The Home Stretch: Cycling Across Australia, Balranald to Hay
My latest bicycle touring update from Australia: after cycling over 8,000 miles across the world to Australia from the UK, I’m now on the home stretch. Cycling across Australia. Balranald to Hay. 86 miles. Not the best of starts this morning. I had a puncture in my front tyre! I thought it was a bit flat when I finished last night, but then I forgot all about it! It’s not really surprising that I got a puncture. The tyre is nearly bald, and the back one isn’t much better either.
I always find I get more punctures when the tyres get towards the end. I have got a spare tyre with me, but I’m hoping I can make the tyres on my bike last until I get to Sydney. It’s only about 400 miles away.
The roads today were surrounded by swamps, flat and straight. There have also been thousands of flies, probably because of the wetlands. I don’t know what it is about me, but the flies certainly seem to like me. I always attract a large crowd, despite showering last night! I’ve also eaten a large amount, and not through choice! But had I known, I wouldn’t have bothered with breakfast! I don’t need to worry about having any protein tonight.
I’ve seen plenty of emus today, which bizarrely have always been in groups of six. And can’t they run fast. I’ve also seen some kangaroos. They always make me smile, seeing them bouncing off into the distance. I’m staying at Fonzie’s town tonight, Hay!!
Tour Information
It’s been years since I took this ride, but the memories (and the data) are all archived:
- Photos: See my photos on Flickr
- The route: View my journey around the world
- Videos: Check out my YouTube videos
- Tour page: Ride overview
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