The Power Of The Wind!

No wonder the WA’s southwest is where Australia built its first wind farm way back in 1987! I’ve cycled 900km across Nyungar Country thanks to strong westerly winds over the past few days. I’ve smashed out the kilometres across WA’s southern wheat and sheep belt. From Collie, I cycled 130km to Wagin, then 170km on to Ongerup via Katanning and Gnowangerup, yesterday another 155km to Ravensthorpe via Jerramungup. And today I rode 190km to Esperance. That was my longest ride yet, but good practice for the Nullarbor where I’ve got over 1,000km of long flat road with no towns except for a few roadhouses.

My bum and knees are a bit sore. But I can’t help being struck by the beauty of the landscape. And the power of the wind!

I want to thank my friend and former Department of Climate Change colleague Natalie Howson who gave me money to put towards my safety. Apart from lots of high viz clothes that make me look like a tennis ball and strong flashing lights, I used $500 of it to buy a Garmin radar gadget that sits on the back of my bike and warns me when vehicles are approaching. The radar alerts me - advising the speed and distance of approaching vehicles. When vehicles come in both directions, I slow down and get off the road. The farmers and truckies are all very tolerant and friendly and usually give me a wave. Thanks Natalie for helping to keep me safe.

Esperance will be interesting because it was one of the first Australian towns to get off the gas and also has a Renewable Energy Hub which has already cut emissions by 50 per cent and is saving money for everyone. What’s good for the weather is good for the wallet!

There were a lot of painted tractors around Gnowangerup.

I stayed at the Palace Hotel in Wagin.

I often take backroads to avoid traffic and enjoy the scenery.

The giant wheat silos in Ravensthorpe celebrate the unique animals and plants here on Nyungar Country - check out how small my bike is in the bottom corner.