Day 10 & 11 "We can smell the bitumen"

William Creek to Curdimurka (105km)

Great news on the injury front; we were back to 9 riders today and everyone finished what was a very gruelling day's riding. It was a very long boring ride today but what an ending...

We were greeted by Rowley and Trevor (every 2nd person in the outback is called Trevor) who drove all the way from Adelaide to prepare a gourmet bush banquet for us. The eski was full of ice and Coopers Dark Ale and there were more than a few bottles of red wine getting around during dinner. The food was cooked on an open fire and when we were done, Rowlie and Trevor entertained us all with their stories of the railway, history of the RFDS and the outback. All of this was enhanced by staying at the historic rail site of Curdimurka. The night was warm and most of us took the opportunity to sleep under the stars for the first time this trip. Although Ruhi and George continued to erect their tent for added privacy.

The following morning we were treated to a cooked breakfast by our hosts against the backdrop of a magnificent sunrise. We were also welcomed by nearly every fly in the mid-north. So bad we were nearly choking on them. Nursing a few hangovers, our riders commenced another day.


Curdimurka to Marree (105km)

Another long and hot slog to our next destination. The scenery improved along the way and gave the riders an opportunity to take some photographs. Dr Andy wins our quote of the day award when he aptly described today's ride; "I've invested heavily in the uphill bank today and I plan on withdrawing big sometime soon". Unfortunately for the good doctor and the rest of us, there is still a fair bit in the bank. Riders finished in good condition and enjoyed the welcoming committee of a group of school children who rode with us for the last 500m of today's journey. All around town there are posters notifying the locals of the BBQ to be held tonight in our honour.

We had 2 more punctures today; 1 on the truck and 1 by Andy S as he was sitting at the Marree pub.

We also have a count going for riders getting caught in "wirlee-wirlee's" and out in front is David with 3. On the last occasion, the volunteers in the following support car said the little man nearly got swept away .

Injuries
We are all suffering some form of injury or ailment. Here's an update;
George; saddle sores
Lisa; tendinitis in the knee
Lucky Phil; tendinitis in the knee
David; tendinitis in the Achilles tendon
Ruhi; tendinitis in the knee
Dr Andy; saddle sores
Esther; sciatica
Len; he's tough as nails and doesn't get injuries
Andy S; neck pain (Not to be confused with him being a pain in the neck - which he is.)

A special welcome to John and Iraj who have joined us today. John will be riding the leg from Marree to Port Augusta and Iraj will be acting as a volunteer. Great to have them with us.

Final rider interview...

Interviewer; Hi John. Is it true that you kicked dust onto your bike to make it look like you have ridden the total distance with us?
John; No way, man.
Interviewer; Thank you John.