Weird dreams and awake several times - strange bed, strange noises. Dragged myself out at 7:30 for 8:30 ride start. We have a clear blue sky day and forecast to get to high 20s. Thinking is to do front half of the long ride to Canowindra and then come back the same way to avoid the hills of the second half
This is the road I came in on when I rode Border to Border in 2020. It tracks along the Lachlan River through Bilimari to Canowindra - easy riding
Hay pastures in the floodplain and the occasional farmhouse and silo
A few newish vineyards- this one set up in 1997.
Mt Lewis with farmhouse below.
Coffee stop in Canowindra - Cafe Delice recently taken over and doing a great job. Not many of these places survived Covid and the floods.
Decided to do the hilly route back as I was feeling pretty good and we had had a long break. Temperature was over 25C - so not too hot compared to what I am used to - first vineyard on this road - climbing away from the creek. The Falls Vineyard.
First of the big hills and I was beginning to struggle. As soon as exertion levels get a bit high I start developing a thumping head. Plenty of stops for photos of the views to get body back in balance
This is fabulous rolling country - looking a bit browned off after a few weeks of really hot weather.
The cloud patterns changed a bit - high streaky stuff
To more normal cumulus clouds. We had quite a few long hills to climb. Each hill needed a few stops
Views back to Mt Canobolas - the mountain that dominates the town of Orange to the north.
One of my rest stops gave this photo opportunity - fun framing. The group stopped for rest break and lunch at 62 kms. They had been waiting a while as they headed off the minute I finished my sandwich. Last hill needed a few stops. I am learning to ride inside the limits my body is setting. I do not want to fall off the bike when the head swooning gets too much
Longest ride in a long while (since October). The onset of Schermers neck did not help. Neck muscles lock into downward position and hard to look up. Worse part is it drains energy. Was sure pleased to make it back to camp without calling to be rescued.
Afternoon did require a nap. I seldom do that.
A day without a flower photo - fixed that with these roses growing in the caravan park taken as we walked over to the camp kitchen for drinks and BBQ dinner. Was very social - been riding with this crew for 17 years now
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thank you so much for sharing a great report and beautiful photos, have a nice day and have a great weekend
Big day on the bike! How was the traffic on the country roads?
Maybe 20 vehicles in 5 hours