Munda Biddi Day 1
Woke up at 5.00am in the hotel and started assemblying the bike.
Bike was ready by about 6.15am then shower then at 7.09am ask the reception for bag storage who indicated they only keep bags for a short time and I siad I'll let you think about it, even willing to pay some $$ then headed off to breakfast at the hotel. Omelate on GF bread. Back to the bike to assemble, then took the bike bag with the back pack in it flatten down and spoke to reception to hold my bike bag and backpack inside their storage and was ok but will not take responsibility for it. You had to go through a door to access so i thought it would be safe plus I left an Air Tag in the bag as well.
Back to the bike but left brake, rear not working and squeeks occassionally.
Left the hotel at 9.00am thanks to the staff and checking out. Followed the Great Eastrn Highway on the footpath using the google maps by bike to Midland. It goes down some back streets and paths around a lake then back on the highway then before the bridge frossing the Swan River turned right and into Midland 99 bikes by 9.45am. Knowing its a Sunday and the bike shop and camping store does not open until 11.00am I had some time to kill so went back to MacDonalds to recharge electronics and a morning snack in Midland. Off to the bike shop at 10.30am, bored at Maccas first for a multi tool- useless as it did not have the right size allen key for some of my bike nuts and thought of getting my brakes done but they were busy already with bike repairs. I got some grip tape, a new plastic water bottle holder with a turn screw and ditched the metal one, and sealant. I later realised in Dwellingup the brake pads had fallen out and were in my bike bag. Thanks to the airport luggage handlers on that one, but lesson learnt to get some brake inserts plus more bubble wrap around the brakes.
I left behind my go pro battery charger and spare batteries so only had the one in the go pro but could only get from JBHIFI go pro 8 batteries online. Bought a plastic hand holder which clips on the handlebars. Seen some others have it but the clamp is hard to open with my right hand ( as its weakened from the Rohloff gear changing) and its not steady enough to shoot on the stand on the handlebars.
Off to Anaconda for 3 gas canisters but forgot to get a day pack waterproof cover,
Short ride to the start of the Heritage rail trail starting near Bellevue all the way to Mundaring uphill though at 11.53am. Bush poo on the edge as I was busting, when I have to go I have to go. A toilet was 100m up the trail. Very good trail with water - Darlington and toilets along the way. I decide to video a short for this segment. Finished at 1.30 pm. Everyone was steaming past me down the rail trail with
Arrived at Mundaring at 1.30pm and headed off to Woolworths first (no Porridge) and then Coles for shopping then at 3.00pm had lunch of a salad bought from Coles.
Started the Munda Biddi at 3.45pm thinking I'll get into the hut 40km away around 7.00pm which might be dark.
You could follow the road to the Weir but followed the actual trail.
However the truth was it was much slower going and alot rougher than I was expecting and wondered whether I brought the right bike without suspension. Tree roots, rocks single trail after Mundaring Weir with switchbacks, steep uphill, maybe some uphill. Thought I was at the Dell but proportions and scale of the map confused me, then half an hour later I arrived at the Dell at 5.00pm campsite and MTB tracks around including 2 MTB riders near there.
Thought to myself Im going to arrive by dark. Kept rehydrating as it was a hot day and snacks up.
After the Kings Mill Road I had to turn on the lights. Helmet rear and sunsets at about 7.00pm the By 7.00pm lights went on section single trail for another hour, arriving at the hut at 8.15pm. More Apricot coconut slices for dinner. Hut to myself and in bed by 9.00pm.