Day 6 - Salt Creek to Strathalbyn 156 kms

Weather Drizzly Rain, Favourable Winds

Riders headed out of Salt Creek at 7.15am for the 60km ride to Meningie. One mishap on this leg, Alf had a puncture.

At least the rain minimal this morning. The riders haven't been able to show the full effect of their kits (outfits) as with the cold weather they have all been wearing their raincoats. When the raincoats come off, they look fantastic

A comment overheard from the riders "The one thing we are finding hard to escape from is the wind, it is everywhere we go".

On leaving Meningie with not much to report from the first leg of the day, Anthony DeConno decides to fall off his bike even before they head off to the ferry ride at Wellington. Well done Anthony, that is 2 stacks and you were stationery both times!!

Next 30km journey through the Coorong winds swirly. One minute the wind behind them, then on the side of them. So far the issues the riders have of the trip is the wind and the numerous amount of caravans on the road and the fact that they are finding it hard to keep warm. One rider (Cam) has resorted to gladwrapping his socks to assist keeping his feet warm and dry.

Road quite flat and speed increased.

Injury has occurrred - Not with a rider but with the support crew! Wendy managed to slam her hand in the car door on arrival at Welllington while unpacking for lunch. We had to get the Doc to look at her and when he arrived. Fingers wer put in a splint and a sling as well. Lucky that she got injured later on in the event rather than the beginning as I am sure the other support crew would have sent her home!! Hope those fingers heal real soon Wendy.

Sue dropped a full esky on her foot (food not drink) but luckily only a minor injury and soldiered on.

A few riders still icing minor injuries at each stop to get them through the day.

Here are some stats from the ride to date:-

1000kms in 6 days
Maximum altitude reached 310 meters
Maximum Speed km per hour 74.27
40 hours riding - Average kms 25
Total Climbing 5177 meters

Afternnon tea was at Langhorne Creek. Riders said that leg was hard work. Strong head winds not a fun part of the ride at all. Weather overcast as well.

Comment overheard "We are getting better treatment by the support crew than we get from our wives at home" No names to be mentioned...... don't want to get anyone in trouble!

Riders arrived at Strath Motel at 4.00pm. Massages commenced at 4.30pm with 20 minutes sessions much to the riders relief. They hadn't recieved a massage for two days and only ice baths. Gee did they love those ice baths. Ice baths didn't even come in to the equation today.

Team had dinner in town at Cafe Ruffino before heading off to the pub for a few relaxing ale's to end the evening and the journey with only 70kms to go until the arrival back in Adelaide.

All involved were asked to sum up the weeks trip in one word!  Here were there responses:-

Mim - Incredible, thanks
Steve - Privelege
Paul - Gel
Rob - Comararderie, lifetime experience
David J - Achievement
Mark - Great experience with a great bunch of guys (and gals)
Ange - Jonny's got a f(l)at
Troy - Supportive
Roger - Exhilerating
David B - Flatulating
Jason - Friendships
Bob - Fruit Cake
Anthony - Doing the ride back to front (Adelaide to Melbourne?)
Tom - Challenging and Great Fun
Cameron - Tireless Energetic Support Crew
Matt - Unexpected and Delightful
Paul - Life Bond
Sue - Amazing
Wendy - "Pom Pom" (New favourite drink)
Claudio - Inspiring - watched alot of Butts
Alf - Thanks

Only a handful of riders hung around to play pool, have a few drinks and show their talents on the dance floor. Good to see the boys relax after the long journey from Melbourne.