I was in the middle of nowhere, the tire on my bicycle had a puncture and it was getting late. My plan to cycle across Western Australia had hit a snag and with the nearest town over 30 miles away I was starting to wonder where I was going to sleep for the night. To make matters worse it had been raining for more than an hour – everyone thinks Australia enjoys constant sunshine but this is a myth – and I was drenched. But I didn’t panic as something usually comes up and sure enough a white ute pulled up and the middle-aged female driver wound her window down.
“Bloody hell, you’re wetter than a fish underwater. Hop in, I’ll take to my place and sort you out.”
I threw my bike and backpack in the back and jumped in the passenger seat, grateful of the lift. As we drove off I noticed she was a rather large lady, easily 150 kilos, probably more. But she was very friendly and after hearing my bike tire was punctured offered for me to stay at hers for the night. I was a bit apprehensive but realised she seemed friendly and trustworthy and I had little other option.
We soon arrived at her house, down a long country lane miles away from the nearest neighbour. “My names Sharon by the way.”
“Brian” I introduced myself.