After a very rough nights sleep, we both were sluggish and a bit under the weather. The head cold seems to have got us both, which is a bit of a bummer. So we just ate our cereal and had a coffee, then packed up. We didn't leave until about 10, and took a slow leisurely ride out of town. There was no hurry to get to the 20 kilometres of uphill we had in store today, so we enjoyed the 6kms of slight incline as much as we could.
Nice flat back street to the road out of town.
We can see the bloody mongrels over there, we'll get to you soon enough. Hills.
Enjoying the last of our short flattish section.
Then the gear cranking started, as we both clicked down one, then another, and sometimes two at a time to cope with the gradient. I think I spent the next couple of hours below forth gear, and a hell of a lot of time in granny gear. What ever downhill bits we got, were short, and only a little restful. We had a few rest, come photo stops, and were pretty happy to reach Delamere, which is just a shop, post office, and turn off to Victor Harbour. We bought a couple of Powerades and a pie each, which turned out to be fantastic. Made in Normanville, they are by far the nicest ones we've had this trip.
If you don't know, that is pain on our faces....
Got over another one, looks like a little rest round that bend.
Haaa, a bit of a break with a yummy pie and energy giving drink.
It was only 11kms to Cape Jervis, and I knew the last 5 would be an awesome downhill into town, so we just had to go up for six more kilometres. We can do this, so we jumped (well creaked and groaned our way) back onto the steeds, and ground ourselves up to the peak of our day, at 340mtrs. A quick stop at the lookout, to check on what was in store for us, and it was awesome. Scary, but awesome.
This is just the lookout, off the main road. Where is the town?
Whoah, way down there! This is going to be awesome.
Come on Will, let's roll! Fast!
We returned to the road, adjusted Gary GoPro, and Will let go of his brakes, and started to pick up speed. I waited a bit, as Betty is a great roller, and I didn't want to hold her back too much. After a couple of fast bends, where we had to brake a bit for control, we burst onto a very long, straight run. A quick check of the mirror showed no cars behind, and nothing coming in front, so I let Betty go. Oh my goodness, did she go! I flattened out, and she just took off, flying past Will, at which point I did a check on my speedo and saw 70. Hoo hoo hoo hoo, frickin hell! I did not pedal once! Not once. The road flattened out, and Will eventually caught up, and we rolled into town at over 40kms/hr. So much reward for that tough day.
Woo hoo hoo, on the flat and slowing up to a much safer speed. So fun!
After a bit of a ride through the streets, we found our way to the ferry terminal, and sorted out tickets. We had about an hours wait, so wasted time by chatting to some Canadians about our cycling, and Canada. Got a cold drink, then onto the boat. It was all pretty easy, and then we relaxed onboard for the forty five minute journey. It was pleasant, quick and we saw dolphins playing in the wake.
We can board now, how exciting. Finally going to get to KI.
The staff left Will to tie up the kids, they must of seen them running into town.
There it is, Kangaroo Island.
We had great weather for the crossing, it can be very different, apparently!
Once at Penneshaw, we went straight to the campground, set up and then headed to the store. On the way, we got waved down in the middle of the road by Liz and Scott. A couple of Kangaroo Islanders, who have lived here for 25yrs, have cycle toured for over 20yrs, and are warm showers hosts. They invited us to stay with them 25kms down the road, and we thought we'd be stupid not to. So tomorrow, we will take the short, but steep, ride out of Penneshaw and pay them a visit.
Will is very excited, he has waited a very long time to get here.
The beautiful bay at Penneshaw.
Council park, with an honour system. Pick a sight, write on the sheet, pay tomorrow.
Scott and Liz, locals who invited us to come stay with them tomorrow. Ok.
Getting "supplies ".
After some food shopping, and beer shopping, we headed back to cook a hearty stew, and enjoy watching the various birds and campers. It was a lovely end to another tough hilly day. What will tomorrow bring? More hills! But hey, they always go down eventually.
Some nice wine to complete our delicious meal.
Max speed, EVER, that probably won't happen again. Life is precious, and I don't bounce anymore. But it was cool to do it just once.
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