Cycling The Globe

Distance: 142.62 km
Ridetime: 07:07:27
Average: 20.2 km/h
Total distance: 14142 km

For the fist time in weeks I did experience something that would resemble a tail wind. It only lasted for half an hour, but even 20 km of smooth cruising certainly lifted the spirits. Soon the wind was back where it seems to belong here in Australia – right in the face!

I reached Tea Tree in time for lunch. I have been seeing signs for the last 300 km but when I arrived the place only consisted of 5 houses. I bought a little food in the expensive shop just to be sure I have enough to reach Alice Springs.

The only thing more straight than Stuart Highway seems to be the railway that also crosses Australia from north to south.

Apart form the crack in my back wheel rim that I discovered a couple of days ago, my bike is now developing another problem. The chain and chain ring are now so used (I have not changed either since I bought the bike 18000 km ago!) that the chain slips every time I put some power into the pedals. Once I reach cruising speed on flat grounds everything is still OK. I’m not hoping to meet any big mountains.

Apart from the bike I’m also beginning to feel rather worn out myself. Usually I have a break every 3 or 4 days – mostly because I arrive in an interesting place where it seems worth spending an extra day. The thing is that a rest day wouldnt make any sense out here. There really isnt anything else to do but keep cycling. Once I reach Alice Springs tomorrow (hopefully!) it will be a big milestone.