It was cold last night but I was tucked up nice and warm in a comfy bed thanks to Marla’s Traveller’s Rest and even better managed to get a great nights sleep. Awake early again, I just get ready and hit the road. If I didn’t know better I’d say there was snow in the air – it was that cold.
just looks cold too..
Out on the highway you can really feel the impact of the cold and the wind this morning but the next stop is Coober Pedy, so there’s no use complaining about it. By the time I get to Cadney Park the wind is already really strong and I was wishing I’d put my First Gear Soft Shell jacket on underneath also. But the wind is so strong that just trying to keep Angel upright is a struggle so there is no way I am going to stop just now.
and the road changes
looks a bit yukky
from the cockpit
Watching the landscape change from green/brown colours to the rich strong reds and off whites of Coober Pedy is magnificent and also a welcoming sight. The wind is getting stronger and just turning off the highway is a muscle job. Into the Shell Roadhouse for fuel, breakky and to put on my First Gear Soft Shell jacket. Last time I was here, I was rushing to get to a loo – toot sweet….LOL!
breakfast of champions….Vegemite on toast
I have service – YAY!!! So I take the opportunity to call Karl & my folks to let them know I’m OK before braving the elements of the winds again.
cos you have too!!
The next stop is Glendambo and I tell you there is nothing (town wise) in between. There are the rest stops (some with loos most without)and truck stops but to be quite honest with you…..there is no way I am stopping in these conditions.
Imagine leaning it into a sweeper and riding like that for 254 kays (that’s how far it was between stops)and battling the extreme head and cross winds. It’s tiring and taking it’s toll on my L shoulder, and R arm and hand. You think a workout at the gym is hard try riding these conditions….it’s unbelievable.
Finally into Glendambo for fuel and a comfort stop but there is no dilly dallying, I want to get out of this weather and into a warm cabin somewhere.
Glendambo
Glendambo Roadhouse….Always stop at the BP
Road Trains today have been in abundance, I reckon I’ve passed about 150 of them (that’s combined oncoming and overtaking). Usually I can gauge their speed and mach it to eliminate the wash afterwards but not today. The combination winds are playing havoc and the trucks are all running differently today. Usually they all sit about 5-10 kays above the limit but today they are all over the shop and it’s an absolute struggle to maintain speed and hold Angel in a straight line and on my side of the road without getting sucked into them as they pass. SCAREY!!
I haven’t taken pics today cos it’s just way to dangerous to stop anywhere or take pics with the camera hanging around my neck (which is what I usually do). You really need two hands on today.
Contemplating my next stop, I decided to make an unscheduled stop at Spuds Roadhouse in Pimba. Pulled up to the bowser and getting off Angel the wind is so extreme it actually pushed me off her instead. The air feels like ice and I’m thankful there’s no rain. But still, I am frozen to the core….brrrr.
However, I speak to soon and it starts to sprinkle and I hope it doesn’t get any stronger. My arm/hand are really starting to ache now and I can’t get to Port Augusta quick enough. About 50 kays out it starts to rain….argh! NO please don’t do this to me – thankfully it doesn’t last long but it does leave this beautiful rainbow for me to follow all the way to Port Augusta.
Find the Shoreline Caravan Park so I can get a cabin and do some washing. I’ve stayed here before so there was no need to complete all the paperwork stuff. Funny thing is, I get the same cabin Karl and I had when we did my SS1600 a few years ago. Laundry duties completed and I ordered in pizza for dinner.
a womans work is never done!
Heading to Broken Hill tomorrow and have teed catching up with some FarRider friends for a bit.
Need to rest these weary bones and muscles….I feel like the leaning tower of Kimmie.
