Day 18, Esperance to Salmon Gums, 109km.
Day 19, Salmon Gums to Norseman, 98km.

So after a short two day hop North I have reached Norseman an old gold town town which has seen better days. The ride North from Esperance was pretty uneventful, the only thing of interest was when I noticed another cyclist fast approaching in my mirror. I had been told by some people at Esperance YHA that they had met a cyclist further back and that he was cycling round the world. I was anticipating him catching me after having a couple of rest days. What I didn't expect was that he was part of the World Cycle Race. Competitors set off in different countries and are racing to break the world record for cycling round the world. Now for the amazing part, I cycled with Mike for 15 minutes and was asking him about his route and mileage, I was shocked to learn he was doing upwards of 300km a day!!!! Sometimes he would cycle for 14+ hours. He had done in 5 days what had taken me 12, just crazy. Before long Mike probably decided I was going to slow and pedalled off into the distance. It was absolutely amazing to meet Mike and it really helped me focus myself and made me want to push myself harder, don't worry not 300km harder. I bumped into Mike further on in Salmon Gums, where I was camping and he devouring food at the pub to sustain himself for another 100km. Speaking to the landlord later he was shocked at how much he had consumed so I filled him in.

The next day was a quick day, I managed to keep and sustain a good pace so made it in good time but my body is showing the first signs of wear and tear. My right leg was in agony for the last 10km, I think I just need to stretch my muscles more. My hands are really suffering, I've lost a lot of feeling and dexterity in my little finger and the one next to it. Also I'm sure you guys really want to know this but I really
don't think I will be capable of having children in the future. When I reached Norseman I checked into the railway hotel. A room was only 12 dollars more a night than the campsite, not that I'm trying to justify it or anything. Anyway, the first leg of my trip is complete now for the second, the Nullarbor!!