To the Back of Back O' Bourke

This next bit of the journey will fondly be remembered as 'the next bit'.

I had made it to Dubbo and the priority was to cool down. It wasn't long before I found Dale and Rachaels house and the pool which would become my sanctuary over the next couple of days. If it wasn't for the need to find nourishment I would never have vacated, alas this was not the case and I was forced back onto the bike to head into town.
This is when I encountered my first magpie. There is only a 6 week window each year when these clever, aggressive birds protect their nest with force. An ominous shadow looms overhead and I instantly know what will follow. A sudden burst of energy and I'm pedalling away at top speed, as fast as my legs will go, continually looking over my shoulder to the stalking bird just behind me. As I feel I can't possibly keep it up it soars away and relief washes over my body. I would not return this way.
I make the decision to lay low for the following rest days. I used this time to visit a physio, meet some locals and relax by the pool. My hosts in Dubbo were most generous giving me full access to their house, some internet time and use of a scooter to get around on. By the last day I was eager to get back on the bike. It was quite a hot day and as I lay in the pool looking up at the glowing blue sky and watching the birds go by I thought about my peers and friends at work and it didn't seem fair. It was time to continue.....

I was repacked and ready to go. By now I knew what i was using and how often so I could pack accordingly, easing the strain of wondering where things were and searching for them as required. I was off to Narromine.
After such a long rest I felt completely rejuvenated and I was moving along with the greatest of ease. Narromine was only 40km away and the plan was to start slow with a short day. I had been warned about the flatness the remainder of western NSW would bring and although the road was straight it was still going slightly up and down. Within a couple of hours I was within 10km of Narromine, not even the slight head breeze was hampering movement. Upon reaching my destination I had decided to find a place to camp. There was no point pushing myself just yet, not when the Maquarie river looked so inviting.
I found camp at the local tourist park situated just on the north side of town, backing onto the aerodrome. As it happens Narromine is a hub for gliders and hosts competitors from all over the world. The aerodrome also boasts a handmade working replica of Wright Bros 1909 Class A Flyer, built by a couple of local plane building enthusiasts.
I had found a shady place to camp and preceded to visit the amenities block for a wash. I entered to hear the sounds of classical music. At first I took little notice before recognising the song as 'Pachelbel: Canon in D' and for those that are familiar with this song you will know it is music usually reserved for the worlds poshest toilets, not the dunny at Narromine caravan park.
I spent the remainder of the day floating in the Maquarie river and staying cool. The water is most refreshing and there is not a sole around. As usual the sun going down brings relief from the heat, unfortunately the same can't be said for the mosquitoes.

I rise with the sun and the heat it brings. After packing up camp (something which is already becoming part of the daily grind) I attempt to leave. As I wheel my bike I instantly notice there is something wrong, another flat tyre. Not the way I'd like to start the day but its not going to fix itself. After removing the tube to replace i find it has let go on the valve stem, not a place i was willing to try and patch so I scrap this one to the bin and use my last good tube. This leaves me with one patched tube as a spare and I'm not filled with any confidence to continue like this. I get on my phone to try and find replacements and get onto a a shop in Trangie only 35km up the road. They not only have tubes but thorn resistant ones at that, I'm on my way.
It was 9:30am by the time I was moving and the southerly wind which greeted me with the sun had now died down and even changed direction. The road is now dead flat and for the first time I can see as far as my eyes will allow before the road disappears into the horizon. Despite this the 35km to Trangie takes little time to reach and I locate some new tubes. Andy of Andys warehouse is more than helpful. We are both surprised that he had the correct tubes in stock and I learn now that Dubbo was the last metropolis i would encounter for the next couple of thousand kilometres. Andy and his wife Michelle show interest in my well being and begin to load me up with tape, a neck cooling scarf and advice on the road ahead, especially the heat. Over the next couple of days it would get into the 40's where I am told with the temperature of the road out here my tyres would melt, I am curios as to how accurate this would be. I thank Andy and Michelle for their assistance and continue on into the day.

The urge to camp in Trangie is high as the day gets hotter and I must decide quickly what to do to beat tomorrows 40deg scorcher. Nyngan is 95km away so I press on into the day, hoping to get to Nevertire (35km) and then make a morning assault on Nyngan the following day.
I move closer to Nevertire as a hot headwind picks up in the afternoon. This area has a large cotton industry, this is evident by the road side littered with cotton from the passing trucks. It begins to get hard to pedal as fatigue from the wind kicks in. I find myself moving only a few kilometres at a time before needing to find refuge under the shade of a tree. While catching said shade a ute pulls over in front of me blocking the road. A father and son occupy the ute, they had driven past and returned to see if I was ok. Again offering me water and a lift, both of these i would decline. It begins to feel as if my mum is sending people out to check on me. I am advised here that I am only 15km from my destination, a short distance that would take the remainder of the afternoon to travel. I'm not sure what there was to be in Nevertire and to my delight a pub with air-con and a shower to unwind from the day in. I am absolutely knackered today after my first genuinely hot day so far, and as I'm told tomorrow is the one to look out for.

I set my alarm for 4am and get an early sleep, already packed and ready to go for an early start. A restless sleep and a desire to beat the heat helps me rise. Its still dark and I use my lights for the first time as I set off for Nyngan just 60km away. Its beautifully cool and there is a distinct lack of traffic on the road which allows  me to find the smoothest line. I peer over my shoulder at the orange rising sun and am in awe of the light it brings to the flat landscape. The road is straight and flat, again being able to see as far as my eyes allow. I can make out lights in the distance and at first attribute this to a reflection off my headlight. As it turns out it is a vehicle coming the other way and with no obstructions i can see several kilometers down the road. It takes what seems like an eternity to reach me.
The sun rise is nothing short of amazing, i wonder why I haven't been on the road for this yet or when I would re-live this magic. I bask in the morning sun, taking the opportunity to snap lots of photos and watch the kangaroos and especially the birds welcome the day. I have been watching Galahs with great interest and I first noticed their unique colour scheme against the bright blue sky, they also seem to travel in pairs (Apparently Galahs from a strong bond with a partner much the same as a duck). It is the wedge tailed eagle which would take the interest this morning. I had already spotted a few shadowing the road looking for prey but this morning there were many more, and they were becoming quite curious (or hungry). I stopped as I notice a shadow from overhead. I turn to spy an eagle circling overhead and getting closer, catching thermals just behind me. As it feels reminiscent of a recent magpie attack I remain stopped, keeping eye contact the entire time ready to react. Even I am too large a prey for a wedge tailed eagle and repeats of this behaviour as I travel up the road settle my nerves as it becomes the norm.

The cool morning allows for maximum pedalling on the flat road. The problem with the flat though is there is no rest from the pedals, no free kilometres rolling down a hill, all motion forward is undertaken from my own steam. Despite this Nyngan moves ever closer and before long I'm knocking on the door with only 20km to go. I turn my phone back on to a barrage of messages from friends old and new warning me of the imminent heat the day would bring. "Ha" I thought, one step ahead. Maybe not, another flat tyre! With such a short distance to go I attempt to just pump it up and make a run for it. This proves to be successful as a make it to Nyngan in ample time.

A day early again arriving in Nyngan which will equate into more rest time and time to prepare for the next leg to Bourke. Nicole is coming to visit me again this weekend which would be the last time I would see her for at least 6 weeks. I use this to justify some luxury accommodation, the last I would enjoy for some time. While I wait for Nicole I use the time to replace both tubes to thorn resistant and do some washing. I had underestimated the harshness of the outback and the thorny grass which lines the hwy.
Nicoles visit passes way too fast after we spend the weekend relaxing together and checking out the sights Nyngan has to offer, which is only one, the Bogan river.

As soon as I wake on the Monday I immediately wish for 'one more day', this was not to be and the journey must continue. Nicole went and waited for me on the edge of town for one last embrace. It was an emotional goodbye neither of us wanted to drag on.
The Mitchell hwy would continue to take me north and the following 200km to Bourke. On the map was a dead straight road and I imagined the extreme flatness to continue. To my joy and surprise the road began to ungulate up and down and even went around some *gasp* corners. The dirt which dresses the vast landscape is now a deep red, and even though I'm only on the cusp of the real outback, the dirt and plant life tell me I'm there. I continue to pedal along in the cool morning air right out on the road as the traffic is continuing to be sparse. Only 40km down the road and I have reached Girrilambone. With a population of 66 I am always impressed these places have a pub, and sometimes only a pub. Here I meet Greg, a local Mr fix it, he advises me there is camping at Coolabah about 30km onwards. I rest for a while before taking his advice and heading for Coolabah.
I chase the black ribbon into the distance as it continues to follow the contour of the land. Its a pleasant ride as there are some slight down sections with a gentle breeze on my back. In no time I have reached Coolabah.

Coolabah is famous for feral goat races every June long weekend. As i can gather they pull humans in small chariots suitable to be pulled by a goat (or goats) and is a busy time of year in the beer drinking community. There stands the remains of the local pub, recently burned down and awaiting to be rebuilt. There is a shop/post office/petrol stop here also. I enter to catch a bit of cool aircon and enquire with the surly lady behind the counter if there was somewhere to camp as Greg had suggested. Her firm response of "No" is enough for me not to question this and after debating with myself weather of not to just camp anyway I top up some water and move on down the road in search of a suitable spot. There are still plenty of trees and I find it very easy to choose a suitable tree to shelter from both the sun and the road.

With 125km left to get to Bourke I know that there will be another night camping on the side of the road. To my delight the day brings a fantastic tailwind, and the cool air makes for another pleasant ride. While having a bit of breakfast at a rest stop a council ute pulls in to check the bins. Martin from the Bogan Shire Council is keen to stay and have a chat. He seems to be a wealth of information on wild pigs and shares his advice on dealing with them. I'd never even thought about pigs of them attacking me. I am told its only the big ones , as Martin holds his hand at waist height, and the ones with tusks I need to worry about. They are easily side stepped, I'm told. I probably should have gotten a bit more info on avoiding these, as it stands if I'm attacked I will just keep side stepping the wild angry pig until it gets tired. This would have to do.
After travelling 50km for the morning I reach Byrock and the last pub before Bourke. Byrock has the nicest pub I have seen so far with the insides filled with clever signage about hangovers and credit being like sex (some get it, some don't) and a barrage of hats signed by the drunken cowboys and shearers who used to wear them. I contemplate staying for the afternoon but Bourke is too close and any progress made while the day is bearable I'll have to take.

I make it another 20km up the road, constantly searching for a camping spot as the tree have become scarce and thin, offering little protection from the sun or the road. I finally choose a spot in the red dirt. The afternoon heat is beginning to intensify as i sit in the dirt of my chosen spot, cooking dinner and thinking about the next day and the 60km to Bourke. It is at this moment I realise I need a small chair, something I had passed on when I was in Dubbo and regrettably so.

The next morning a stiffness overcomes my muscles and its difficult to get up. I finally make the decision to 'pull the plug' (referring to deflating my air mattress) and move onto the final stretch to Bourke. Once movement has been made everything loosens up and the k's are falling fast. As I near Bourke (the final 20km) the road and landscape changes to dead flat with a distinct lack of trees. This equates to no shade and I suddenly feel very exposed to the elements. At the same time it is an incredibly free feeling to be in such a wide open space. It becomes a bit tough on the last 10km as the sun and wind beats down and with my head down, I'd made it.

I roll into Bourke and straight down the main street, checking out where to have lunch, possibly stay, and grab some supplies for the coming week. It is at this point I am stopped by some locals in the street. I had received warnings about Bourke and the security of my bicycle from the local residents and didn't want to arrive with preconceived notions. Fascinated by my choice of bicycle they begin to converse offering me advice on my stay in Bourke. He pointed to one end of the street and said "Don't go up there", then pointed to the other end of the street and said "Don't go down there" before asking if I would like to buy some ice (methamphetamine). I though it to be wise to accept his warning about directions but I decided to decline on the ice as I was new in town and wasn't sure if I was getting the best deal.

I find a nice place on the Darling river to get some lunch and work out my next move. I am put in contact with a local named Doug. A friend I made in Dubbo, Deano, has put me onto his mate who is kind enough to offer accommodation for the evening. The temperature is now rising into the afternoon, I had been warned about the special Bourke heat so I move with haste.

Doug lives in North Bourke which is 5km over the Darling river and I am directed 2km down a corrugated dirt road. Eager to get out of the sun I arrive. Doug has lived in Bourke for 25 years and is a metal working guru working from his fabrication business at home. Kitted out with all necessary equipment to get the job done. Doug is a fantastic host "the house is yours" he says, speaking of the shack in which he lives. He is keen to show me around pointing out all the buggies and go carts which fill the long grass, some with engines, some without. "Have you seen the paddleboat?" remarks Doug. There was a time when Bourke held paddleboat races and as I am now aware the VW Beetle has a natural ability to float making it the perfect choice. The VW was only slightly modified with paddles and the bottom filled with foam to ensure it didn't completely sink.

Into the hot evening I meet one of Dougs neighbours, Nooka. Nooka was born and bred in Bourke (now 60), a shearer by trade he is keen to come and use all his jokes and stories on a fresh face. Nooka tells me he is a local legend, holding the worst attendance record for any school student in NSW ever, and even with no literary abilities finds himself teaching at the local pre-school. A true character.
A late night watching Doug and Nooka drink beer turns into a late morning back on the road. Today is super hot already and with a strong headwind I don't expect to travel far. The Queensland boarder is only about 135km away, and 250km to Cunnamulla which is the next suitable stop to gather supplies. The next 5 days would be the most arduous, another story in itself...........

The Induction

As soon as I woke up this morning I knew there was a hard day ahead. There was defiantly an element of excitement for my life was about to change. I knew this would be the last time I would see my family for quite some time but all i could think about was what was in my bags and had I forgotten anything. It was time to finally leave.
I didn't waste any time finding Windsor rd and the smooth bicycle lane it offered. As soon as i began to head west I was met with a strong headwind. This was not the best start but at least the path was smooth and generally flat. It didn't take long to get to windsor (about 30km) but i was already getting tired. The temperature was in the 30s and I knew the Hawksbury river wasn't far up the road. By now my legs were having trouble pushing me into the wind, only time could save me now. I cooled myself down in the river and rested for about an hour and had lunch.

From here and for the next couple of days it was all up hill over the Blue Mountains and Bells Line of Road. The wind stayed strong and hot as I began to ascend the mountains. After a couple of kilometres i had to stop again, this time laying on the grass under a big shady tree. After laying there for a while i nearly fell asleep. I had headphones in so I couldn't hear the car stop behind me. A man had seen me laying there, turned his car around to see if i was ok, i couldn't believe it. I thanked him and he offered me water before getting on his way. This experience gave me the energy to keep going up the hill. A rain storm offered a little relief but it soon passed. I was going at an absolute snails pace now as it got progressively steeper and pushing my bike was the only way. I was determined to get a little further when i reached the base of bellbird hill. This was now about to get steep and windy with little room on the road. I really didn't want to start tomorrow with this so i went for it, at about 20-30 meters at a time. There was a lookout just up the road where i would stop for the day. The end of day one was in sight. An hour or so later and I was there and the elation of reaching the destination kicked in. Big grins!

It was here I made my first new friend. A French guy by the name of Chris and his partner were travelling around. They were a bit amazed at how far i was attempting to take my BMX. Chris was a BMX racer, so now i have friends in France. This is whats its all about and its only the first day.
My girlfriend Nicole was coming to meet me for the night to feed me and spend some precious time before i get too far away.

I woke up the next morning with the sun and a sore right knee, must have strained it on the final climb. Not to worry I would just have to take it easy and see how it goes. There was no wind today and it was a fair bit cooler. The road was still going up and there was plenty of shade from the overhanging trees. I am pushing up nearly all the hills at the moment as I don't want to further damage my knee. Into the morning and through Bilpin it flattens out slightly. The knee seems to be ok once it warms up and I now realise it is a muscle at the back not the joint which is hurting.
Further into the day and the road (although fairly smooth) is very narrow and with no shoulder. Just a white line which hugs the edge of the road, my lane. The cars and trucks which pass seem to give plenty of room and there are lots of waves from drivers. Heading up towards Mt Tomah where i will stop for lunch i am greeted by my friend Jason (suicideshifterkustoms.blogspot.com) who is on his motorcycle and came to say goodbye. Its always nice to see a friendly face.

Mt Tomah was just up the road where i stopped for a long lunch and a rest on the grass. This part of the mountains is so very cool and green and at the slow speed at which im moving is perfect to take it all in. As i push on up more of this never ending hill i finally come to the first bit of down in a day and a half, and what a descent it is. Only about 1-2 km long bit its beautiful and smooth and now im going at much more of a decent speed. As im getting into it with the music blaring and a big smile on my face i notice there are a few cars slowed behind me. There is nowhere for me to go to let them past and as we reach the bottom and i can move over i wave thanks. Six cars all waving back and not one angry beep!

As i get ever closer to Bell and the top of the mountain it is expected to get a bit more of the down and not so much of the up. I have barely managed 35km today when *snap*, broken chain! Luckily i had preempted this and Nicole (who was meeting me again tonight had a spare on board), also lucky i was still in phone reception so I made the call for a rescue mission. Within an hour she was there which gave me plenty of time to remove the old chain and swap the front brake calliper to the back and ditch the rear as it had become stuck on the rim and was void of adjustment. This will surely be the end of the day for me while i fix everything for the next day.

After sleeping like a baby, there was no rush to leave in the morning. Nicole and I had a long slow breakfast on the side of the road as there was only 35km to Lithgow and as the road was becoming flatter(ish). It wouldn't take long. Enjoying the cool mountain air I plodded along.

I could now do alot more peddling as the gradient had become more bearable. And now when the road goes up it is usually followed by a down, the way it should be. It doesn't take long before I've reached Clarence, Lithgow is now in sight. I enjoy the last bit of mountain view before making the final descent into Lithgow. A long steep downhill with some sharp bends. Again the elation of reaching today's destination takes all the pain away. I stock up on food and find accommodation on the exit of town. I am totally due for a shower (first one so far). Again i am asleep with the sun, fed and ready to depart the next day.

An early start today the mountain pass is over its off to Mudgee, which I expect will take three days to complete the 120km or so. The clouds are out this morning as I head up the road to get onto the Castlereigh Hwy. Much peddling to be done this morning I pass a couple of power stations and plenty of coal mines. I will be happy to get to Capertee today (40 odd k) where I will meet some more friends, Andrew and Lauren, for lunch. Capertee is the widest canyon in the world and I have driven past is numerous times. It was quite breathtaking to be able to stop and have an actual look.

I had now reached the pub at Capertee where I would wait for my friends for lunch. I was the first customer for the day. As we eat lunch the pub slowly fills up as does interest in my bike. By the time its time for me to leave a bunch of guys have come outside to see me off and wish me luck. This is heartwarming stuff already, only 200km into a 50,000km journey. I travel 10km up the road and decide to finish for the day when i spot a good place to camp. I set up my tent and contemplate the evening when a bearded man on a quad show up. His name is Douglas and he lives just behind where I was camping. He offers me a room and some water and after a bit of conversating i accept. Douglas lives in an awesome house with 360degree views of the countryside. He is all alone and in search of a partner, which i soon learn would preferably be of the male variety, and with nice feet. He eventually opens up to me but im not too worried, after all who am I to judge.

 I make an early exit from Douglas's house before he wakes up and head back onto the road. I experience a couple of drops of rain which soon pass on. Its 75km to Mudgee and just up the road is Cherry Tree Hill and the highest point i will reach so far at 1100m.

Now what goes up must come down. The other side of Cherry Tree Hill is a long steep down hill with sweeping bends. Any distance covered where i don't have to pedal or walk is most appreciated, especially when it can be done at speed. On the other side of the hill the terrain flatten out significantly. I enjoy just peddling along, taking in the vastness of the sky and the landscape with the sun back out. I reach Illford and stop for a bite when a car stops suddenly and reverses up to where im sitting. Its Adam Beehag an old mate from the motorcycle industry. We do the usual photo shoot, he asks me the usual "are you really riding this around the world?", and i give my usual response "im going to try" and then he is on his way and so am I. A short while later I notice my front tyre is deflating. First puncture! Not a worry, and 15mins later the tube is replaced and im back on the road.

Only a couple of km up the road i see a fluro figure in the distance coming the other way. It appears to be a fellow cyclist but as it approaches it looks more like a giant scooter. I pull over and fluro man comes to my side to meet me. His name is Glenn Burmeister, a garbo from England, and he is currently on track to break the world record for the longest distance travelled on an elliptical bicycle (5100km). Turns out he has other world records in the cycling world too for distance riding. We have a nice chat and take a couple of pics before going our separate ways.

The plan is now to get to lake Windemere (30ish km from Mudgee) to camp for the night. As the wind picks up a little im happy to just pedal along listening to music. I soon reach the turn off for where I would camp about 1km from the main road. Looking at the time it is still early and i figure the more I do each day is less to do the next. So after much debating with myself its on I go. There are a few hills surrounding lake Windemere and I notice the clouds are coming in, although it does appear they will pass and i press on. This would prove to be the wrong choice. It begins to rain and im sure it will pass so I enjoy the cool shower and don't bother with a raincoat. Then it gets heavier and I am without shelter. I find a tree to shield me from the rain and I contemplate setting up my tent. The rain lightens slightly and I make the decision to keep going. So I frantically search for rain gear in the bottom of my bag. Just in the nick of time as the heavens open, this is now coupled with thunder and of course lightning and wind. The trees are no place to be in a storm so im back out on the road. It begins to feel like the rain will never stop and all I can do is put my head down and move forward. I swear in vain for the first time and I know I will now have to push on and ride the remaining 30km today to mudgee as i am now soaking wet all over.

LANGUAGE WARNING!

As the rain lightens the road flattens out again and im on the home stretch to mudgee. Getting through the storm gives me a huge sense of achievement (or maybe its relief) and that converts into energy. Everything is going well. A ute pulls over in front of me on a long straight, the drivers door opens and a friendly head pops out, "need a lift mate?" Ha, another one. "I can't but thanks anyway" I reply. He smiles and waves and takes off up the road. 20 mins ago I might have just accepted.
I begin to see to fields of grape vines and I know im nearly there. A warm shower awaits and time to dry my clothes. As im a day early I have decided to have a rest tomorrow to refuel myself and rest my right knee. Finding cheap accommodation is easy and I settle in for the night. 75km today is my biggest day so far and as im still in training a rest is just what I need. Only 49,750km to go!

After an awesome rest and lots of eating its on to Dubbo. I will soon be off the main hwy and onto some real country roads. The landscape is noticeably drier on the west side of town. Its a beautiful day today, no wind, sun shining and after a rest my knee feels great. Only 15km till im off the main road and I seem to get there in the blink of an eye. This is where the road gets a little more serious. Its still another 125km to Dubbo and as of now the plan is still to take three days. I am totally loving this road even though the quality of tar is depleting quickly and all but a centre line remain. The edge of the road looks like a roughly torn piece of paper and the surface is quite bumpy which makes for difficult peddling. The smile remains. Plenty of trucks, I do my best to stay close to the edge.

Just before I get to Goolma (40km from Mudgee) I stop for a banana when a car pulls over. His name is Neal and he saw my flag coming down the road. Nice bloke who wanted to reminisce about the days when he used to cycle these roads. Again a bit shocked at my choice of bike. Off again and within minutes im in Goolma. Goolma is basically a pub and a public toilet. I stop for an ice-cream at the pub and end up spending an hour talking to Lisa (the owners daughter) while i try to decide whether or not to press on for the day or stay put. Again because it is early i decide to keep going. "Just a little further" I tell myself. The road deteriorates even further and the straights get longer it also stretches out over the horizon. This is where the mind games start, always wanting to know whats around the bend/over the horizon only to be met with another straight road disappearing over the horizon. I want to camp but I don't want to wake up the next day to go around the first bend and come across some sort of oasis. After much pressing on in the hot sun, drenched in sweat, eventually I get to a familiar spot just 45km from Dubbo. At this point i realise im a day early again and will relish the extra rest day in Dubbo. 90km today, Phew!

I can feel the heat as soon as I wake up. Its only 7am and the sun has a bite to it already. I waste no time packing up and get moving. The heat seems to really kick in at about 1pm so I move with haste. 5km into the day and im back on a main hwy. The Golden hwy will take me the remaining 40km into Dubbo where a 5 star backyard awaits including a swimming pool courtesy of Dale and Rachael. About 1km up the Golden hwy and I wave to a farmer who is riding around on his quad. I stop for a rest when he pulls up next to me. His name is Chris and before I know it im up at his house having a coffee with him and his wife C. They are on 560 acres and with 50 cattle it is just a hobby farm. Nice hobby. After conversations and photos they pack me some biscuits and fill my water before the remaining 35km to Dubbo.

I had lost track of time with Chris and C and the hot part of the day was fast approaching. There was nothing I could do except move forward. The stretch into Dubbo is quite straight and flat. As it gets ever hotter, time seems to slow down. The landscape is getting drier again and the hills have flattened right out. I kept telling myself to just get to Dubbo where rewards of a cool swim and three days off await. After much stopping in the shade for moments of rest and non stop sucking on my camel bak straw i was there. What a nice feeling and again a day early.

On Wednesday I begin the next leg of the induction which is Dubbo to Bourke. Its about to get a bit more serious as I head into the outback of New South Wales and north towards Queensland.
400km down
49,600km to go.