Tour de Legacy 2015: Day 10 Mildura to Berri

Today was one of the busiest on the road, since we started the Tour in Canberra. We left Mildura at 7.30 am, because we knew it was going to be a long ride. Truck after truck, caravan after caravan, made the road a bit congested at times, and certainly very, very busy.
But, the Group soldiered on, riding 160 km in almost perfect weather conditions, wonderful clear skies and a slight head wind.
We also had an additional 14 Riders, who came up to Mildura from Adelaide, which changed the dynamics of the ride. The original Group of 25 had a few days to ride together and get used to each other. These 14 riders, were thrown into the deep end, on one of the longest rides in the Tour. But, they did very well, they proved they could ride as if they had been with us right from the beginning.

We had the pleasure of having the legend Patrick Jonker join us from Mildura. He is not only a great sportsman, but a great sport. He was always ready to help others, spoke to anyone and everyone and he has a wonderful personality.

After a few stops, we arrived at the place where our Riders were very eager to stop. After 10 days away, and over 1,000 km cycled, we finally hit the South Australian border. Few cheers and a few photos were taken.

We continued onto Paringa to have lunch, and we stopped at this lovely park, opposite this enormous "Black Stump", absolutely beautiful.

After lunch, we proceeded to Renmark for a quick media call, and not long after, we arrived at our destination, the lovely riverside town of Berri, where we were warmly welcomed by the members of the Riverland Legacy Group. After having a bit of a rest, a clean up and a soothing dip in the pool, we went for drinks at the function room of our Caravan Park, where we got to meet the Mayor of the Berri Barmera region, Mr Peter Hunt.

Dinner followed, and again, we only have praise for all the work that the different Legacy Clubs have done for us. The dinner was a fantastic event. Several dishes to cater for everyone's tastes and dietary requirements were set for us. Delicious fresh fruit that was savoured with gusto, and then whatever was left, was kindly donated by the Legacy Club, because they knew we had to get rid of every piece of fruit and vegetable on crossing the border. There was much laughter and conversation, and lovely stories were told. All in all, a wonderful evening.

But all good things have to come to an end, and it was time for us to go back to our cabins and have a rest, as tomorrow is going to be a hard ride. On our way to Nuriootpa, we have to climb Sedan Hill, not an easy Hill at all, and it will test the endurance of the Riders.

Here are some photos of the day's ride: