If you like cycling solo on dirt country roads, you need to have a rescue plan in place. On my recent ride between Freeling and Kapunda, we had to put our rescue plan to the test.
Solo Country Rides
I’ve been cycling now for eight years and I’ve always enjoyed solo rides as well as social rides. Of the more than 26,000 kilometres I’ve ridden in that time, almost 50% of those kilometres would have been solo.
Added to that, I’ve never enjoyed city bitumen roads. I prefer quiet, dirt country roads.
Derek was initially not so thrilled to have his wife heading bush on her own. However, I only had to point out that since he is a motorbike rider, his risk profile is much higher than mine.
Rescue Plan
Having said that, we have always had a pretty thorough rescue plan in place.
- We use the Life 360 Friend Locator App. As long as I leave my Location Sharing on, Derek can see where I am on Google Maps. We have noticed that the accuracy of this app has increased in recent years.
- We use Telstra for our phone plans. Sorry to say it, but if you want good coverage in country Australia, you need to be with Telstra.
- I carry a satellite phone with me in case there is no mobile coverage. This costs us $35 per month, but we pay it for peace of mind.
In case of mishap, as long as I’m conscious, I should be able to call Derek and he should be able to find me. If I were not conscious, he would be able to track my location when he realised something was wrong.
Until now, we have only ever activated the rescue plan once: A few years ago, I was becoming exhausted in high winds near Millawa in country Victoria, so I phoned Derek and asked him to get me. I’m quite reluctant to ask for help, so things must have been pretty bad for me to do that 🙂
Freeling to Kapunda
This week on Tuesday was also a windy day. Nevertheless, I headed out to Freeling to explore a dirt road route through to Kapunda.
The day started well. As I left Freeling, a beautiful rainbow curved across the sky.
In South Australia, winter is our wet season, so I had to change my planned route a couple of times to avoid “Dry Weather Only” or muddy roads.
The scenery was gorgeous.
Also, I was delighted to find that Fords Road, although sign-posted “Dry Weather Road Only”
was only muddy in a few sections. Indeed, it provided a safe and scenic crossing of the Light River.
Excitingly, I even managed to locate the old railway bridge over the Light River, something I have been meaning to do for years.
When I arrived in Kapunda, it was pleasing to see that Litl Mo’s Bakery was open in its new premises. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there was no inside seating.
Return from Kapunda
On my way back from Kapunda, I noticed that in the windy weather, the mud on Fords Road had mostly dried up. It was amazing to see the difference only a few hours made. I think this is what made me less cautious about muddy roads.
Trying a different way back, I came across Jas Ryan Road. I noticed later that the “Dry Weather Road Only” sign had been knocked down, but I probably should have been a lot more cautious just looking at the state of the road.
It was very hard going along this road, ploughing through the sticky mud. After one kilometre, and only 200 metres short of what promised to be a better road, a rock hit and smashed my derailleur.
For someone of my limited mechanical ability, that was the end of the ride! Time to implement the Rescue Plan…
Derek to the rescue
I was able to use the mobile phone, and fortunately Derek was just finishing up at the physiotherapist. In his usual cheerful manner, Derek was happy to help, and after picking up Kenji the dog, was on his way.
I knew it would take Derek almost an hour to get to me, so I decided to use the time re-tracing my steps back to a suitable all-weather road near the Thiele Highway. Getting one of our cars bogged would not be good!
Although it was very hard work pulling my bike through the mud, it was a good way to keep warm on what was becoming a very chilly afternoon.
Here’s a photo of me waiting: tired, bike broken, grease on my face, but still smiling, knowing that Derek was on his way.
I wish I had got a pic of Derek arriving with a big grin on his face, but photography was the last thing on our minds by then!
One other time when we almost had to implement the rescue plan, was when I got lost on the Munda Biddi Trail near Dwellingup.
Well done Helen , you are very, very adventurous , and I must fully agree with you about riding the back roads , gravel roads . That’s really bad luck about busting the derailleur . A friend of mine busted his derailleur on the Mawson Trail last year and was rescued too . It’s good that you have Google tracking and Telstra on your phone , me too , and having a satellite phone is the ultimate . You are also well prepared having Derek to the rescue . My dear wife would rescue me , but would not be very thrilled about it . I’m glad you are okay and best wishes on your next solo adventure .
I’m hoping that when things get back to the “new normal” we’ll meet up again .
Thanks Peter. That’s interesting about your friend with the broken derailleur. Grateful I was only on a day ride rather than a multi-day adventure 😎
Helen,
Glad you are ok, saved by the Rescue Squad – thanks for the article.
Thanks Faye. Yes I’m very fortunate with my rescue squad 😎
Another terrific blog Helen.
Thank you Rudi 😎
Hi Helen,
I’m always delighted to read of your bike trips. What a fabulous job you do! 🙂
I’m with a club in Victoria and hoping to spend a week in SA (probably 2022) doing some of the trails and back roads, with maybe a winery or two in there for stops. Would you be willing to offer some guidance in that planning, as you’ve covered so much ground with your rides.? Just in the sense of choosing a location (perhaps two separate caravan parks), then suggested rides in those locations?
Sure Wendy. When you’re ready to start planning, please contact me through the form at the bottom of the “About” page 😎
Glad you were rescued, Helen! I would make several comments about this sort of incident. Firstly, when touring, always carry a spare derailleur hanger. These are made to break to protect your frame. Yours is clearly visible as a darker black part. Yours is intact so that is good. Secondly carry a set of Wolf Tooth Master link pliers. I will add a video on FB. It’s a quick way to undo and join your chain as it can carry spare master links. Thirdly carry a chain breaker (part of some multi tools). This sort of incident is probably not as much as a challenge as an ordinary bike. You could have taken some links out of your chain, putting it on a mid range cog and rode it as a single speed with the benefit of your motor. It would have got you to the next town. Of course, this is all predicated on not having immediate help available! Well done!
Thanks David. I guess that’s another lesson learned 😎
I second the advice around a chain tool – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-HJIMVIvGc
If you have a quick link but no pliers, in a pinch you can use a strong thread (cable, or maybe even a shoe lace) to break it.
I did *not* know this as I snapped a chain, and had the wrong size quick links (sighhh) on the side of a highway 40km away from Waikerie, in the middle of the night. Luckily, a nice truck driver rescued me after a few hours of walking.
Thanks Dan 😎
Great adventure. That Derek’s a keeper! Didn’t need the pic to imagine his grin;)
Thank you Natalie. Yes, he absolutely is a keeper 🙂
Yes I agree with David , “Hi David” , , about carrying a spare derailleur hanger . I have one for each bike ( they are all so different), and so far never had to use one . At first I thought it was the hanger that was broken, but looking a little closer it was the bottom pulley that had broken off.
Like Dave said , shortening the chain with the aid of a chain breaking tool . Also use a Wipperman / Connex chain link , very easy to do and undo a chain , they are expensive but worth every cent .
That’s my 2 bobs worth
Best Wishes Helen
Thanks Peter 🙂
Another great and interesting write up with fantastic photos to back up the ride.
Well done Helen. Love your adventurous spirit, 26,000 ks in total. Congratulations.
Thank you Kathie 🙂
Thanks Helen for your great blogs. Some very valuable info with regards to rescue plans. Keep riding and posting your adventures.
Thank you Kym 🙂
All’s well that ends well!
Absolutely 😎
You’re smart having a rescue plan in place and fortunate to have a rescuer who arrives with a grin on his face! Glad it worked out. Your photos are lovely; I feel peaceful just looking at the nice landscape.
Thanks Caroline. Yes, I’m lucky that Derek is so cheerful about having to rescue me 🙂