A steady day of climbing while we ride through the towns of Pingelly, Popanyinning and Cuballing. It’s Sunday and no guarantees if there are shop/cafes open. Surprisingly Pingelly has a cafe/bakery with great cakes and rolls … coffee was ordinary. Further on through to Cuballing and the hotel is open. A great thirst breaker stop and lunch. The hotel is the only sign of life in the very small town, it must be popular with the locals.

Narrogin is 15km away … last 10km was challenging with unexpected hills … we were all drawn to a farm called The Hundred Acres and for all the Whovians is was a special treat a Tardis to the entrance of the farm … of course it went ‘through the keeper’ for me as I’m not a Who fan, but it was the most talked about in camp that night. Another unrelenting hill into Narrogin … camping was comfortable. Dinner at the Duke of York Hotel … the place was buzzing by the time we left with locals enjoying a Sunday meal out.

A nice drive to York 1hr 20min and I’m there at 8.30am.  The car is staying with many others at a ‘weekender’ owned by friends of our tour leader, Trevor.  I realise I’ve over packed so make a hasty reshuffle of my gear and leave some things in the car; cooking stove … really! What am I thinking – I’m here on holiday pub meals for me..   It’s great to catch up with familiar faces from past rides. 

A good riding day,  mild temperatures and no wind, however I’m feeling the lack of preparation on the saddle … ouch!  I really haven’t been on my bike for a good month. 

Some small undulations, it’s very dry and it looks like the sheep are still being hand fed, the paddocks are just dirt and dust, despite only a week ago the remnants of cyclone Seroja crossed this way before devastating coastal communities in the north, obviously the rain was very isolated and missed this area. It looks like some areas have been touched by an artists watercolour brush with a hint of green as some hints of grass colour the dry soil. 

The first stop is Beverley, it’s a Saturday and the coffee shops are busy.  Beverley hosts a popular gliding club.

Onwards to Brookton; by now it is early afternoon and the town is almost closed,  2 roadhouse petrol stations are open.  A nice park is a welcome sight to congregate and eat rolls and sandwiches before heading to the caravan park to set up camp. It’s always a challenge on the first day to sort out tents and gear … by the time 3 weeks have passed I’ll ‘get it right!’

Our camp is on the Recreation centre oval … lush green grass,  but we have to wait until the local hockey game is over before we can set up.

The only hotel with meals is open and we are all booked in. You just have to love country pub meals; supersized parmi’s … I was so pleased I ordered the salmon and salad.

Hi All, I’m back and about to take off on a 3 week Silo Tour in the Western Australian wheatbelt. We won’t to talk about where I would have been this time last year – there are 1000’s of those stories from everyone you see. I am just grateful that friends and family have been pretty much unscathed by the 2020 world disaster of Covid19.

So … in the last year I’ve kept busy with my local cycling clubs, tennis, mahjong and enjoying my 2 and 4yo grandkids. It has been a great summer and I’ve spent many hours walking and swimming on our wonderful beaches that Perth has to offer. Leighton Beach is my favourite with long stretches of fine white sand and only 20 minutes away by car.

But today I venture out with (last count) 47 other cyclists from a local club, CTA (Cycle Touring Australia) starting from York. Stay tuned and I hope you have a great ride with me.

Sadly due to lack of wifi and time I was unable to complete the Silo Tour blog but stay tuned as there is a new adventure coming up.