Rest Day!

Sorry to disappoint you but today is a scheduled rest day for all MOAM team members!

We will all be back on duty tomorrow!

Kal Here We Come!

With great sadness, we regret to share with readers the passing of Stuart ( The Castle's freeloader mouse) overnight. After traumatising predominantly the female crew members his days were numbered! On our arrival yesterday afternoon, MOAM bought every mouse trapping device available in Norseman! 'Little' did we know there are newer devices available, but would they do the job? Over dinner discussion centred on foods likely to attract Stuart. Peanut paste and Turkish Delight were the preferred options for our 'little' friend. A Stuart Cluedo Sweepstakes was then held, with crew members having to decide on the number of 'Little' victims and the method of despatch. The winners were Shane and Gracie who predicted Stuart was a loner and would be enticed to Turkish Delight on a traditional mousetrap!

RIP Stuart!

Once again we can't thank the CEO's enough for their influence on the weather conditions each day. As Brad finished his ride yesterday, down came the rain. Light drizzle was still falling as we left Norseman but now 65 km further north there are a few clouds around but lots of blue sky and the sun is drying up the road surface. Brad has also welcomed the shift in wind direction and is appreciating a little help from behind.

Morning tea is planned for Widgiemooltha (nightmare for spellcheck!) 'Widgie,' is famous for the 32kg Golden Eagle Nugget found in 1931. In the past few days Sue, Shane and I have collected coins dropped in rest bays so maybe we may get lucky here too! 

Today's ride finished in Coolgardie before a quick dash to Kalgoorlie to pick up our latest crew member. You can imagine the reunion was something special. Kristy certainly enjoyed giving Brad a big hug after his mammoth ride in getting to Kalgoorlie.

Once again we are very fortunate to have the luxury of a 'home' base in Kalgoorlie. Thank you very much to our hosts in Sandy and Greg for making their house available for us whilst in Kal. 

One happy Rider!

Having picked up Kristy, we made our way to Digger Dawes Oval for Brad and Sue to be interviewed Kalgoorlie Miner. Interview over, off to Maccas we went for Brad to have his well deserved 'junk' food fix! To say he enjoyed it is an understatement!

2000 km in the Legs!

Most roadhouses we have been pleased to move on from, but not 
lastnight's campsite at Fraser Range. A truly spectacular setting, with fantastic facilities and a welcoming atmosphere around the always cranking campfire. As we near home many people we meet are familiar with the MOAM ride and therefore are interested in knowing more about the journey thus far. Brad, rightfully so, is treated like a celebrity and is more than happy to share his adventure to all who are interested. People continue to be generous with their donations. It is lovely seeing young children coming up to Brad and handing over their contribution. Speaking of donations, whilst in Norseman we received notification of the amount raised today from the Uniform Free Day at Mitch and Brad's old primary school...a magnificent total of $623!!! A truly sensational effort and a massive thank you to the staff and students from Brad in particular, but also the whole MOAM team.

Thank you to WLPS.

Lake Cowan

The ride today has offered a distinct contrast in vegetation to the days crossing the Nullarbor. This stretch is heavily wooded with spectacular Salmon Gums all shedding their bark. The redness of the earth making the images even more stunning. We had a reminder that Kalgoorlie is just around the corner with Brad being interviewed on ABC's Regional Channel. As we left Norseman, an empty Lake Cowan was on both sides of the road providing another contrast to what we have become accustomed to. A large ore train has just tooted Brad as it passed.....the toots, waves and truck
winks are always greeted enthusiastically by the team.

A ride of this magnitude has milestones being achieved on an almost daily basis. Today was to be no different. Brad reached the 2000 km mark just north of Norseman. An incredible feat, by an equally incredible young guy. I'm sure Brad glanced down at his motivational message on his bike which reads 

 and a celebration of their own would have been had.

The MOAM team welcomes an extra member tomorrow, with Brad's sister Kristy joining us having flown in from London today to share in the final five days of her little bro's ride. Kristy will relish being a member of the team physically rather than by Viber hook ups as was the case when Brad left Adelaide Oval thirteen days ago! Mitch would be rapt to think that the families  and Gracie are all together for the final section of the ride.

www.matesonamissionroadhousereviews.com.au

The MOAM crew are now fully experienced with the ability to set up their own caravan park/roadhouse review web site having stayed in most across the Nullarbor! We are fully aware of the remoteness of some of these roadhouses but we have formed a short list of essential criteria to gain thumbs up from us. Here is a shortlist of the essentials:

1.    Clean showers and ablutions with hot water.

2.    Washing machine and if possible a dryer. Brad’s daily wash consists of 4 pairs of riding shorts, 2 jerseys, varying combinations of Skins, socks and headbands. Shane has ridden daily but his clothing requirement list is not quite as extensive. I’m sure you appreciate this is a considerable amount to hand wash…hence washing machines are a must.

3.    Charitable bosses who are capable of smiling.

4.    Good Flat White coffees.

5.    A fire pit

6.    Store selling mousetraps to elimininate the stress and fear in The Castle caused by the elusive Stuart and possibly other members of the Little Family!

Stuart, your days in The Castle are numbered!

7.    An onion (just one!)

Lastnight’s stay at the Balladonia Roadhouse received a thumbs up on Flat Whites and the fire pit! The Castle regularly looks like a laundry drying off the wash from the night but today is ridiculous. Poor Ken driving The Castle has riding gear hanging from every doorknob imaginable. For the ladies reading this blog, I’m sure you can relate to the importance of getting your clothes washed and dried! As teenagers Brad and Mitch always took pride in how they looked, so standards shouldn’t be compromised even at Balladonia!

For those in the education profession we often refer to pluses, minuses and knowledge gained! I have highlighted the minuses from Balladonia but there is a chance to gain a vital plus if their homemade sausage rolls are received favourably! A 'plus' has been added!

Brad was in a lot better shape going up this hill than the car on the left!

Meanwhile there is a bike ride going on! Today represents the 5^th day Brad has ridden into strong headwinds. Today's terrain has seen the long straight road disappear and be replaced by undulating stretches especially as we neared Fraser Ranges. Whilst many stats are being kept on Brad’s ride, dimensions of his quad and calf muscles haven’t but should have been! The toughness Brad is displaying is typical of what we were all privileged to see in Mitch when he donned a footy jumper. Mitch was always the one at the base of a pack, taking a battering for the team. You are champions, boys!

Fraser Range

Tonight we have camped at Fraser Range Caravan Park, a spectacular place to visit half way between Norseman and Balladonia. It was originally founded by the great explorers John and Alexander Forrest. Due to our tight schedule we won't have time to explore the hills and surrounding ranges where apparently kangaroos, rock wallabies and emus graze. Without a doubt Fraser Range gets a thumbs up from the MOAM crew and has been voted 'the' top stay across the Nullarbor.

Things We've Spotted Along the Way!!

 Let the photos tell the story!

All sorts of road signs

Signposts to help with the decision making process.

Essential information.

Heavy fog and a solitary tree!

Temptations!

Just released prisoners!

Large oversized trucks.

Speed signs with potholes.

'Rattler' with his horse and cart raising money for cancer research.

Unknown cyclist

Batman!

Moths the size of mobile phones!

Mobile homes.

Ale,x cycling from Perth to Sydney.

Rally cars

Classics

Ronald (66), a South Africa riding solo to Adelaide from Perth promoting being active as you age!

One Long, Straight Road!

Everyday on this ride has been dotted with highlights in all sorts of aspects. Today was to be no different. As we left Caiguna Roadhouse a prominent sign greeted us which read:

One long, straight road!

Brad declared that this was to be his distance for the day! After yesterday's battering by crippling headwinds, he was still able to set such a high bar. Another clear example of mental toughness.

The Castle's Memorabilia Board

Usually at 50 km, Brad takes a quick break in The Castle to refuel and have a chat with the crew. The atmosphere in The Castle is always very upbeat and a lot of good humour is often shared. Having Tarli and Gracie join the crew has added to the fun and antics of a cohesive traveling group. A tour tradition has been for crew members to take turns in illustrating the overnight destination to represent something that may have occurred during the day. For example, Adelaide had a set of goals drawn alongside of it. This tradition is becoming fiercely competitive within the team. Lunch is usually taken a further 50 km down the track and the buoyant mood is replicated.

Outdoor clothes dryer

Whilst the conditions were slightly better than yesterday the headwinds continued to be relentless. During the course of the day the usual road traffic passed along with a motor bike group and several cars that may have been competing in a 'Variety Bash' event.  Brad was very relieved to see the turn in the road at the 145.6 km mark indicating the end of the straightest, longest stretch in Australia. We elected to camp at Balladonia Roadhouse but to my dismay they do not have a laundry. Riding gear was hand washed and then placed by the campfire to dry. There is a distinct possibility a few marshmallows were consumed at the same time!

Brad has now ridden an amazing 1700 km with his mate urging and inspiring him along all the way.  Support for MOAM is constantly growing and we are aware and grateful to West Leeming  and Leeming Primary Schools who are having Uniform Free days on Thursday with the funds raised going to assist the impoverished families in Seraya. Thank you!

Into the Wind

One week on and Mondayitis may have reappeared for some but not for Brad. Today he will cycle 150 km from Madura to Caiguna. By way of interest, Madura was an area in the late 1800s that concentrated on breeding horses for the Indian Army.

The steepest and longest incline thus far greeted Brad first up this morning as we left the Madura Caravan Park. What a wake up call but in his usual style  Brad ground his way to the top with spectacular scenery across the escarpment being his reward for effort. The incline is called ‘Madura Pass.’ Pass would be the operative word had I been on my bike!

Brad comes across an eagle who had just lost its mate.

We have all frequently commented on the apparent lack of wildlife in the scrub or on the side of the road (dead or alive.) This soon changed approximately 25 km west of Madura. A mob of kangaroos huge in stature were racing across the ridge, obviously trying to keep up with Brad. Not long later Brad was greeted by a very large wedge tailed eagle on the side of the road that sadly had not long ago lost its mate. Such a close analogy can be drawn between Brad in the years since losing Mitch. 

Unfriendly headwinds of 40 km/hr.

Today's conditions have been the harshest to date. Headwinds consistently blowing at 40 km/hr have battered him Brad all day. There is no doubt he'll be looking for a good feed and an early night!

Sue showering Brad with Riccadonna on reaching $27000!!

Whilst the conditions have been particularly harsh, the MOAM team were buoyant on receiving notification that the ride tally had reached $27000! A huge thank you to staff and students at Leeming Senior High School who  have contributed $792 to this total. Mitch and Brad spent three fantastic years together at Leeming High so it is great to see their old school acknowledging MOAM in such a superb manner. Thank you!

Milestone Day!

A huge milestone was celebrated today with the halfway mark being achieved 10 km west of Mundrabilla. The crew traveling with Brad are in total awe of the manner in which he goes about each leg of his daily ride. For a guy who has cycled 1460 km you would expect and accept some cracks in his armour. He is phenomenal in both physical and mental strength. Conditions have been challenging ever since leaving Adelaide in particular the prevailing headwinds. Brad regularly comments on the quality of the road surface and the impact that it has on his ability to maintain speed and rhythm. It is very evident that Brad is on the road trip of his life with his best mate Mitch right by his side.

The bra tree raising awareness of breast cancer.

Today’s highlights included Brad riding past two eagles as they took flight from a feast of roadkill. It was mentioned that these eagles were having a win unlike lastnight’s version against Collingwood! Obviously traveling at a slower speed than usual across the Nullarbor, things come to your attention. We noticed a tree laden in bras with a sign attached enlightening people tothe ongoing battle towards breast cancer.  

The support crew is always on red alert for any threats to Brad whilst riding. Vehicles were always going to represent the greatest threat. Since leaving Adelaide we have witnessed three irresponsible drivers who have failed to take due caution to the warning beacons and signs.

MOAM crew gathered around the campfire.

Today’s ride saw Brad complete 120 km from Mundrabilla to Madura. The caravan park has fire pits scattered around so the crew set to in gathering wood. There are few better nights to be had than sitting around an open fire in a remote setting. Gracie shared then put into action a recipe where bananas are split then packed with chocolate and placed on an open fire grill. A quick dash was made to the kiosk to buy some icecream because being thoughtful support crew we know how important it is for Brad to refuel after a long ride! To say the least, yumo!!

As we close for the night we are all relieved to be back on WA time!

Time Zones, Quarantine and Police Checks!

Departing Border Village this morning the MOAM crew were well and truly confused. There was mass uncertainty as to what was the correct time. The roadhouse has on display three clocks depicting the time in Western Australia, Adelaide and local time. We were keen to get across the border so that we could all set our watches and phones correctly.

I have nothing to declare.

Within 200m of leaving Border Village Caravan Park our first highlight for the day unfolded….passing through the quarantine station. The officers on duty were great sports  'frisking' Brad as he rode through.

Can't quite remember my last beer, sir!

Eucla was the scheduled stop for morning tea. A quick opportunity was taken to have a glimpse of the ocean. Five kilometres out of Eucla a full police roadblock had been set up. Every driver was being breathalysed, licence and vehicle checks were also being done. 

Crossing the border meant we gained 45 minutes meaning an earlier finish to the day and an ideal opportunity to catch up on some chores. On arrival a man came over to Shane and enquired about MOAM. After a brief explanation, he reached into his wallet and produced a $200 donation! His generosity, like so many others along the way has been overwhelming. During the day, Brad had commented that his gears weren’t changing smoothly so bike mechanic Shane began to search for the problem. After some considerable time it was discovered that the gear cable had frayed inside the shift lever which certainly sounds complex and is exactly that, to repair. To make matters worse we had no coverage at all on our phones so we had to revert to the satellite phone to consult a guru (Matt) back in Perth. With Matt’s guidance and Shane’s ability to fix almost anything, Brad’s bike was up and going again.

While the bike repair drama was unfolding, we welcomed Tarli and Gracie into the traveling crew who had been driven out from Kalgoorlie to Mundrabilla by Ross. Thanks Ross, your generosity in getting the girls out has certainly added some youth to the team! Brad is not only going to enjoy the girl's company but certainly benefit from now having his own personal physic (just like Crawf!)

An action packed day without a doubt. The day's events were recapped around the bbq and the girls updated us on all the news from Perth.