You start to sniff out for the most obvious sources, sports fields, rest stops and petrol stations. Through good advice from fellow travelers I have managed to accommodate an extra three litres of water to my kit. For me that translates to about 100km of riding in mid-range temperatures with 50kg of bike and gear to push, and the remaining 2.5 litres on the are bike for cooking and cleaning. As far as the planned Northern Territory leg is concerned, I decided through common sense or call it self-preservation to pursue this another time but in Winter.
I had such a good time traveling up the East Coast of Australia and the Great Dividing Range for about nine weeks that I simply ran out of time. Why the Grampians? I wanted to escape the constant trucks and hot 30 degree days in QLD (road temp about 45 degrees) and thought what a buzz to start at the very beginning of the Great Dividing Range that runs through all the Eastern states. Its always been one of my 'spiritual' homes, like the VIC alps, the Southern Ocean and the Flinders Ranges in SA. I can now add TAS to the list. The Grampians were named after a similar range in Scotland and provides a stunning Spring display of native flowers.
After several hundred kilometers I'm about six to seven kilograms lighter but I'm feeling very well. The little tummy has gone and thinner around the face to how I was a dozen years ago.
Ahh....the sound of waves crashing on the rocks on the Great Ocean Road beckons..