DAY 76 - KIMBA SA

KIMBA SA

DAY 76

WUDINNA - KIMBA

114.35 km

Total Time: 08.15 – 17.15 (9h)

Time on Bike: 6h 20m 57s

Max. Speed: 50.6 km/h

Av. Speed: 18 km/h


Another day, another 110 km of tailwinds.

I’m beginning to get attached to this type of luxury.

And in reference to luxury, I must take a moment to thank some kind people I have met in the past few days.

Ted and Maree in Wirrulla not only fed me up with breakfast, but also sent me on my way with a tasty supply of road rations that I am still making use of.

Since arriving here in Kimba I have been adopted already by 2 sets of neighbours, so big thanks to Richard and Ruth for the toasted sandwiches and tea cuppas and likewise to Peter and Maxine for the dinner and conversation.

There are also breakfast appointments to keep in the morning so it is not over with just yet…..

I am pleased to have covered over 300 kilometres since leaving Ceduna on Tuesday morning and it has been killer tailwinds all the way.

Even so, today’s ride was one of the most challenging of the trip – only 110 kilometres but over particularly hilly terrain – 2 such hills were absolute monsters, possibly as long and steep as I have had to climb at any stage.

Taking on this terrain with headwind would just about register defeat.

I can safely say that I may not have made 60 kilometres going in the other direction.

Other uninvited guests today were a massive storm front, which dropped a healthy share of rain over the final 30 km and a pesky plethora of flies which were set to wear me down over some of the longer and steeper climbs.

Problem being, with the strong tailwind, I had to reach almost 25 km/h to get wind in my face and disperse the flies.

Anything under this and the flies were on song and in masses – particularly infuriating during a couple of 45 minute hill climbs at around 8 – 10 km/h.

With only a week until Winter Solstice, I am interested to understand the operational vagaries of these largely useless creatures.

I can only register relief that this is not the midst of summer when the insect masses would surely become unbearable…..

So it is onwards along the Eyre in the morrow.

Destination has been determined as Nuttbush Retreat, an accommodation stop 40 kilometres west of Port Augusta, which leaves around 115 km to ride tomorrow.

Depending on circumstances, it may be a 2-day stay, leaving re-arrival in PA for Sunday and a final completion of the 1200 km Eyre Peninsula circuit.