Day 10 – Kingston S.E. to Salt Creek 87 K / 54 Miles

As I ride in the morning I am typically thinking of things to share in the journal. Mornings are good. My mind and legs are fresh. By the end of the day neither is true. Today seemed especially difficult for no other reason than the win. Traffic at the end also picked up as weekenders headed home toward Adelaide from the beach.

 
Tonight Joe and I listened to the music from the Blues Brothers movie on a small Bluetooth speaker I connect to my I-Phone. Why the Blues Brothers? It seems the Aussies are fascinated by the movie, even some 35 years after it came out. In the 1½ weeks we’ve been here at least 4 people have mentioned the movie when we tell them we are from Illinois. One gentleman even pointed out his “black and white” cruiser repainted to resemble Jake and Elwood’s ride. I have found the affection for this movie interesting.

 
Listening to the music lightened our evening. This ride has been difficult for no other reason than the wind. On our 2012 trip across the U.S., we started in June and ended in August. We could start riding very early in the morning, at first light and ride to after 9:00 PM if needed. On this trip we start no earlier than first light at 7:30 and have to start planning for our overnights much earlier as it is dark by 5:30 PM. During the day there has been little time for rest like in 2012 when we could take an hour or two to relax in a park, or even take a nap. I think the press for mileage with the daylight we have as well as the cold weather is taking a toll on my right knee. It was especially painful for the last 20 miles. Not sure what is going on as the pain is something that occurs when I am “spinning” with very light to moderate pressure on the pedals. Many times the pain subsides when I push harder.