The time to start heading east has arrived. The Nullarbor which is deemed the most interesting ride in the world. We filled up at the Caltex near our camp and the price was fairly expected. It is funny how the road suddenly becomes just a drive when you know where you are heading. If I was to do a comparison I would say the Nullarbor was very green and full of flora but heading through central NSW the road was like being in the middle of the dead lands. As this was nearing the end of our ride it seemed to have a higher level of boredom attached. However the temperature was at 19 degrees and the clouds were protecting us from the UV element so all in all it was perfect riding conditions. We had some pre-planned stops along route with the first being Fraser Range at about 100 clicks into the 460 k ride. A| quick stop and then back on the road. Shirl won't readily admit it but the wheat bag seat made her ride somewhat more comfortable.

We sat right on the speed limit and traffic was nice and spaced without too much interference. Balladonia roadhouse came next and we pulled up to top up fuel. At right on 2.00 bucks a litre it was insulting at being ripped to this level. Particular when fuel was almost 50c cheaper only 160 ks back. We limited our litres and continued on our way. Finally we stopped at the start of the 90 mile straight for a picture which was taken by a nice couple of grey nomads. The Americans state they have the longest straight in the world at 45 miles but sadly they are wrong by a margin of 50%. We kick their arse. I wonder how long their jetties are.

Caiguna was out next stop and lunch was purchased along with a sticker for the panniers. Finaly we were heading for the last leg of the trip into Cocklebiddy. One could say that Cocklebiddy is a hidden Nullarbor treasure but if one did say that they would soon lose any credibility they ever had. It was basic, isolated and barren. However it had rooms. No decent camping so I had to fork out $110 for a room. But in effect I had a shower, TV and an air conditioner. Makes it easier for me to pack in the[sc1] morning.

The camp ground here was fairly ordinary so it wasn't hard to take the luxury option.[sc2] Whilst settling in it was strange to see a plane land near the service station, fill up at the bowser and park around the corner. Place was fairly busy and we had a nice dinner with a couple of bottles of red. I hope this doesn't play havoc on my head when rising tomorrow.

I checked over the bike and the poor thing is covered in thousands of dead bugs. The tyre pressure had dropped a few pounds so we utilised Johny's Touratech pump and got them back to their required pressures.

Probably the hardest thing is now we are nearing the end of the ride and I feel I could head right back the way I came. There is a real charm in riding a bike around a place as big as Australia and unless you are a bike rider it is hard to explain. The fact that we have machines as reliable as we have takes away the stress of a trip this size. Even though we moan about fuel prices I can only imagine the grey ghosts pulling up to a $2.00 per litre bowser to fuel their vehicles. It is funny how many people talk to you when you ae on a bike. They either think you are a complete idiot or they secretly admire and wish they were doing what you're doing.

Tomorrow is a shorter day to either Eucla or the border village. The most confusing thing is these fools have created another time zone here. It confuses my phone, my GPS and everything else. But it will go back to normal baqk in SA.

Please feel free to utilise my newly added tent training film I have added to the blog.