Day 22 – Norseman to Coolgardie (167km)
There was a moment somewhere on the Nullarbor where Mark may have made a comment about the unlikelihood of us getting anything other than a tailwind to Coolgardie given the number of southerlies we had experienced to that point. Mark may also have mentioned that we had probably put most of the climbs behind us…it’s funny how things turn out…
While not one of the longer rides, there is broad agreement that today’s ride was one of the toughest we have done to this point. Without wanting this to sound like a massive howl, there are a number of contributing factors, including the bounce back from the rest day, the continual (albeit fairly mild) headwind, the rather steep undulations, the temperature in the high 30s, the incredibly narrow, poorly sealed roads, the absence of a shoulder and the hefty increase in traffic and driver attitude (including one guy who thought he would try and impress Alyce with a good old fashioned highway moon).
Dan's creative photography
Thankfully, the ride was over in good time and we pulled into Coolgardie a little worse for wear but excited about the prospect of a side trip to Kalgoorlie. While there is some debate in the group as to whether Kalgoorlie is a large town or small city (based entirely on the number of shops and the presence of a Bunnings and McDonalds), there was no doubting the joy at being able to pick up a decent coffee for the first time in a week.
We then made our way up to the Super Pit lookout on the outskirts of Boulder, where you are able to look down on a massive, fully operational open cut gold mine. For the stats nerds, and we know you’re out there, the Super Pit is 3.2km long, 1.4km wide and 330m deep…very impressive.
Dan, Mark and Alyce at the Super Pit
Mark showing off one of his many talents
