A Simple but Heartfelt Breakfast
On March 7 in Busselton, I began my day with breakfast prepared by my host: bacon, eggs, and a fresh cup of coffee. Meat is not something I can easily carry with me during my cycling journey, so being served such a meal felt like a real treat.
After breakfast, I switched to my new tiresāthe Schwalbe G-ONE All Round I had picked up in Bali. I finished setting up my bike, and although much of my gear remains the same, I am always surprised that it all manages to hold together after so many kilometers.
Then came the moment to say goodbye. It had only been one night, but the time spent with my host was deeply meaningful. I was especially surprised to learn that another Japanese cyclist I had heard aboutāsomeone also traveling the worldāhad stayed here before me. The world of travelers often feels small in the best way.
Riding Through Quiet Roads
With my gear set and my spirits lifted, I set off toward Cowaramup. Just outside Busselton, I paused to eat some bread I had been given earlier, enjoying the quiet of the coastal road. The sea stretched out beside me as I rode at a relaxed pace.
At one point, the luggage tied to the front of my bike shifted slightly. Even a small imbalance bothers me when I rideāit feels wrong, as if the bike is speaking to meāso I stopped to adjust it. Such small corrections are part of the rhythm of cycling.
South of Busselton, the road opened into fields where kangaroos might appear. Though I couldnāt photograph them, I spotted several in the distance. A lone tree, standing tall among the fields, caught my attention. Somehow, its solitary presence felt symbolic of the rugged beauty of this land.
The road I had chosen was not the main one. I had been warned that the western road toward Margaret River was busy with tourist traffic, so I opted for this quieter path instead. With so few cars, the ride felt peaceful and safeāexactly what a cycling traveler hopes for.
An Unexpected Flat Tire
Just as I was enjoying the quiet roads, a problem struck: another flat tire. I hadnāt expected it, especially not on a road like this. The issue, as I feared, was with the tubes. I only had two with me, and both had been patched repeatedly until they were at their limit.
Still, I managed to make a temporary repair and pushed on toward my hostās home for the night. I was tired when I arrived, but the moment I did, my host greeted me with an unexpected invitation:
āLetās go watch the sunset.ā
Without even resting, I joined them.
A Sunset to Remember
We drove to the coast, where waves crashed against the rocks and the sun melted into the horizon. There was no one else aroundājust us, the sea, and the fiery sky. After the stress of the flat tire, this sudden moment of beauty felt like a gift.
Back at the house, dinner was served. The meal centered on fresh vegetables, simple and perfectly prepared. Sitting there, I thought about how every day on this journey is different. Some days bring problems, others bring surprises, but together they create a story I will never forget.
Despite the trouble with my bike, this day ended as one of the bestāfilled with kindness, beauty, and gratitude.
