Day 106 to Yuendumu

Distance Thu 55km at 12km/hr to Renahans Bore Rest Area

Distance Fri 46km at 11km//hr to Mains Road Facility

Distance Sat 69km at 12km/hr to Ninja camp 2 to Yuendumu

TOTALS: Distance 7495km. Donations $9240.09. Days remaining 33 Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Tanami Desert Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 730pm on Saturday the 14 August 2021.

I’m going back over my photos from the last days. They’re such full days of experiences that I’ll remember as highlights from the Tanami. I’m currently sitting under the stars with a warm wind blowing gentle for now.

We’re in different countryside and camped amongst rocky outcrops with rolling hills on the horizon. Through this stretch are a series of floodway river beds. There’s no off roads as this area is likely flowing strong during the wet. Finding a spot was trickier tonight. We had to navigate through the grasses of spinifex and burrs bushes that are not kind to Banjos tyres. Here’s hoping we missed the extra pointy ones. So far so good.

As much as I have enjoyed the last days, Ninja camping fills me with a sense of home away from home. I feel instinctively grounded to nature and the stuff that matters most. There’s a real peace and intimacy there. There’s a wall of rocks beside the roadway that we’ve tucked ourselves behind enough to relax and enjoy our posting.

It seems ages ago when we woke at our anthill camp. A hectic wind blew up overnight so it took us a while to pack up without being blown to Alice. We said goodbye to our wonderful camp and started our day.

The wind added another tricky dimension to the conditions so I was very happy to have 5km of sealed section to help us along. We passed a blue tongue who was sunning himself and tried in vein to move him off to the edge. Further up was a squished brown snake but the blue tongue was stubborn and set on warming himself. He was a handsome risk taker!!!

There’s lots of bores off the road that must have water in before the dry takes it toll. They must offer a haven for animals and birds as there were lots of prints that were also dry in the clay base.

It’s easy to loose focus as I get a bit tired and we continue to have spills in the thicker sandy patches. It’s a bit exhausting picking up Banjo over, as he’s heavy especially watered up in the front panniers which detach in the process.

We welcomed a stop to video our first road train for the day who stopped and checked in we’re okay. We met Simon who has a mate, Conrad, who also likes to take on challenges. He was keen to share some of his adventures and know more about our cause. He donated $20 before getting underway. Thanks Simon. I’ll pop your donation online when I’m in Alice.

The road trains also find it hard on the road and are slow going especially when loaded up. Most are heading out to Granite Mine and it’s a 6-10 day round trip. The drivers stop every 30min to check over the truck for signs of wear and tear. It’s a very expensive toy when they break.

At 55kms I was done for the day and stopped at Renahans Bore Rest Area. Over the next hours we had visits from a number of truckies who were having their 30min break. We met Michael, Charlie and Nathan. They were all big softies topping up the water for the local birds from the tank.They’ve been doing it for years and the birds all gather round the tank when truckies pull up. It was so lovely to watch their softer nature and joy.

Nathan ended up staying later while he cooked up a feed and enjoyed a chat. He’s been working on the Tanami for 5 years now and had some amazing photos to share, especially during the storm season. His trucks been stuck for days during the wet season. His attitude is total acceptance as its just part of the job. He is also a keen artist and shared photos and scrapbooks of his drawings. He ended up parking at the rest area overnight as they’re not allowed to be on the road after dark. I had a great sleep knowing there was someone else parked and was able to turn off for some decent zzzzzs

We had a cuppa in the morning before he headed. It was super early and time for me to kick over to NT time. The wind continued and it was a lot chillier to get started. We got going after topping up the bird bowl of course 🤣

This was the most sandy stretch so far and riding was hard.

We spent more time falling over than riding and I was getting frustrated to say the least. We tried to keep ourselves distracted by spotting flowering shrubs by the roadside which usually helps me keep a better headspace.

While I was repacking Banjo again after a spill I noticed that the gerry can had leaked with all the bumping. It was in the pannier with my spare mobile phone. It was in a waterproof case but must have soaked out. Oh dear not a good mix water and electronics. I was very done at this stage.

Soon after Jimmy, a mains road worker, came passed and offered us to stay at their facility another 8kms on. Oh yes please!!!! I had an awesome night chilling out with the boys. It was one of their birthdays and they were in good spirits around the fire into the evening.

The guys made donations which totalled $465.00. How humbling was that. They were full of praise for our cause and shared an interest in supporting beyondblue. I was able to have a decent wash, clean my clothes and charge my devices. It was just what I needed to reenergise for today. They’re also going to touch base with their manager to see if he is interested in offering us further sponsorship. Thank you gentlemen. You were my guardian angels on a day that I needed it and I loved our genuine time shared.

Despite having a beautiful night sleep, I woke feeling pretty tired from the last days. But we were keen to knock over as many kms as we could to manage Yuendumu by 1pm tomorrow.

I’m so tired tonight I feel quite out of sorts. I breathe in the sky of stars like a big security blanket and think of my family. On that note it’s time to be horizontal and hopefully a good nights sleep to recover from the day. This track is definitely challenging me. Night and talk soon.

Day 100 Ninja Camp 30km east of NT border

Distance today 74km at 14km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7123km. Donations $8920.09. Days remaining 39. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Tanami Desert Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 Sunday the 8 August 2021

I think this is one of my favourite camps. It was 430pm when I spotted the track off the main road and checked it out. It opens up into a cleared area that’s likely used for NT mains road when grading this way. I found a safe place for Banjo and a fire. We road passed lots of dingo tracks today so a fire will hopefully encourage the pack to give us a wide birth. That was a tip from the boys back at Betoota Hotel that I haven’t forgotten. So far so good!!

It’s so peaceful; just the crackling of the fire and crickets with the occasional night bird call. It’s also a lot warmer tonight and the wind has eased. So I’m feeling super cosy and relaxed after the day.

What a way to celebrate our 100th day by crossing back into NT. The family are now out of lockdown so it’s celebrations all round. Fortunately, there’s no current border restrictions other than obtaining a border pass online. Dawn confirmed that via sat message at the border so we could wave goodbye to WA and enter NT with peace of mind. It’s been 50 days since we crossed into WA from Docker River. My goodness that seems like such a long time ago with so much rich experiences in between.

The Tanami is very remote and quiet on the track. I passed no cars today except for a grader from the mains road team, preparing for next week. The grader was working right opposite where I camped last night. I popped out onto the track and had a chat to the driver. His nickname is GT. He’s a 70 year old fella still full of zest and a love for the simple life far away from the cities. The boss isn’t able to have him on the payroll because of his age so he pays him in kind with items like fuel cards and health cover. He even got a new car at the start of this season to say thanks for all the hours of great work he puts in. GT still loves grading and goes where the work is in between seasons. He lives out of his caravan and listens to Irish country music to help pass the day. We had a wonderful conversation about lifestyle and nature and I loved getting an insight into his world. A road train passed while we were talking. But otherwise that was it for the the day so I’m grateful to have taken the time to enjoy our conversation.

It’s taken me a while today to transition back into my own company. It’s a tricky process when I spend quality time with quality folk. I was very aware of this today and made an extra effort to be open and pay attention to the incredible landscape we’re riding through.

The roadside grasses and shrubbery are so alive with birdlife. The ground is mostly sandy except when we cross through river beds where it’s more stony. There are lots of little lizards to spot when they run off from our path. They’re perfectly camouflaged until they move and are a wonderful surprise on their back legs at speed.

It’s been a day of spotting tracks in the sand including horses, dingos, birds, lizards and snakes. The snake tracks are so cool slithering across the road leaving a clear path in their wake. It’s good heads up to stay alert especially during wee breaks and camping. Tonight’s spot is great because it’s in a clearing away from ominous hidey-holes

We broke the day up into milestones again to work through the tricky conditions. The first was Coyote Mine at 26kms. I had no need to pop in for anything and was keen to stay focused on chipping away at the kms. I waved goodbye to Rosie and her small crew of caretakers and headed for the border at 43kms.

I parked Banjo up against the rickety WA/NT border sign and went to find our water stash. Matt passed on perfect directions. There was our box of 600ml water behind a tree marked with a green ribbon. I carried the box back to Banjo and popped 3L in each of the 5L gerry cans. That’s heaps for the 2 days to Granite mine another 150kms at 75km/day. We made a cuppa and drank our full of water to make the most of the excess then left the rest for Matt to pick up when he’s next at the border. A great plan played out perfectly. Thanks mate again to you and your crew!!! Meeting you guys has been a highlight right up to meeting HT this morning. It’s been the best way to enjoy our last days in WA. It reminded me how much I love being part of a working team. I used the green ribbon to tie round my wrist and on Banjos handle bar to acknowledge my current team mate.

Doing the Tanami has been all about water points. I got a message from Claudia recently. She shared a quote from Rumi that captures our water journey during this stage perfectly.

Organising water has been such a process of unplanned events. I can’t believe how it’s come together and only with the help of others. I got a satellite message from my big sister katie who shared her thoughts…

“Great how it’s come together with the water drops. You really have a tapestry of support surrounding you on your way.” The word ‘tapestry’ paints a beautiful picture of how interconnected we are as humans when our hearts are open. We work together when we’re at our best and we’re at our best when we work together. Respecting human connection as a way of being, is my most treasured learning through this challenge so far.

The sign at the border was a bit confusing whether restrictions applied or not. So it was good to have that confirmation from Dawn to move into NT. Thanks Darling. How fortunate and grateful am I to have your love and logistical help constantly. Enjoy being out of lockdown with our little man!!!!

I wasn’t sure what the NT road conditions were going to be like so I planned to do 15km blocks until it was time to find a camp. We stopped for a break after the first 14km and I enjoyed the birds to top up the energy levels. Birds are my constant source. There were two little yellow breasted ones flying between bushes all busy and playful in the afternoon light. It opened up my eyes to the flowering plants and trees by the roadside and I took it all in like a deep breath of delish.

I found two awesome chunks of wood for the fire tonight. They’re dry and heavy and still burning a treat. I’ll enjoy the crackling sound as I go to sleep. Sometimes I have to pitch myself to realise where I am and what we’re doing. I’m sitting under a sea of stars over a crackling fire on the Tanami Track. There’s no one around for kms except me, Banjo and the nighttime critters. This is definitely one of those moments. I’m one very lucky lady to be on this challenge sharing it with the 10desertchallenge community. I’m going to continue to savour every moment of the next 39days ‘til I meet my family and hold them in my arms. For now it’s time for dinner. Old Man Emu says ‘hello.’ Night and talk soon xx

Day 99 Ninja Camp 43km to WA/NT border

Distance today 64km at 13km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7049km. Donations $8920.09. Days remaining 40. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Tanami Desert Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 6.45pm on Saturday the 7 August 2021

We’re camped on a small red sandy side track amongst the native grasses with hills on the horizon. I’ve got a keen ear out for wild horses, camels and dingoes. Great spot for our Ninja camp, 43km to the NT border.

I’m feeling a bit weary tonight after an early get up and big day in the saddle. But its a beautiful night with a sky of stars and old man emu hanging out in the Milky Way. If you want to try and spot him, his head is under the south cross and the ‘pointers’ are in his long neck that extends down to his bottom and dangling legs. It’s hard to first see him in the negative space amongst the Milky Way. But once you do you can’t ‘unsee’ his handsome shape. He’s a comfort. I got out the SkyView app over cuppa o’clock and Saturn and Jupiter are making a grand entrance on the southern horizon. Perhaps the insane southerly blue them early into position to make up for the toil it caused us today. The most impressive headwind to date!!!

The day started at 430am when I got up with the crew to enjoy breakfast with them and arrange water drops before they started muster. They do 12 hour days starting at 5am with 2 weeks on and 1 week off. Their season stops with the first sign of the wet. Then they’re back in April and start grading the damage caused. It was a big wet so there’s lots of work to do. They start the last section to the border next week and are all looking forward to the end of season break.

Bianca offered to take extra water so I could water up overnight at their last marker 25km past Balgo. Matt was heading out to survey next week’s work and carried the water left by Balgo police to the border. I got a text from Brendan to say they had left it inside the pink car body at the junction.

Everyone was really keen to help with our challenge any way they could. ‘Cookie,’ the resident chef put aside some cake and muffins. Jo offered her favourite book to read. Matt called the caretakers at Coyote mine who said I could pop in if I needed anything. Pat gave me the directions to Northern Star Tanami Mine Camp 80km past the border. They have already said they will help. So I was feeling very spoilt and part of our growing 10desertchallenge community. This stuff fuels the soul. It was very humbling and awesome to be part of a team effort and on the receiving end of genuine kindness and generosity.

It was 9am when we got underway. The riding conditions were really hard. Everyone was commenting about the crazy wind and unfortunately it was a full on headwind. All Banjo and I could do was laugh and set small milestones to chip away the ride. Fortunately the weather is otherwise stunning and the landscape’s at its desert best!!! The road is very straight and sandy and exposed along the desert plain. It’s corrugated with long gradient inclines. We’re slow going for now until a change kicks in. I know how the wind swings and it’s worked in our favour heaps of times before. So we’re just dealing as best we can knowing this time of year is notoriously windy. It just depends on the direction.

Two road trains have just passed pulling 4 trailers and broken the silence like aeroplane engines. They’re travelling slower in the conditions and look a spectacle all lit up in the darkness. I turned off my head torch as they passed and it’s pitch black except for the stars. What an amazing feeling!!!

Our first milestone was clocking over the 7000kms. We did 16km at 11km/hr and were very chuffed with ourselves ✔️

The next milestone was arriving at the Balgo junction another 8km on. There was a surveying crew there and we videod each other as Banjo and I pulled up. Very funny!!!! They offered to take a photo of us next to the pink station wagon.

I saw Matt had already collected the water 👍

Another 25km on we met up with the roadwork crew. I stopped and had a chat to Kenny and Jimmy who were still handing out treats of cold water, peanuts and tic tacks. Darling men!!!!

Jo and Bianca were a bit further up and we had lots of giggles over a bunch of selfies. Bianca was heading back to camp but said she’d be back to top up my water. I saw her again about 20kms on. Thank you my friend!!!

Soon after Matt came passed on his way back from the border. He showed me a photo and directions where he left the stash of water. More photos and final thank yous. These guys have made this leg manageable. I know my family and I are deeply grateful and I will remember your kindness on the Tanami track. Phil even offered Dawn and I jobs if ever we want to join their team!!! What a cherry on top of the best experience over the last 24hours. It was just a few days back in Halls Creek that we thought the Tanami wasn’t an option and now it’s work in progress!!!! Cheers fine folk and enjoy the end of season when it arrives.

The track from here on deteriorated to constant sandy corrugations. It was probably our hardest riding conditions so far.

Banjo and I had our first spill in a deep sandy patch. We certainly weren’t going fast 🤣 so no injuries but definitely a sign that it was time to call it a day. It took us another 5km to find a track leading off and we were very happy to spot this camp.

We set up in time for sunset and made a cuppa to savour twilight. It’s wonderful to be camping wild at heart and appreciating the silence under the stars. We will try to kickoff early in the morning so it’s time for dinner and bed. Into NT tomorrow all going well!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I got a sat message from Dawn to say that there’s much jubilation at home this evening with Dylan losing his first front tooth. Now that’s a milestone to top all milestones. Happy celebrations my desert peas. The tooth fairy will be on a mission breaking the piggy bank tonight!!!!!!$$$$ 🤣 night and talk soon xx

Day 101 Ninja Camp 83km to Granite Mine

Distance today 72km at 13km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7195km. Donations $9040.09. Days remaining 38. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Tanami Desert Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 Monday the 9 August 2021

We’ve clock over the $9000 for Beyondblue how amazing is that. Thank you to everyone who continue to support our challenge to promote mental health and raise money for an essential cause.

We started our day slow enjoying the local birds over a cuppa after I packed up camp. There was a flock of beep beeps which are the native finches. They were in numbers feeding on the ground and their chatter always makes me smile. There’s another bird that’s showing up frequently. They hang out in mated pairs and have a yellow breast, black head and curved beak like a honey eater. I’ve noticed them over the last days and they were joining the party for breakfast. Outside on the track, we disturbed a family of bastards also called plain turkeys. Mum and Dad kept a watchful eye on their baby and they checked us out before taking off. How wonderful!!!!

The Tanami Track is the next level in challenge. Obviously physically it’s demanding but mentally it’s really tricky. I’m loving getting to see how I rise to challenge. On top of everything else it’s very sandy so the going is slow and a slog. There is no roll so every km is worked hard for to spin through the sand. Banjos doing it tough. We’ve had plenty of spills today in deep sections that caught us unaware. His front panniers are weighted with water and detach whenever we come off. It makes it a real process to work through plus it’s like picky up a motorcycle when I drop him. His chain came off and got stuck around the front rotor when I tried to go down a gear. Oh dear!!! One of the many trials we worked through during what has been a big day for us both. I’m very mindful to look after the boy in the trying conditions that are hard on him. This keeps me in check when I start to get tired and loose patience. I’ve got an hour in me before I need a rest so we used that today to break up the day.

We both have our sights on staying safe through to Alice Springs where he can have a well deserved service. We’re staying with Dira who reached out through Facebook before I left. She has offered to host us during our rest days in Alice. What a generous offer that we’re both looking forward to. See you soon Dira and thank you for opening you’re home up to us.

My low mood was lifted heaps when two road trains came past carrying huuuuge mining trucks. They had a pilot driver travelling ahead of them. Jenny was driving the pilot car and she stopped first to say hi. She shared a coke and topped up my water while we waited for the trucks to catch up.

They’re travelling very slow in the conditions. It was a sight to behold when Billy and Barry arrived in tow.

We all hung out on the road sharing travel stories. They’re all from Brisbane as well so the Brissy contingency is well represented on the Tanami 🤣

Billy had me in stitches with a story about a dingo taking his boot from off the truck a couple of days ago. They ran after him and eventually got it back. One of them got stuck in a wire fence as the others were in pursuit. It was Laurel and Hardy shananaghans that I’m sure the dingo got a good laugh out of. How cheeky!! The boots got a tooth mark to notch the event. His nickname is now Billy Chamberlain, “the dingos got my boot!!!!” 🤣 The guys gave me their mentos stash before heading off.

I followed their tracks and caught up to them during the breaks. It gave me something to focus on and the next block of kms were easier to manage with the distraction. I was trying different ways up to then to manage my headspace; tracking the kms on the hour and taking pictures of animal tracks in the sand. A plan gives my head something to focus on and helps reset.

It was after 430pm when I clicked over the 70kms and started looking for a camp to set up before dark. We’re just off the road down an old track that’s quite overgrown but cleared to a great spot for me and the boy. Tomorrow we’re aiming for Granite Mine at 83km. I’ve arranged a water point there for the next few days and we’ll camp somewhere near for the night. All going well of course. I’m constantly blowing insects off my LCD screen as I text my post. Very tricky and a few have been squished in the process. So I may leave it there for tonight.

Saturn has made an appearance on the horizon with Neptune on his tail. It’s so bright and looks wonderful. The stary sky is magnificent and a blanket of comfort for me every night. Night and talk soon xx

Day 98 Mains Road facility 20kms to Balgo Junction

Distance today 67km at 15km/hr average – 50km lift to facility

TOTALS: Distance 6983km. Donations $8670.09. Days remaining 41. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Tanami Desert Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 7.30pm on Friday the 6 August 2021

What an eventful day. I’m sitting under the sky full of stars with Old Man Emu looking all handsome and shining at his best. I’m staying at the Mains Road Facility 20kms before the Balgo junction. I was 67km into the ride at 3.30pm when Pat, a worker here, pulled up to see if we needed anything. He invited us to stay with his crew at the facility tonight. It was still 50km further on and there was no chance we were going to make that distance before dark. He then offered to give us a lift and join the team for dinner. I couldn’t say no to that generosity. “That sounds great!!!”

The drive here was amazing. We entered the Tanami desert country; an open expanse of plains full of green low lying desert shrubs from the big wet season. Pat said this time last year it was dry grasses and dirt from the seasons of drought. We’re very fortunate to see the country at its best. Wild brumbies were grazing in the fields and the abundant birdlife was apparent even from the car.

I was able to have a shower and call home using their Wifi. I set up camp over sunset behind one of the dongers out of the wind and was ready for dinner o’clock at 6pm.

The facility is on a higher plateau looking out over the desert. What an incredible spot. Twilight was insane and I got a photo before joining the team for dinner.

We enjoyed 1 1/2 hours of fun banter and chats about their working day and lifestyle. It’s a small crew of about 10. They’re colourful characters; so welcoming and down to earth and dam fine company.

This morning started later. I had to figure out how I was going to tie-down Banjos panniers as the corrugations are hectic.

We were about to get underway when Leigh and Bruce pulled up to make sure we arrived safely. It’s so special to be on the receiving end of such care from strangers. We enjoyed a chat and were ready to start our days ride at 10am.

Our first break was at the Wolf Creek turnoff where we enjoyed another cuppa and a break from the windy conditions and bumpy track.

The road got heaps better after this. There’s little traffic now other than locals from the nearby communities and essential workers from the mines, main roads and stations. One car stopped with a family from Billiluna. They were very curious about our ride and Banjo. I was telling Peter, Davina and Azrian about the Brown snake I saw yesterday and they said that snakes good eating. I think in different times they would have taken me home. I would love to spend more time with local community folk. I find the cultural stories fascinating and I’m craving to understand more.

The speedo read 6970km and we set our goal for the day to do 2 x 15km to clock over the 7000km. We were just short of the first 15km when Pat pulled up.

The rest is a beautiful blur of new faces and stories. It’s been an awesome day full of unplanned events and rich experiences. I’m excited to cycle onwards tomorrow and see what other surprises are just round the corner!!! I have to get up super early to join the crew for breaky at 5am so it’s time to think bed. Night and talk soon. Xx

Day 97 Ninja Camp 1 to Balgo Junction

Distance today 100km at 15km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 6917km. Donations $8670.09. Days remaining 42. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 5 August 2021

I would like to start tonight’s post by acknowledging my Mum. She had her 82nd birthday on Tuesday. Unfortunately they’re all in lockdown back home but she still got to celebrate with a Skype chat with my sisters, phone calls from family and friends, fish and chips from our favourite takeaway and a Shiraz or two to toast her day. Mum and Dad live in independent living and have made dear friends with other residents who also made sure she was spoilt.

Mum and Dad are always ready for a call to unpack my day and learnings. They listen and offer advice when I need to make decisions and help me remember other necessities while away like census. I would have definitely missed that one 🤣 My family relationships keep me grounded especially during this challenge. Dawn and Dylan, my sisters and their families, and Mum and Dad are my number one source of strength to maintain a sense of mental health and wellbeing. I always want you to know how blessed and grateful I am to have your care and language of love.

Dylan I saw a desert snake today!!!! It all happened so quick mate I didn’t get a photo. He was a huuuge brown snake sunning himself on the roadside until we disturbed him. He slithered off all shiny and handsome. We gave him a wide birth and wished him a warmer day. The weather has been hot so the snakes have woken up early. But today was cooler and he needed some rays. It was my mission from Dylan to spot a desert snake so ✔️.Start thinking about my next mission darling man when I again have service to call you and mummy.

It’s a windy overcast night. A few spots of rain hit the tent before but it stopped as quick as it started. I’ve prepared dinner and ready to get under the awning if Mother Nature changes her mind.

We’re on the Tanami. How good it that!!! We got underway just after 730am and are so excited about starting this stage. It was a 17km ride out of Halls Creek to the turn off. The sign at the junction said “BEWARE – Loose Service, Dust and Corrugations. We’re ready for whatever the track will dish out for the next 12 days all going well!!

It was all of that and more today.. Banjo and I enjoyed every one of our 100kms. We’ve had our full of sealed roads and it’s awesome to be back on desert tracks. The wind has changed to a southerly bringing cooler days and nights. Dawn texted me via satellite, that’s it’s forecast 21-24 degrees during the day getting down to 4-7 at night for the next few days. We haven’t had those temps since the Great Central Highway. The sleeping bag, thermals, down and beanie are back out tonight for our first ninja camp to Balgo junction.

The countryside has a desert theme of grassing plains, anthills and spinifex. Rocky hills dominated the landscape early on and it was quite hilly in parts. The headwind and corrugations took the edge off the downhills but it still gave the legs a bit of relief. It’s a lot more sandy in parts with sections of stones, rocks and gravel to keep us on our toes. Banjo handled the conditions confidently in his new tyres that are now seasoned in dust and looking intrepid.

We had a 9 hour day in the saddle but that allowed us to do 83 kms on the track plus the ride out of town. It was awesome to get the legs and lungs going again. the fitness is pretty good but it’ll take a few days to find our balance and cadence again off road.

We were watered up with 13L until a couple travelling in their caravan stopped to see if we needed anything. They’re heading out to Wolf Creek Crater. Leigh and Bruce topped up our drinking bottle and shared one of their apples! They also offered to carry our 10L to where we planned to camp. “Oh yes please!!!” We checked out Wiki camps and found this spot another 50kms on. Thank you fine folk. What a considerate offer and huge help.

This lightened the load for us to get on with the afternoon. We stopped to join Courtney and Tristan parked on the roadside having a chat. They work on neighbouring cattle properties. Interesting people. They both share a love for the land and station life. They recon city life is harder. Tristans a fitter and turner from Ruby Plains Station and Courtney works as a cook. They were full of cheekiness and good company and we spent over an hour chatting about station life and living on the land. I could have easily settled in for the afternoon.

We said our goodbyes and got back to our respective days. We appreciated the countryside as it changed over the afternoon.

We came across lots of cows by the roadside. Two in particular were having a siesta until we startled them. “Oh please don’t be afraid!!!”

We also disturbed a flock of black cockatoos who took off in a red spray of tail feathers. Oh yay!!!

The Tanami is infamous for being dusty and I could see why when our first road train passed like a desert storm!!!! The driver gave us a big friendly ‘toot’ as he disappeared into his cloud of dust.

I arrived at camp about 5pm to find a XXXX Box tucked under a tree. Leigh and Brice had marked the box and bottles with “water drop for cyclist” and attached a mix bag of lollies for a treat. Darlings!!!

We enjoyed a colourful sunset with the cloud cover as we set up camp and savoured the last of twilight over a cuppa. Great spot. The road is quiet since it got dark so it’s just us the crickets enjoying the night air. Our first night on the Tanami gets a big thumbs up. The clouds are clearing and there’s even a few stars making an appearance just in time for dinner. Night and talk soon!!!!

Day 97 Ninja Camp 1 to Balgo Junction

Distance today 100km at 15km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 6917km. Donations $8670.09. Days remaining 42. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 5 August 2021

I would like to start tonight’s post by acknowledging my Mum. She had her 82nd birthday on Tuesday. Unfortunately they’re all in lockdown back home but she still got to celebrate with a Skype chat with my sisters, phone calls from family and friends, fish and chips from our favourite takeaway and a Shiraz or two to toast her day. Mum and Dad live in independent living and have made dear friends with other residents who also made sure she was spoilt.

Mum and Dad are always ready for a call to unpack my day and learnings. They listen and offer advice when I need to make decisions and help me remember other necessities while away like census. I would have definitely missed that one 🤣 My family relationships keep me grounded especially during this challenge. Dawn and Dylan, my sisters and their families, and Mum and Dad are my number one source of strength to maintain a sense of mental health and wellbeing. I always want you to know how blessed and grateful I am to have your care and language of love.

Dylan I saw a desert snake today!!!! It all happened so quick mate I didn’t get a photo. He was a huuuge brown snake sunning himself on the roadside until we disturbed him. He slithered off all shiny and handsome. We gave him a wide birth and wished him a warmer day. The weather has been hot so the snakes have woken up early. But today was cooler and he needed some rays. It was my mission from Dylan to spot a desert snake so ✔️.Start thinking about my next mission darling man when I again have service to call you and mummy.

It’s a windy overcast night. A few spots of rain hit the tent before but it stopped as quick as it started. I’ve prepared dinner and ready to get under the awning if Mother Nature changes her mind.

We’re on the Tanami. How good it that!!! We got underway just after 730am and are so excited about starting this stage. It was a 17km ride out of Halls Creek to the turn off. The sign at the junction said “BEWARE – Loose Service, Dust and Corrugations. We’re ready for whatever the track will dish out for the next 12 days all going well!!

It was all of that and more today.. Banjo and I enjoyed every one of our 100kms. We’ve had our full of sealed roads and it’s awesome to be back on desert tracks. The wind has changed to a southerly bringing cooler days and nights. Dawn texted me via satellite, that’s it’s forecast 21-24 degrees during the day getting down to 4-7 at night for the next few days. We haven’t had those temps since the Great Central Highway. The sleeping bag, thermals, down and beanie are back out tonight for our first ninja camp to Balgo junction.

The countryside has a desert theme of grassing plains, anthills and spinifex. Rocky hills dominated the landscape early on and it was quite hilly in parts. The headwind and corrugations took the edge off the downhills but it still gave the legs a bit of relief. It’s a lot more sandy in parts with sections of stones, rocks and gravel to keep us on our toes. Banjo handled the conditions confidently in his new tyres that are now seasoned in dust and looking intrepid.

We had a 9 hour day in the saddle but that allowed us to do 83 kms on the track plus the ride out of town. It was awesome to get the legs and lungs going again. the fitness is pretty good but it’ll take a few days to find our balance and cadence again off road.

We were watered up with 13L until a couple travelling in their caravan stopped to see if we needed anything. They’re heading out to Wolf Creek Crater. Leigh and Bruce topped up our drinking bottle and shared one of their apples! They also offered to carry our 10L to where we planned to camp. “Oh yes please!!!” We checked out Wiki camps and found this spot another 50kms on. Thank you fine folk. What a considerate offer and huge help.

This lightened the load for us to get on with the afternoon. We stopped to join Courtney and Tristan parked on the roadside having a chat. They work on neighbouring cattle properties. Interesting people. They both share a love for the land and station life. They recon city life is harder. Tristans a fitter and turner from Ruby Plains Station and Courtney works as a cook. They were full of cheekiness and good company and we spent over an hour chatting about station life and living on the land. I could have easily settled in for the afternoon.

We said our goodbyes and got back to our respective days. We appreciated the countryside as it changed over the afternoon.

We came across lots of cows by the roadside. Two in particular were having a siesta until we startled them. “Oh please don’t be afraid!!!”

We also disturbed a flock of black cockatoos who took off in a red spray of tail feathers. Oh yay!!!

The Tanami is infamous for being dusty and I could see why when our first road train passed like a desert storm!!!! The driver gave us a big friendly ‘toot’ as he disappeared into his cloud of dust.

I arrived at camp about 5pm to find a XXXX Box tucked under a tree. Leigh and Brice had marked the box and bottles with “water drop for cyclist” and attached a mix bag of lollies for a treat. Darlings!!!

We enjoyed a colourful sunset with the cloud cover as we set up camp and savoured the last of twilight over a cuppa. Great spot. The road is quiet since it got dark so it’s just us the crickets enjoying the night air. Our first night on the Tanami gets a big thumbs up. The clouds are clearing and there’s even a few stars making an appearance just in time for dinner. Night and talk soon!!!!

Day 96 Halls Creek

Distance today Nil – preparations

TOTALS: Distance 6817km. Donations $8670.09. Days remaining 43. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 6.35pm on Wednesday the 4 August 2021

It’s been a full couple of days in Halls Creek trying to gather accurate information and plan water points to tackle the Tanami.

Yesterday morning was spent pampering the boy. He’s so shiny and handsome with his clean chain rig and brand new tyres. He’s very excited as am I for this next stage. It’ll be the biggest challenge we’ve undertaken so far and we’re ready after a thumbs up day today!!!!!

We hit a few hurdles yesterday with inaccurate information and needed to reset to approach today. The challenge is water points. Aboriginal communities are closed along the WA part of the Tanami. This includes Billiluna. This put a spanner in water options along the first section of the track. The Road is otherwise open to tourists however you can’t enter WA from NT.

Yesterday I bumped into 2 police, Brendan and Josh from Balgo Police Station. Balgo is also an aboriginal community off the Tanami and closed to tourists. Brendan is the OIC and tasks a crew each day at the junction to stop non essential workers from entering. He offered to arrange the crew to have extra water on board so we could use the junction a a water point. We will be there by 3pm Saturday. How helpful is that!!!! The junction is half way on the WA part of the Tanami and this enables us to travel 3 days/2 nights either side to cross into NT.

I called Halls Creek Tourism this morning to clarify what restrictions are on persons travelling the track. They confirmed the border is open to enter NT from WA along the Tanami providing I complete a border entry form prior to arrival. I did this online yesterday so big ✔️and step forward. They suggested to contact the tourist information in Alice Springs to find out more about about water options after the border.

I was advised that the communities are open on the NT side which means I can pick up my next postal pack and supplies/water for the next 3 days at Yuendumu. They also suggested to contact the Council in Yuendumu to explore water options in NT.

Sarah from the council was amazing!!! She was creative and excited to help!! She suggested to contact the Granites/Tanami mine which again is about halfway. I spoke to Hamish who works for Newmont Security at the mine. Their 24/7 office is only 100m from the track. He offered to arrange for the security officer rostered on that day to have extra water for us to water up. OMG!!! Thanks Hamish. I sent him a text to confirm

The help from Balgo police and Newmont Security enables us to take on the track safely. It’s all about water and their help has made it doable. But it’s still up to ‘us’ to face the challenge and tackle each day one peddle at a time.

So the plan is 3 days/2 nights (80km/day) to Balgo junction, 3 days/2 nights (89km/day) to Granites Mine, 3 days/2 nights (83km/day) to Yuendumu and 3 days/2 nights (97km/day) into Alice Springs.

I hope you enjoy this stage as much a we’re excited to take on the challenge. For now it’s time for dinner and some time to chill the mind watching the olympics. Let’s see what the next 12 days bring!!!! Watch this space as we attempt to cross the Tanami desert 🌵👍🌵 Night and talk soon xx

Day 66 Ninja camp 2 to Wiluna

Distance today 100.5km at 18km/hr

TOTALS: Distance 4570km Donations $6796.09. Days remaining 73. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville, Oodnadatta, Red Centre Way, Great Central 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 7.00pm on Tuesday the 6 July 2021.

I’m hanging out with ‘old man emu’ in the Milky Way. It’s right in front of me to the east and reaching out to hold my heart safe and sound. What a beautiful night. It’s still chilly but without that edge and I can sit under the stars in comfort.

We hit the 100km mark this afternoon and soon after noticed this red gravel shoulder leaving the roadway. It led own into a clearing of low lying vegetation and rocks. There’s a rocky escarpment to the south and the desert plain between is sparse and picture perfect. Great ninja camp 2 to Wiluna.

I woke this morning before sunrise and the growing light was glowing off Banjo. Morning handsome!!!! Time for a cuppa to wake up for the day. It was a long night with lots of road trains passing. They sound like rockets especially in the night and made sleeping a bit tricky.

It was a slow start to the day but I took the time to savour the spot around camp. Dead trees and branches were in different stages of decay putting valuable nutrients back into the soil. Other trees and shrubs were benefiting with new shoots of growth. It was special to appreciate the cycle and how nature works so well to sustain life. I finished packing up camp and safely wheeled the boy back out to the roadway to start our days ride.

The weather was blue skies across the many open plains. The rocky outcrops were more weathered sprawling rocks over the red shady fields. We passed a number of wind turbines which is exciting to see natural energy being harvested. It also means wind is a commodity and blows up with a force at times.

The Goldfields Highway was born from the gold rush era going back to the mid to late 1800s. Lots of folk are still drawn to the thrill of prospecting like Bob and Chris who I met in Laverton. They head out to the tracks where they’re allowed to try their luck with a permit. I passed one of the tracks today, ‘The Lawlers-Darlot Track.’ The entrance had an information sign offering an insight into its history. The sign read, “The stampede to Lake Darlot was one of the great rushes of the 1890s.” The track was cut by men risking their lives to strike it rich. The gold fever took many lives especially those unprepared with food and water to face the harsh conditions. It’s incredible to imagine the perils and risks taken in the goldfields of old. The irony is the massive industry that’s present along the highway today. Road trains are by the numbers, taking excavations and other natural resources to/from mine sites. It’s a massive industry with economic benefit and lots of money invested by companies to sustain the mining community. I can’t help wonder what impact were causing in the process and the long term costs of the gains.

We had our first break at 25kms into the ride and 180km out from Wiluna. It’s a chance to restock the lollie supply for the next stint and enjoy portions of breaky and a wee break.

It was a blue sky day and the headwind didn’t develop attitude until the afternoon. This made the morning ride more enjoyable to appreciate the countryside.

I noticed more patches of greenery that were more developed from the shoots I saw yesterday. They’re actually spinifex seedlings all very green in their early stages of growth. I also came across fields of native ‘cactus’ shrubs. They grow like aloe vera but with hardier stems that are spiked. Dylan got his picture of a spikey desert plant after all. It’s a little more authentic than the towering exotic I found back beside the pool at the Eulandra Resort on our way west to Uluru.

There are many sections of open floodways along the Goldfields highway as there has been on all the roads. When it rains, it takes very little to flood the roads. The landscape is so clever the way it channels any precious rainfall towards its waterways. One section of road has been built up about 3 metres to cross an expanse of floodway. For now it’s an open plain of salt and sparse shrubs waiting for the next rain to bring relief. I can understand with the amount of traffic that the mining industry would be keen to continue business as usual and not be subject to road closures during the wet. A lot of money has been spent on the road to carry such a volume of heavy vehicles. So far it’s all sealed.

We climbed a small range where there was an entrance to another mining site. I stopped to check it out and noticed I had reception. It was wonderful to call my partner to say hi and share our day. The energy levels were low today and it was a pick me up to connect with home. What a bonus before Wiluna tomorrow.

The afternoon was windy and by this stage I was tired and a bit over it. I had done 90kms by 3pm. It was slow going for the next 10km and I was done once we hit the 100kms. The spot for our camp was perfectly timed.

It was so appreciated to stop where the scenery was raw and stunning. The cloud cover was patterned in fluffy cotton buds making sunset a delight of colour. It’s quite wooded in the neighbouring field and the birds were soothing over a cuppa to take it all in.

So it’s 100kms into Wiluna tomorrow all going well. The plan is to start early and have most of the kms done before the wind blows up after lunch. Good plan so let’s see how we go. Tomorrow’s a new day and for now we’re loving our desert camp along the Goldsfield Highway. Time for dinner. ‘Old Man Emu’ says goodnight. He’s as clear as day in the Milky Way tonight. Talk soon xx

Day 94 Halls Creek

Distance Thursday 110km at 20km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 6817km. Donations $8570.09. Days remaining 46. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.

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 815pm on Monday the 2 August 2021

Can you get more civilised. Halls Creek ladies and gentlemen- yeahhhhh!!!! 1925km – Wiluna to Halls Creek… ‘tick.’

We’re so relieved, so happy and so comfortable in our demountable room at the local motel. We’ve picked up and unpacked our postal boxes, cleaned and reorganised our gear and now posting in bed watching the Olympics. Ohhhhh bliss! I’ve made use of every bit of space and Banjos cheering on the female Socceroo’s in the background. Happy boy!!!

It was a headwindy day but we didn’t care. We were focused on arriving safe and sound in Halls Creek and enjoying every moment of the 110kms here. Banjo’s tyres have lasted the distance and tomorrow he gets a brand new set to tackle the Tanami. The morning will be all about pampering the boy and the afternoon will be all about getting our head around Stage 8. To be continued…

Today started with a cuppa over sunrise and waking up with the birds at Mary Pool.

I was super happy to be on the track out to the highway by 7am. We said our goodbyes to Mary Pool along the Mary River, and loved every bit of our stay at this special place. It gave me the chance to reflect on stage 7. I feel so ready and excited about getting back on desert tracks starting with the Tanami Wednesday.

We were on our way to Halls Creek and counting down the kms in 20km blocks. The day was partly cloudy adding texture and contrast to the arid colours in the landscape.

Early on we disturbed a couple of wedge tail eagles by the roadside. I caught a glimpse of them on the video.

30kms into the ride we went through a floodway with a small range of flat top bluffs on the horizon. It was tricky riding but the views were beautiful and part of the diverse scenery for the day.

We were ready for a cuppa by 60km and stopped behind a guardrail along a river bed with shady gums. Great spot to reset and enjoy the last of the bananas from Sam and Verell.

One of the highlights of the day was riding across a flock of black cockatoos flashing their red tail feathers in the gums. I loooove black cockatoos and they’re the first I’ve come across on this trip. It was a magic wow moment.

Our next break was had with 40kms to go. It was nice to focus on the ‘little things big’ by the roadside and give the head a break from working through the windy conditions.

With 20kms remaining we stopped for our last break to appreciate the milestone

I was soo excited to see the sign to turn off for the Tanami. We will be back very soon!!!

We stopped to check out a camper van heading off down the track. Alice Springs here we come!!! It looks like we will be able to cross the border from WA to NT. I’ll complete the online NT border crossing details over my morning cuppa.

The 5km sign into Halls Creek brought tears of relief and joy!!! We’ve worked so hard through this stage. It’s been mentally and emotionally challenging and I’m very proud of our effort and learnings. The challenges have enabled me to gain better insight into the importance of my communicating respect unconditionally, as a way of being. This invites interconnectedness with fellow humans and nature and is essential for me to sustain mental health and wellbeing. “If it doesn’t challenge you it won’t change you.”

What an awesome day that’s really special to share. Posting has been a celebration 🎉 Time for a late dinner and snug up cosy in bed. Night and talk soon xx