arctic-cycler.com

Going to bed at 7.30pm means you get up at 3.30am and start riding at 5. It’s beautiful gliding along the outback road at night under the starry heavens. Slowly the horizon turns a firey orange, the birds explode in a chorus, and the day begins.

The sun still had it’s morning orange glow when I arrived at the sandy Gilbert River.

I reached Croydon by 2.30 – the goal of the trip. My friend Elizabeth has moved here and I wanted to see her new home. I love these outback towns – a few rows of streets, a pub, a shop and a service station. And a long way to the next town. Its time for a rest. My body is tired.