DAY 3 - LITHGOW NSW

LITHGOW NSW

DAY 3

KATOOMBA – LITHGOW

49.50 Km

Total Time – 12.50 – 17.30 (4h 40m)

Time on Bike – 2h 56m 28s

Max. speed – 67.8 km/h

Av. Speed 16.8 km/h


Such a nice night to sleep under the stars - so this is what I’m doing.

Thanks again to Nathan and Tina for their fine hospitality in Katoomba. I departed well fed and well rested for the final section of the Blue Mountains crossing.

The bike still presents a number of issues, although I think that by this time next week, I will probably have it sorted. Today was a day of running repairs – first Katoomba and now here in Lithgow and I am getting there with it.

A re-spoking of the rear wheel took place this afternoon, followed by the replacement of a very mangled rear derailleur.

Next will be the brakes, which are growing increasingly feeble.

And not without cause – any self-respecting brake cable should indeed seek a life of leisure after a hell-raising 1100 meter drop down Victoria Pass.

I know I would.

Tomorrow will be the final stretch of the Great Western Highway into Bathurst. An intensely populated stretch of arterial road is to be fully expected. The most visible conveyances along it are those natural enemies of the low-riding bicycle warrior –B-double semi-trailers which frequent the daily route west of Sydney in their hundreds.

My head is rarely inches from becoming one with 32 rolling wheels of steel, rubber and death. Sure, these guys have a job to do and some of the big-fellas have even been – shall I say “courteous” towards me. Nor do I believe this is something to be taken for granted.

The original plan was to have reached Bathurst by today, but this will be now waiting until tomorrow.

I have something of an itinerary in Bathurst, including a well-earned rest day. I’m not meeting up with anyone specifically, but have some plans to make interesting use of my time there.

More to follow.