Watch out...Caterpillar crossing!

Date: 29-04-2010
Day 82: Yellowdine, WA
Distance cycled: 156km

After a week of inactivity and not-so-healthy diet, it took the first couple of hours for us to regain the momentum. ;=) As we left Coolgardie, a grim reminder of the effect of drinking and driving or careless driving stood explicitly before our eyes. We thought this is a very creative warning. Our first stop was at Bullabulling which was no more than a pub and an area covered with red earth next to a camping sign. Hmm… But the owner was nice enough to let Sue use the loo.

The frequent uphills and downhills towards Yellowdine came as expected and were less taxing compared to our ride from Port Augusta to Kimba (157km). The condition of the Great Eastern Highway varies regularly and considerably but is good on average.

The long day is not unaccompanied with unforgettable moments. These days, we have comfortably developed to have Sue in front as the pacer and Lukas next as the spotter. With a less-than-perfect vision, Sue often does not see what’s coming until it came. Letting out a shriek, Sue (quickly followed by Lukas) ran over an unidentifiable string of object (feared to be a snake) on the road. On close inspection, it was a row of caterpillars trying to cross the road!! Before long, the passing trucks and cars blew them away. But their determination was unbreakable as they got on their feet and attempt the seemingly impossible. That was quite a phenomenon to see nature at work! A little sad too…

Next was Lukas’ unconscious attempt to make the ride tougher than it is. It was a mystery for at least 30km when Sue rolled happily downhill while at the same time, Lukas felt an uphill climb. To keep the same pace, we maintained 10km/h speed until the mystery was resolved. Lukas’ rear brakes were holding on from his slip and trip off the bike since lunch! Thankfully we picked up speed and progress smoothly after uncovering the ruse Lukas played on himself.

Traffic in the afternoon was less busy than it was in the morning. However, the trucks continued to fly by (usually making room for us, given that it is not approaching a curve or a hill when their visibility for incoming traffic is compromised) transporting many things from oversized farming machineries and container cabins to ‘smaller’ trucks with goods. Our chatters in the last couple of hours made our lengthy trip seem a little shorter.

Around 5pm, we were relieved to finally arrive at Yellowdine. It quickly became one of our favourite roadhouses. Camping was free of charge and a gold coin donation for a shower was asked in support of the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS). The hospitality of the service under new management was invaluable.

Destinations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn - Queanbeyan - Yass - Gundagai - Wagga Wagga - Narrandera - Darlington Point - Hay - Maude - Balranald - Euston - [VIC] Mildura - [SA] Renmark - Barmera - Morgan - Burra - Orroroo - Port Augusta - Kimba - Wudinna - Streaky Bay - Ceduna – Nundroo - Yalata - Nullarbor - Border Village - [WA] Eucla - Balladonia - Kalgoorlie - Coolgardie - Yellowdine