Day 67, 11th May, Balaklava – Adelaide (101km) [End]

So it was finally here. The last day of cycling, all being well. Waking early at Balaklava Caravan Park, in my rain soaked spot on the grass that probably wasn’t actually part of the caravan park but part of the adjoining public park but which was where I’d been placed by the caravan park caretaker, I ate the last of my museli and tried to imagine what rolling into Adelaide that afternoon would be like. The weather report, specifically the wind report, had me prepared for a headwind for the duration of my last day (I’ll insert a thanks for mobile internet), and so today was an early start. I was saddled up and heading out into the overcast gloom of the day by 8.30.

The headwinds, in the end, whilst constant weren’t devastating. This is probably testament as much as anything to my practiced legs. And so I peddled on making good time safe in the knowledge that I could knacker myself out without consequence for the next day.

I came through a small crossroads town called Mallala around 11 where I stopped for an early lunch. The lovely ladies there made me up an epic vegetarian sandwhich that included egg, cheese, beetroot and all the salads. It was really very fantastic, not least because I washed it down (figuratively speaking) with a carton of eggnog flavoured milk. What a lunch!

I was very hungry today, and in addition to several museli bars and a banana I also chomped a snickers and a mars bar. Everything, even these bars, today tasted great.

I managed to avoid the main road for a bit, taking instead a zigzag of suburban roads. It eventually, however, became practical to head  onto the artery road of the A1. This was not a fun road, but it was direct. I’ve never seen, or at least its been a long while, so many cars. All dancing in concert with each other. An industrial dystopian ballet. Though I was feeling a bit sensitive at the time.

The A1, or Princes Highway, delivered me smack bang in the centre of Adelaide. By good fortune this was also where I was going to meet my hosts during my stay here in Adelaide.

Not met by banners and champagne, but instead just sitting on the grass in Victoria Square, blending in with the crowds, I was reminded of the emancipatory element of alienation tied in with large cities as I waited unchallenged for Anna, one of my hosts, to meet me.

So yes, I’m here in Adelaide. 2082 miles (3331 km) over 67 days (incl. 23 days WWOOFing), and with 0 punctures. Yay.