Day One finally arrived and after a great catch up with Ross and Penny, I started to pack up the bike. I didn’t get far, as the rear tyre was flat before a pedal was turned. Not a great start.
It was fiddly to change, as I’d put in new tyre liners and they hadn’t yet compressed at all. I’d also tried some new tubes – TPU tubes which promised to be stronger and lighter. That was a spur of the moment thing, as I got hooked on a Temu ad for them. Well … That was a mistake, as I’d later find out that the tube had failed near the valve.
Ross had arranged for a few people to ride out with me for the first bit. Peter Cox, whom I knew, and Carl. It was good to have some company but I felt bad slowing them down – I was on a loaded bike after all and they were much lighter.
They all had to peel off at some stage and when I got to the Captain’s Flat turnoff, I said goodbye to Pete and I was on my own again. It’s a familiar feeling and it’s fantastic not knowing where I’ll get to or what the day will bring.
If I were fitter, today would have been much easier, but five months of inactivity has to be paid for through pain and fatigue it seems. I was expecting to be able to get water but no food at Captain’s Flat and Jerangle. I was also planning to camp before Jerangle if there was a good spot (or someone to ask).
Unfortunately, today was a stinker. It was soon over 30 degrees and really dry.
Surprisingly, there was a food caravan in Captains Flat and I took advantage with a bacon and egg roll, then filled up my bottles. And then it was up and up on a decent road.
At about 55kms, the gravel started and while the riding was fantastic, the heat started to become oppressive. I reached the area that I’d earmarked as a place to camp, but it was pointless as it was just too hot to sit around for the rest of the day.
Pretty soon, my only camping options were Jerangle at 80kms (if there was plenty of water and a suitable campsite available) and Bredbo at 110kms.
At Jerangle, I asked a lady if there was any water sources and after telling me there were none, she gave me the litre of cold water she had on her ATV. That was so nice of her. And then she wished me luck on the bumpy road to Bredbo.
There was a fantastic downhill but it was followed by three hills that had me walking. It’s a fine line to tread when you’re dehydrated and fatigued. You don’t / can’t push too hard, but you still want to make it. And that’s the line I trod for the whole afternoon. There’s no shame in walking and I did my share of that.
The final downhill to Bredbo meant the end of the effort and the campsite at the back of the pub was a welcome sight. I only wish someone else could have pitched my tent and fetched a bottle of water for me.
I had used hydralyte tabs in my water during the afternoon and again at the end. I was expecting cramps as usual after a day like this, but none occurred. I think I’ve found a new addition to my gear.
I had a very slow schnitty at the pub for dinner. I had expected to be ravenously hungry but I struggled to eat. Next was a sleep and a plan for an easy day to Cooma and then a rest day. I’ll take it slowly as I gain fitness.
Bredbo to Cooma
I woke up tired after a restless sleep, and packed the tent. The rear tyre was flat and I thought the worst, but decided to pump it up and see if it held while I got some breakfast. (Surprisingly, that’s what happened, and as I sit here in Cooma on my rest day, the tyre is still pumped up. I’m confused , but grabbed some more tubes here, in case the worst happens in the more remote stretches to come).
I had an uneventful 35kms on the highway (the easy way) into Cooma and found a place that serves beautiful Banh Mi and great coffee. Paradise
Rest day
As luck would have it, old friends, Andy and Fiona were passing through this morning, so we caught up and had coffee in town.
Cooma is a great place for a rest. I’m not tempted to do anything 😁