happy to enable my safety plan. Thanks mate. He’s following our challenge on socials and it’s a comfort for me and my family to know he’s looking out for me!!!

I also popped into the Information Centre and again, just awesome!!! All the staff were great. They made contact with Peter Nunn, the manager at Clifton Hills station that’s about 197kms away. He’s happy for me use the station as a water point!!! I’ve notified him when I expect to arrive and again it’s a super comfort. Hopefully I get a chance to talk further with Peter about the track ahead. That’s part of the longest stretch without water so this has broken up the distance and made it more manageable. Thanks guys super team effort. I’m amazed at the generosity and very grateful!!! It’s experiences like thee that make this challenge so precious.

So I’ve been able to pick up my post packs of warmer gear, food, a flag for Banjo and other essentials. My Mum and Dad and my partner, Dawn have been amazing to make sure these packs are posted in time with essentials I need to best prepare for this next stage. What a language of love. I’m one lucky girl!!!. 😘😘😘

So tomorrow is the border crossing into SA. I need a border pass as a COVID measure and have been able to apply for that online. I also used the Information Centre Wifi to download SA’s offline maps on the Wiki Camps App. This App is a must if you’re travelling and wanting to consider the rest areas and campsites in your itinerary. That you can use it offline is so helpful!!! It tracks your location and shows you the location and distance to campsites and services!!!!

So that’s about it!!!! Banjo and I are as ready as we will be to take off tomorrow and lean into stage two with a fire of excitement in our belly. Let’s do this!!!!!!

Thanks Birdsville community- you’ve been a real eye opener and super super helpful!!!!!! See you on the 17th September when we arrive back in town at the finish line!!!!!!!! 10 deserts and 8363 kms to happen between now and then. One peddle at a time!!!!!

PS I’ve also loved Bird o’clock in the mornings and nighttime. The other locals are a colony of pink galahs and corellas that mix and mingle especially at morning and night

Talk very soon xxxx

Beautiful words from a follower Sebastian

Life is an awakening that keeps happening, and so the characters of are forced to open their eyes to reality. Sebastian