Audax Just a 600/I hate you, Bamera lake

Another birthday, time to do something silly.

I spent big chunks of the ride solo, just let everyone go up the freeway climb and was surprised to find them at Swan Reach.

Chasing far off wheels face

Stopped to take a few snaps around Maggea, only to be completely surprised to see Warren and Simon had been hiding in a bus stop.

100km of straight, chasing riders I keep losing sight of

Alone, a half way along a 100km stretch near Maggea. Interesting, I'd been here multiple times with an ex who's family owned a farm very close by!

Faded on the last bits into Loxton, and was a minute too slow putting on gloves as the sun set, so ended up lagging behind, watching tail lights disappear into the night.

Paul & Tash arrived out of nowhere, I managed to just kind of hold on to a wheel to Berri; but then pressed on after dinner in the dark.

It was just as I was going past Bamera lake; almost the exact same spot I lost a chain and had to hitchhike to safety, when I picked up the first flat I've had in 10,000km or so. While trying to fix it: I sat in an ants nest. And my pump didn't work.

Are you kidding me. This is the first flat in 10,000km, and its in the exact same road I broke my chain.

It was a terrible end to a birthday.

Luckily, Steve came along 5 minutes later and lent me a pump; but I was still packing my things away when he started rolling again so ended up riding the remaining kilometers alone in the dark.

Very pleased to reach the ferry, I know I have dinner waiting in a fridge in a hotel room

The ferry to Waikerie. Substantially less fucked up than the last time I was here.

Four hours sleep, was rolling again but slowly, Trish and Steve caught up on the way to Morgan.

Stopped for food, overate, and about 3km out of the control threw up all over my gloves. Awkwardly proud moment: I've learned how to spew and keep pedalling.

Eudunda, caught by others, enjoyed the roll down to Kapunda, took a 5 minute nap and woke myself up with my own snoring.

Sleeping on a bench for 15 minutes really helped
Snoring myself awake, less so

Ended up stopping frequently, including at Nurioopta Hungry Jacks, where I had a rare James Raison spotting. Unfortunately, my mind was gone by that point and words didn't work, so I kind of just said insensible things and rode the rest of the way. I assume it was confusing for all parties.

Things got a bit better as I ambled along

Finished by 7pm, which surprised me; could have done a bit more rest and gone faster probably.

7pm the following day, done, and ready for sleep.

All done. I thought I'd qualified, but my 200km Perth BRM was in the wrong Audax season