Day 8 Robinvale to Mildura 84 km & Day 9 Rest Day in Mildura

 Early start for 2 reasons  - I started packing at 6:30 am and Don made me coffee and toast while I loaded the bike. Don is travelling to Broken Hill with his wife. They were in a caravan just near my tent last night.

Me with Good Samaritan Don

Leaving the caravan park I followed the Robinvale - Euston bike path through some bushland near the Murray River. The river was very still and provided fabulous reflections.


Reflections on the Murray River at Euston

Back on the Sturt Hwy where the next 20 km featured heavy truck traffic and no sealed shoulder. This section of road felt very dangerous. Fortunately it did get better further on.

Despite the early start my progress was slow. After 25 km I stopped in a rest stop for morning tea at 10:30 am. After 20 minute break I was on my way again. The sun came out which was welcome but there was an annoying head wind that sapped my energy. 

I stopped again just after noon so I could have a chat with Lisa who was on her way to work. Lisa’s shift work means there isn’t a regular time when we can connect. I searched through my food bag for some lunch but ended up just eating some snacks. I was looking forward to a late lunch at Gol Gol bakery now only 24 km away.
I felt like I was pedalling this cart all day


It took until 2:45 pm to get to the bakery, hills and the head wind slowed me down. I realised I am feeling as I should after a week of cycling, very weary. Managing fatigue is important so I will be looking for the opportunity to have a day off the bike very soon.

I crossed the bridge over the Murray and rode into Mildura remembering that the last time I did this was with Neil Strohbeck in 2021. Then the border was supposed to be closed to prevent NSW infecting Victoria with Covid but there was no one monitoring who was crossing and Neil and I rode over unimpeded.

I found a motel and checked in just as it started to rain. A shower and fresh clothes and then a walk to the supermarket to load up on fruit. Touring cyclist hunger really kicked in this afternoon. Despite the bakery lunch I was very hungry again very soon after.

Day 9 Rest Day in Mildura

Overnight I convinced myself to take the day off. I decided I would find a sunny spot by the Murray River and spent the afternoon reading. The overnight rain had moved on leaving puddles and the forecast was for a mostly dry day.

Good news early in the day was a message from Pam and Geoff Roberts, fellow adventurers. They have recently cycled down the Darling and wanted me to know that the Pooncarie to Menindee road is sealed apart from  one 500 metre section. This updated information is very handy as the map I have shows otherwise.

First task of the morning was a visit to the laundromat. Apart from the clothes I had on, everything got washed. How nice to have fresh nice smelling clothing. 

Then breakfast at Langtry Cafe which has become a tradition when I visit Mildura. With various kayak trips on the Murray and the Darling I think I have passed through here 8 times in the last decade.
Opposite Apex Park


Huge new camp kitchen at Apex Park

Just before lunch I pedalled down to Apex Park and found myself a picnic table in the sun by the river. I spent a couple of hours reading before pushing the bike over to the caravan park and checking in. 

I have stayed here a number of times previously. The facilities in the park have received a major upgrade since last year. In the past the facilities looked a bit tired but now everything looks fresh and new. A new camp kitchen area at the back of the park is huge. I spent some time there chatting with fellow campers and received an invitation to join a couple from Tamworth at their campfire.

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