The journey begins

Our journey began with a conversation that to make our 50th birthdays memorable we needed an adventure. As we are both cyclists, a bicycle tour was obvious as it enabled us to travel on a limited budget and still do something worthwhile. 


The route came easily. Wilsons Promontory to Cape York, the most southerly point on mainland Australia to the most northerly point. Some quick internet research showed not only was it possible, others had already done it.

Further research showed us that it would probably take 3 months to cover the 6000 kilometers around the coast. 

With families to consider we came to the realization that we couldn’t do the journey in one trip. Hence the first leg of our journey, Wilsons Promontory to Coffs Harbour. The journey to this point took 18 months of dialogue and was mostly speculative. Even after we set a departure date we had no confirmation that it would occur. Tony was most positive and had Janelle’s agreement early on. I stalled but finally committed to the project in October 2010. Departure was to be March 2011.

The next step was to find some suitable bikes. We both had hybrids that we used for commuting but felt we needed something better because of the weight we would have to carry. We both had been looking on the Internet and in local bike shops. The most suitable local options were over our budget, second hand opportunities passed us by. 

Eventually we found an American web-based retailer who had a suitable product but didn’t sell overseas. Fortunately we found an intermediary and placed our orders 1 month of our intended departure. Delivery was prompt ending concern that we may have to delay our departure.

www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_turismo.htm Link to bikes

Tony’s bike arrived first. He quickly discovered one quirk. The bikes were set up for riding in the USA so the brakes were transposed. With a fortnight to departure we have been assembling and testing the bikes. Fortunately we know what we are doing (irony!)