frank9755 wrote:I'm riding next week. And as part of the international contingent who have not visited Australia before, I'm trying to do as much research as I can beforehand. Are the roadhouses likely to sell out after half a dozen riders, or do they not stock bottled water / packaged cakes, etc?
FWIW making prior arrangements or shipping supplies ahead would be against the rules, but no food for a week and a half would be even more serious!
Yes Frank, this is what I'm alluding to. Not necessarily going to be an issue but better to be aware.
It's been a while since I last crossed, but supplies were patchy and the prices were outrageous. Most roadhouses do have very basic supplies, but I don't know if they would have enough stock to supply all the riders in the event.
Perhaps the organisers will have alerted the roadhouse opertors about the event, but that's no guarantee that they'll care. I'm not saying they are all unfriendly but it's not uncommon to encounter a distinct attitude. To give you an idea, don't be surprised to see signs like this.
Bore water is often saline and may not agree with the stomaches of highly stressed atheletes. Bottled water is likely to cost around $7.00 AUD per litre. However the grey nomads are often very accommodating and it would seem to be within the rules to accept some water/food from them.
Also keep in mind that not all roadhouses/kitchens are open 24hours, so if you arrive late at night it may not be possible to obtain supplies or a hot meal.
As a touring cyclist I take notice of the journals posted by other tourists. There are quite a few journals on
crazyguyonabike by cyclists who have made the crossing and they are very good sources of information.
And another informative journal here. With regard to the wind, you may be interested to look at the
BOM wind roses.
There is an IGA supermarket at Norseman which is probably the last until Ceduna. I imagine that they may sell out of energy bars very quickly.
