Day 18 - Broken Hill Birthday Boy
Sunday, September 28, 2008
With the ride into Broken Hill of just 85 kms, we set off in high spirits hoping for a tailwind as we hit the road.
Once again we had a nasty crosswind to start - that lasted all of 50 metres as the road took a hard left and we had a blessed tailwind for the next 20 kms.
Heading To The NSW Border
We zoomed along towads the South Australian/New South Wales border, where David White and Joanne van Hoof joined us for the last 10 kilometres.
We hit the border town of Cockburn to finsih off 35 kms and get a nice rest.
Bikes take a rest at Cockburn
After being fed with oranges and Fruit Cake (thanks Gwen!), we headed of to finish the last 48 kilometres to Broken Hill.
With lots of ups and downs, we rode mostly with a crosswind as we approached.
Colin Stops For A Chat & Donation
20 kilometres from Broken Hill a friend of Jo and Chris’ pulled up on the side of the road - Colin had a quick chat and handed over a kind donation from his family.
The last 20 kms went fast as we got into Broken Hill and checked in at the West Darling Hotel - our host Mary (and the absent Kevin) donated the rooms for 15 people - a terrific gesture that saved us a ton of money.
Brendon & Jack at the West Darling Hotel
Ride Features in Barrier Daily Truth
The barman at the hotel pulled out last Wednesday’s Broken Hill newspaper (the Barrier Daily Truth) to show us a huge back page article on the ride.
5 minutes later and Jack was off to have his first caramel milkshake since we started riding.
10 minutes after this he was having his second caramel milkshake!
We spent the rest of the afternoon on the balcony of the hotel having some cold drinks and a chat. After that it was down for dinner and to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday boy.
Even 16 yo boys love birthday cake - Mel, Jack, Tim & Holly
The dinner at the hotel was fantastic, with the West Darling Rump steak bigger than the plate!
Jack acted all embarrassed when we sang Happy Birthday, but not so shy when it came to opening his presents.
We all crashed with the late, late night (of 9.30 pm!), set to start again tomorrow.
Cheers
Brendon
Comments
September 29th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Happy Birthday for yesterday Jack. Hope you had enough cake to fuel you for the next few days. Its incredible how well your going and it won’t be long now before you make that all important left hand turn and head up to Queensland and then home. Your inspiring us back here and if we start whinging about the winds while out training we only have to think about what your enduring out there and it soon shuts us up. Keep going strong and enjoy your days. Jonah
September 29th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Happy birthday for yesterday Jack!!! I told you to each more cake in preparation for those head winds! eat more pies too and keep up the caramel milkshakes too! Hope all is going well! from Emily and all your Fahan girl friends!
September 29th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Hi all,
following your progress now. sounds like you are really having a good time. Say hello to everyone - keep on track Jack
Pauline
September 30th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Happy 16th Birthday for 28th Jack - We have been to Rottnest for the long weekend and so couldn’t send this till now. I was really looking forward to reading all the entries since Friday and seeing all the photos. You are so close to the finish! way to go!!!Hi Supermel cant wait to see you at the end and give you a big “High 5″ for all your efforts. X Juls
November 25th, 2008 at 10:04 am
[...] Day 15 - 120 km to Port Augusta Day 16 - An Incredible Day Day 17 - Australia Bites Back Day 18 - Broken Hill Birthday Boy Day 19 - Broken Hill Flying Day 20 - Pushing Hard Day 21 - Lunch Update Day 22 - Heat, Flies & [...]