When I bought a bicycle in Melbourne and decided that I was going to ride it across Australia’s Outback, I literally had no idea what I was doing (but I did know how to ride I bike, so I had that going for me).
Along the way I learned a lot about bicycles, Australia, and the smell of rotting kangaroo carcases (perhaps the most important lesson of all). I saw (some) animals, met some amazing people, and beheld some incredible sights.
There were good days, bad days, horrible days, and “my god, someone please put me out of my misery” days. The trip was a success in many regards (I made it to my destination without incuring serious injury or death) and a failure in others (I didn’t see a single living snake in the whole of Australia).
Here’s a look at some of my favorite photos from the 2,428.24 mi / 3,907.04 km journey across one of the most inhospitable landscapes on Earth.
Prepping for the adventure.The start of it all.The Giant Koala. Why?Grubbing at the Red Kangaroo Roadhouse in Victoria.Resting?We had some bad times.We had some good times.Roaming the Adelaide Hills.We’ve got a long way to go.“Hey look! A sign! Let’s shoot it!”Destination? Darwin.Arriving in Coober Pedy.Some of the best Grey Nomads I met on my way.Literally the longest 50 km of the trip (to Coober Pedy).Sunset in the Outback.Yes, please. A meal from the Grey Nomads.Hiding out from flies in my tent.Entering the Northern Territory.This martian dirt.A big famous rock.A stop at Uluru (Ayers Rocks).Alice Springs – the most populated place in the Outback.Riding at night – quite relaxing.This dirt will be in me forever.Typical night out.Typical Australian Outback.It’s holding up well.The Devils Marbles.The green is slowly creeping back in.Local artwork.Hot springs in Mataranka (Northern Territory).Enormous Outback termite mounds.A (dead) snake.Final sunset of the ride.The end.No photo trickery here.
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