Day 8; And then there were 6...

Oodnadatta to Peake Station (supposed to be 91km)

We all enjoyed a fantastic night at the Pink Roadhouse and the volunteers and riders all enjoyed a relaxing time. The highlight was watching Dr Andy performing a duet with local identity Geoffrey.

We stayed overnight in the local Oodnadatta Aboriginal School. Having a look at the posters on the wall, there was one the students had put together for the 5 food groups. In the Bread and Cereals section, there was damper. And in the Meat section, amongst other things there was Kangaroo, Camel, Lizard and Witchetty Grub. Interesting how things like this are localised.

Today was another punishing day. White gravel was the order of the day and it was all up and down for the first 2-3 hours. White gravel is still better than sand. Sand is evil. What's better; a hot northerly tail wind or a cooling southerly headwind? Depending on where you are and how you are feeling at the time, either can be good (or bad) and we had both today.

Esther (sciatica), Phil and Lisa (both with fluid on the knee) succumbed to their injuries and will try and recover and get on the bike in the next few days. The course today did them absolutely no favours at all and had this been a few days later when the roads smooth out, they probably would have completed the day. They all gave us encouragement from the car which was much appreciated.

Depending on what map you read, today's route varied in distance. Instead of being 91km, it turned out to be 105km. Doesn't sound like much but after 8 days and 700km, we didn't need the extra. Many thanks to Sarah and Jim from Peake Station who put on a fantastic dinner for us all. We all took the opportunity to shower and put on the biggest load of washing you'll ever see.

More rider interviews;

Interviewer; Hi Lisa. Do ever stop smiling? Ever?
Lisa; Yes.
Interviewer; Thank you.

Interviewer; Now Phil, everyone seems to be calling you Lucky Phil on this trip. Why is this?
Phil; 'cause I'm lucky.
Interviewer; How lucky?
Phil; Very.
Interviewer; Thanks Phil.

Dr Andy; Can I please have another favourite medical instrument for the website?
Interviewer; Of course Dr Andy.
Dr Andy, Well, its called a Proctascope and it's used for rectal examinations. A doctor I knew had one bought for him by some colleagues when he retired and inscribed on it was "For looking up old friends".
Interviewer; Thank you Dr Andy.


Quote of the day award goes to tough a nails iron man Len;
"Even the good parts today weren't good".

Tomorrow's route takes us from Peake Station to William Creek Station, 105km in total. Or 489km depending on what map you read.