Morning Coffee and a Beautiful Garden
On March 8 in Cowaramup, I started the day with a kind invitation: “Let’s have coffee together.” It was a simple gesture, but it set the tone for a good morning. I had decided to spend another day here before moving onward.
The view from the front door was stunning. In Australia, many people dream of having a garden, and they take immense pride in maintaining it. Whenever I stay with a host, I often find myself being shown their gardens, and each one tells a story of care and passion.
A Visit to the Margaret River Market
Later, we headed to the weekly Margaret River market. By eight in the morning, the place was already full of people. Stalls were lined with homemade products—fresh vegetables, fruits, baked goods, and creative dishes.
One highlight was arancini, an Italian rice croquette. The one I tried was made with tomato paste, and it was delicious. Walking through the market, I felt the lively energy of a community coming together.
A Tire That Changed Everything
Back at the house, my host showed me his collection of bicycles. Many Australian hosts seem to have multiple bikes, often customized with great care. Listening to him explain each part, I could feel his love for cycling, and I thought how lucky his bikes must be to be ridden by someone who cares so deeply.
Then came a surprise: he offered me a pair of Schwalbe Marathon tires—a name well-known among long-distance cyclists. The reason was simple: “This will make your journey smoother.”
I had wanted these tires in Bali, but they were sold out, so I settled for the G-ONE All Round, which is better suited for off-road riding. While the G-ONEs have served me well, the Marathon is far more reliable for long tours. Receiving them was like being handed a key to safer, smoother miles ahead. My gratitude was beyond words.
A Rainy Road and an Unexpected Obstacle
Before departure, my host prepared a hearty lunch: pizza, avocado, and eggs—a perfect balance of energy and nourishment. With that fuel, I set out toward Margaret River.
Soon, rain began to fall, and the road grew rougher. Riding on dirt roads in the rain is dangerous—mud can quickly stop a bike in its tracks. I wanted to push forward before conditions worsened.
But then, a challenge appeared: a massive fallen tree blocking the road. It was almost as if it had been placed there deliberately to stop anyone from passing.
Lifting a bike loaded with more than 50 kilograms of gear is no small task. I first carried the bags across, one by one, then lightened the bike by removing the front load. Slowly, with effort and care, I managed to lift the frame over the tree and reassemble everything on the other side.
It was exhausting. The cold rain and the struggle to reset my gear drained me, but eventually, I made it through. This was one of those moments that reminded me: the journey is not only about smooth roads and beautiful views—it is also about facing obstacles with determination.
