TALES FROM THE INDIAN PACIFIC: BIKING FOR THE DOCTOR

All things considered, there can’t be too many places in the world more inhospitable than the Nullarbor Plain, so named because of its lack of trees.

Cyclist gives a wave

And yet in testament to the human spirit there are always some hopeful souls who strive to defy the odds.

In this case, a group of Great Southern Railway employees biking a 500 mile stretch alongside the train tracks with the goal of raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

On the face of it, a laudable act.  In reality, some significant barriers to overcome:  blazing sun with no shade, relentless swarms of flies and terrain that would reduce any self-respecting bike mechanic to tears. 

They can't be serious!

The 25 car train slowed several miles before meeting up with the cyclists and when we spotted them we all let out a huge cheer of appreciation.  

There they were, riding on a 20 million year old limestone sea bed following an old service track alongside the Indian Pacific train line. All around them, the nothingness of the Nullarbor stretching out to the horizon on all sides.

A tinge of guilt setting in ......

Sitting in the bar with a pleasant Chardonnay in hand, we felt a little guilty seeing those lads out in the elements.  They were certainly up for the occasion as they waved cheekily at us, one fellow sporting a long blonde wig, another with a whitewashed face.

The train staff told us how many times the Royal Flying Doctor Service has been summoned to deal with an emergency in the outback.  Funded in part by various levels of Government, the Service relies heavily on fundraising to operate.  

The boys were certainly doing their part having raised over $25,000.  Good on them!