Spalding to Laura

So many Aussie towns are named after women, and it seems impossible to find them. The towns, not the women.  As it happens, this ride is well attended both by men and women, but they are of the tougher variety than what I'm made of. I notice that many of them are lean, ultra-fit and sport skin-graft like patches on their thighs and calves where a spill has resulted in a severe case of gravel rash. Of the permanent variety. Not my idea of fun, really. But I'm here, enjoying the amazing scenery, and remind myself that I wouldn't be looking at any of this if we'd come by car. We are on a trail, very isolated from anywhere at times, and ever mindful of how easy it is to get lost. Today's ride was tricky in the sense that it was even easier than usual to get lost. The trail entered the forest and immediately there was confusion as to what bit belonged to the trail, and didn't. GPS once again saved us from possible disaster, and we could look up once in a while from the tricky terrain below our wheels and enjoy the scenery. Sun dappled eucalyptus trees to our left, sun bathed pasteres framed by the slender trunks of younger trees to our right. The wheat fields turned silver in places, with a tinge of blue as the breeze tilted them to one side, enabling them to reflect the perfect blue sky above. All this to the continual sound track of cawing crows and bickering magpies. We are still heading to the Flinders ranges which are darker and more sinsiter looking than the undulations of the lofty ranges we have been following till now. The countryside closes in a little more each time I look around me. For a brief moment the classic road cyclist indide me was indulged as we followed the asphalt for a few Ks. If road riding is a classic waltz then mountain biking is break dancing. And the analogy becomes more apt as I am reminded time and time again of the pain in my elbow from my fall. Lots to see but too nervous about getting lost so i don't stop to take photos. Moments are consigned to memory though. One particularly lively moment when a kangaroo hopped effortlessly over the fence, missed Baz by inches, bounded across the road without breaking stride, cleared the fence on our right and headed away at speed - biong biong... then watched us from a distance. Laura finally appeared from behind the trees. Tonight's dinner was another extravaganza of great food organised by the local community. we have been well treated and well fed every night so far. Ray recited a funny poem written by a local poet. Much laughter and fun - as usual - at the end of a good day's riding.