Day 5 Sandfire Roadhouse to Pardoo Roadhouse 139 km

Last night the wind increased which made sleeping in the tent interesting. The ground was so hard I hadn’t been able to pegs into the ground. At 3.00 am it was only my weight that was holding down the tent. I was beginning to think I might not be able to ride today if it kept blowing.

Fortunately the wind dropped and today was the best riding day so far. I had to wait until 7.00 am to collect sandwiches that I had ordered the night before. I wish I hadn’t waited, they were really bland.

While I was waiting I chatted with another camper who asked me why I was riding the 2nd most boring road in Australia. The 1st being the Nullabor. Actually I haven’t found it boring, the vegetation and landscape change constantly but I guess if you are in a car travelling at 110 kph you may not see that.

This peacock was wandering nearby while I was waiting. The roadhouse seems to have a large population.

Who’d have thought you could shrink-wrap a helicopter? This truck pulled in for fuel. The driver was repairing the wrapping with the largest roll of duct tape I have ever seen.

On the road the wind was mostly favourable, not a tail wind but a crosswind slightly from behind. I made good progress and knocked off 70 km by 11.00 am. My plan was to do 100 km which would enable me to get to Pardoo for breakfast tomorrow however the cycling conditions were so pleasant I just kept going after lunch.

With 30 km to go I was looking forward to a beer and shower knowing this would be a my longest day in the touring bike saddle yet. I reached Pardoo just before 5.00 pm. It looks fairly basic but the staff are friendly. Nittin an Indian guy behind the counter wanted a selfie with me and the bike, and Kevin who runs the campground couldn’t be more helpful. Also nice to put the tent on some grass. 

Decided to eat in – mistake! I should have checked the price before ordering. Oh well I deserve it after such a long day. Back to Lentils and rice tomorrow!