Fryatt spent last night in Yarra Junction in Victoria and has now ridden 4071 of the 5500. The race finishes at the Sydney Opera House. Fryatt is leading the field by around 600kms.

On day 11 he rode from Portland to Yarra Junction, a distance of 263.8km.

Fellow Taree rider Michael Cross rode from Kimba to Gladstone on day 11, a distance of 276.6km. He joked that it will probably be the only time he will ride further than Fryatt.

Related:

Taree riders continue their journey

"The plan was to ride to Laura, but it seemed today nothing was going to fall into place for me,'' Cross wrote on his blog.

"Day 11 started early at 3am and it was freezing. I had every piece of kit on that I have and was still cold to the point I almost couldn't ride. A vast difference to the weather I've been experiencing so far. It did warm up after a few hours.

"Coming into Port Augusta I took a wrong turn, really not sure how I missed the intersection. And the day just got better from there.

"The last few days I haven't been able to get into my small gear which is essential for climbing, so I knew I needed a cable adjustment. Having noticed the boys dropping into Over the Edge Cycles in Melrose, I called ahead to make sure I can get someone to check it out - CLOSED on Tuesdays according to the answering machine.

"But, it did appear open when I rode past some hours later after I'd found an alternate bike shop in Port Augusta. Had a cable adjustment done but they didn't have tubes to replace the one I used yesterday. So I will have to sort that in Adelaide.''

However, the day took a turn for the better when Cross noticed a familiar face on the side of the road - Paul Mackie from Harrington.

"It's been a while since I've seen anyone I know including the guys I started this adventure with so it was gold! Paul rode a part of the way with me, keeping me company before I headed to Laura, bought a pizza and continued onto Gladstone,'' he wrote.

Fryatt had a similar experience in Bayswater where he was recognised by ex-Taree High student Sean while he was waiting for pizza. Fryatt teaches at Taree High.

"It's a small world,'' he said.

"Early afternoon I found out all the accommodation in Laura was booked out (one hotel and caravan park) - who knew a place could be so popular,'' Cross continued.

"I finally found an amazing couple at Gladstone caravan park who sorted me out - 10km more riding but worth it, ending my second biggest day on the bike with the body not feeling too bad.

"I think I'm finding a rhythm - maybe? Let's not get carried away.''