All Trails Past Rides

Nullarbor Ride - Perth to Adelaide 2006

G'day Nullarborians,

Well, it' all over, but not the memories. What a ride eh! I have to say my best day's riding was to Fremantle. Your best day's riding hopefully is hard to pick. Was it the longest day into Kalgoorlie, downhill to Norseman, screaming tail wind to Eucla, fresh foggy morning out of Ceduna, salt bush plains of Iron Knob into Port Augusta or perhaps the proud portion of riding as one, being escorted by a police car and two motor cycle policemen catching every green light and finishing on the lawns of Victoria Square, marquee assembled with lunch, opposite the Hilton. It doesn't get any better. Yes it does, we were on ABC TV News that night, cycling, congratulating and cheering ourselves.

Come on give yourselves a clap. You deserve it.

What an achievement. Maybe your friends, relatives and work mates who said or thought you were just a little bit kooky, might think again. That harebrain idea of riding a push bike across the legendary Nullarbor Plain from Perth to Adelaide, the equivalent of cycling across Europe, was perhaps not such a silly idea after all.

Your dedication to your commitment was unwavering. It was exciting to be a part of such a diverse group of people, in age, background and cycling experience. The talk and laughter when not riding was infectious but once on the bike the battles began.

The various groups of front runners, riding at their own comfortable speed, were constantly chased by others, like cheetahs after their quarry. When hunted down, the prey accelerated, sometimes exploding before being devoured, sometimes hanging on ‘till the next designated water hole.

After a cuppa other groups were constantly searching for the strays, as they hid in the bus or behind bushes, delaying the inevitable partnership of bike and rider. Once assembled they were vocal, laughing and yapping like hyenas, muttering car back, car up or, I wish I was in a car.

The loners, the riders who did it on their own, sometimes for a few days or every day, were cunning. They would arrive unnoticed at the tea stops, mingle amongst the mob, observe the pattern of play, then slink off like a lion hunting wildebeest, skirting the pack, wearing them down and waiting for the young, injured or inexperienced to drop out.  With the average age being 55, there was no hope of any young dropping by the way.

The competitive nature of cyclists is forever present, with riders comparing times on their computers. Incredible times, like 45 kph for 180 km, were achieved on some big tails wind days, while nature showed its nasty side, serving up some head and side winds on the shortest days.

Afternoon tea, where they appeared from nowhere, was popular, but the supposedly serious survey of the next days ride, the evening briefing, was always the favourite. Open to everyone, comments jokes and laughter relaxed muscles, with the help of De Bortoli wine and magnificent meals from roadhouses, isolated above the Great Australian Bight.

This adventure was not only about cycling, but observing nature like massive Southern Right whales and their calves wallowing in warm water or the visit to the Eyre Bird Sanctuary, a haven right on the coastline.

We are really thrilled to have been able to share this experience with exuberant people. Also proud that money donated by cyclists personal sponsors and fundraising has now reached $40,000.  All going to The Fred Hollows Foundation, allowing other people the gift of sight.

The All Trails support team were marvellous, and shared many moments of labour and laughter and together we congratulate all cyclists for believing in themselves, getting out of their comfort zone, and accepting the challenge of cycling nearly three thousand kilometres across Australia.

See you next time,

Regards
Phil & Susan McDonald
All Trails Bicycle Tours

* Click on the photos for a larger version