DAY 9 - FORBES NSW

FORBES NSW

DAY 9

ORANGE – FORBES

120 km (approx.)

Total Time – 07.00 – 13.00 (6h)

Time on Bike – 4h 56m 30s

Max. speed – 70 km/h ++ (approx.)

Av. Speed - 21 km/h (approx.)


Best ride of the trip today folks.

Superb.

Not only was downhill predominant, but there was also a genuine tailwind for the first time and some wonderful Central West scenery to boot.

After a week of pedalling uphill, I think I deserved it.
First of all though, I extend a very big thank you to the Toms and Newcombe families in Orange for 2 days of very comfortable hospitality, and of course the use of a car yesterday.

I resume once again fully fed and rested and ready for what lies ahead.

Now back to today.

I wheeled out of Orange just after 7 am, with the prospect of 120 kilometres to be covered in order to reach my set destination of Forbes.

Topography alone suggested that from 900 meters above sea level, the Lachlan River would not likely be any further elevated than this and by rights I would surely be enjoying some extended downhill flying.

Evidence from the last 120 day would still have me on the road 12 hours later and with Daylight Savings now at an end until October, my intention was certainly not in favour of a repeat effort.

An early start was a good start and after some steep initial climbs out of Orange, I was away with conditions firming in my favour the further I went along.

Cudal marked 40 kilometres and it was behind me by 9 am.

With some plentiful downhill finally coming my way and a healthy tailwind on board, the only thing set to slow me was the odd curious local stopping me the middle of the highway for Sunday morning chat.

I’d made 80 kilometres by 11 am and with an extended 20 minute rester in Eugowra, Forbes for lunch was now a formality.

Of the 36 kilometres west of Eugowra, 30 of them were dead pan flat, making for a sure lunch date and early shower in Forbes.

So, with a designated camp in the town of Forbes, I shall set about on some explorations tomorrow with the next ride now planned for Tuesday.

NB. In attempting to adjust the time for the end of Daylight Savings on my on-board computer this morning, I successfully reset the entire unit, meaning it will need to be re-calibrated at the earliest possible convenience and statistics for the next few rides will unfortunately be “guesstimations” at best. Sorry.