Cycling Australia Diaries

Rose at 7am and packed up the tent and trailers in the cold rain. The rain was cold and heavy. Rode to Lancefield where we caught up with Vino and Grogsy, 2 other friends joining us for part of the ride. All four of us cycled to Mia Mia through the Macedon Ranges via the Burke and Wills Road. Rain slowed down in the afternoon and spirits were high again as our cycling speeds had increased from 12km/h to 25-55km/h.

Arrived in Mia Mia after dark with the hope of finding somewhere dry to sleep. Unfortunately the only shelter was a small verandah infront of a cricket club room which was covered sheep excrement and barely large enough to fit us. Fortunately, after approaching one of the locals we were allowed to sleep inside the club room. Was a great luxury to have walls for the night. Also found out that Burke and Wills had camped in the exact same place.

Difficult to get out of bed this morning as rain was still falling and riding clothes were cold and wet. Burke and Wills followed Wild Duck Creek which these days is in the center of Lake Eppalock. Fortunately, the Lake was so low at the moment that we were able to cycle through the center. It took all day to battle through the mud and spent an hour scrambling across the Creek over a natural bridge. Cycled through the dark and rain until we reached Goornong at 10pm. We were lucky to find some shelter infront of the local community center and had a great nights sleep.

Hit the dirt roads today and faced a head wind but were fortunate to have a break in the rain for most of the day. Spent about 2 hours in the afternoon battling through a 10km section of dry weather only road which was thick sticky clay. We found after a while that pushing the bikes was hardly even possible as the clay completly clogged the wheels. Made it to Mitiamo just before dusk and had a great night at the Mitiamo Pub where we stayed the night. The locals were very friendly and the atmosphere was great. Was happy to have our first shower since leaving Melboure. Enjoyed a few beers and slept by the open fire on the floor.

Began the day at the old Dr Rowes Station which was a Burke and Wills camp just out of town. Was great so see some reminants of the old building. Had very strong headwinds all day on dirt tracks and arrived at Kerang after dark. Threw down more fish and chips than we probably should have and slept under a shelter in the primary school.

Had a quick 60km morning cycle to Swan Hill today through strong head winds. Spent the afternoon bludging and enjoying the town.