Fix It and Keep Going

Daily miles: 42.25 | Total miles: 7,072.04

My alarm rang at 5:00 am, and by 5:15 I was up making a hot coffee and eating some porridge. I packed up my things and rolled the buggy out of the old butter factory by 6:30 am. It was still a little dark, so I had my headtorch on. I took it easy to warm up — about a mile back onto the highway — and then got going properly.

It was cool, quiet, and I felt good. But after about 10 miles, I heard a strange sound, and suddenly the buggy leaned to the right. Just like what once happened in Mississippi. One of the screws had come loose — again! Luckily, I’ve carried spare parts ever since that incident, so I was able to fix it. It took a while, but I got it done and was back on the road.

The weather was kind — blue skies and mild warmth. But at mile 22, just like yesterday, I got another flat tire. Left side again. What are the chances? I pulled off into the sun and fixed the tube, and thankfully had no more issues with the buggy for the rest of the day.

At one point, a driver in a very small car stopped and offered me a ride — which I kindly declined, wondering how on earth we’d fit the buggy in there. Later on, someone else slowed down and asked if I needed help. I really appreciate when people check in like that, it means a lot.

The last five miles were off the highway, and I read it’s race weekend here, so many motels were full. But when I reached the town center in Benalla, I spotted a hotel just across from the grocery store. I called and they had a room — perfect. No need for complicated logistics today.

I grabbed some food, had a long bath, ate dinner, and now I’m beyond ready to sleep.

Thanks for following along.

See you tomorrow. Andrea