The Idea.
The whole idea of this, my second trans-continental cycle started in my head in early 2011. I kept the idea to myself while looking for groups on the internet keen on a similar cycle. There weren't as many available as there were for the USA trip. Some groups only undertook the crossing of the Nullarbor every second year. The group that I chose was Cycle Across Oz (www.cycleacrossoz.com.au) for a number of reasons.
Once I had a plan to work off, I informed the family of my intention and sought their approval. Only family were in on the action at this stage until early 2013 when I let my plan be known to friends, relations and acquaintances. Reactions varied from raised eyebrows to 'You're mad' to 'Go for it, you're well able'.
THE BIKE
For this Australian adventure I am using the same bike as I cycled across USA in 2008. I bought the Specialized Cyclocross in 2007 and it has almost 30,000 km on the clock....and still going strong.
With Shimano Tiagra shifters it has a triple ring (30/39/50) in front and a Shimano Deore 8 gear cassette behind (11-32) so some very low gears to tackle those Blue Mountains just before Sydney while carrying two loaded panniers behind.
On the wheels I have 700 X 28C tyres which will give a balance between comfort and just enough road contact.
Set up for Melbourne to Sydney
Set up for Melbourne to Sydney
A rear rack enables me to carry 10 kg in 2 panniers and also a trunk bag for those items that need to be close at hand.
Over the years, parts of the bike have been replaced but nothing major. To make sure that it was ship-shape for this trip it had a good overhaul - replaced the bottom bracket, new rear wheel, new chain, replaced front derailleur, tyres, brakes and pedals. At present it is getting a good run in with these new components.
In the cockpit - I use a Garmin Edge 305 computer to keep a tab on all readings; those extra brake levers on top are great for tour cycling; as always I use a rear view mirror (indispensable in my view but also mandatory by the tour organisers). They also insist on lights front and rear.
THE TRIP
The trip from Perth to Sydney is divided into 2 parts.
1) Perth to Melbourne.
For this section I am joining an international group (www.cycleacrossoz.com.au) that I located on the web. At Easter 2013 they left Melbourne and are cycling anti-clockwise around Australia with the journey divided into a number of stages. I join them for the final 2 stages (Perth - Adelaide, Adelaide - Melbourne). The group of about 20 are about to have their first Irish person ever to join them. Their vehicle carries all the luggage (limited to 15 kg each), have mapped out the route and organised the caravan parks (we can upgrade to cabins) but there will be 4 nights of bush camp (in the middle of nowhere). This section lasts 37 days (30 days cycling and 7 rest days); covers 3858 km (daily average of 128 km) with the longest at 185 km and the shortest at a mere 70 km. The organisers restrict luggage to 15 kg (33 lbs) including camping gear (approx 5 kg)
The route heads out east from Perth towards Kalgoorlie, swings south to Norseman and the turns east to face the Nullarbor Plain; turns south by Adelaide and finishes on a high along the Great Ocean Road on the coast of Victoria.
2) Melbourne to Sydney.
For this part, I am solo and carrying luggage (10 kg) in the panniers. I'll stay a few days visiting in Geelong just south of Melbourne. There will be 10 cycling days (1000 km) in this section and keeping it to a handy 100 km per day and all accommodation in motels. Cycling 2 days north-west from Geelong I'll meet up with my brother and family in Bendigo (I haven't met him for years) and stay around for a few days. I'll continue north then crossing from Victoria into Nerw South Wales at Yarrawonga, pass through Wagga Wagga and head for Cowra. I'll then have 2 days of steady climbing through Bathurst to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. The final day's cycling will be all downhill into Sydney to finish at the Opera House (or maybe Bondi Beach). A few days in Sydney will suitably complete the Australian adventure - a time to reflect on the trip, to explore the city and meet up with some people.
THE PREPARATION
Naturally much cycling preparation is necessary for an undertaking such as this. It calls for miles and miles in the legs and hours upon hours on the saddle. Over the last 12 years or so I would clock up between 4000 and 5000 km per year. But since Dec 2012 my cycling has been curtailed by a number of setbacks - two periods of shoulder problems, two periods of knee problems and one period of ankle problems. During those periods even walking was almost impossible. Frequently clouds of doubt came over me but I still hoped that the body would get back functioning again. So my cycling of 2013 was largely confined to March to mid-April and June / July. Still I have over 2500 km done building from short runs of 50 km to back-to-back 100+ km on successive days. At present it's all systems go.
Two aspects I have been concentrating on are hydration on a continuous basis and also spinning a lower than usual gear in order to lessen the impact on the knees. Of late, I noticed that raising my saddle a few cms has eased the problems in the front of my knees especially.
GEAR
Being limited as to the weight of luggage, it takes a while to decide on what is absolutely necessary. I have divided the gear into the following groups - camping, cycling clothes, civies, medical, cycle hardware, electronic, toiletries and paper. i have fixed on 3 changes of cycling clothes to suit the weather (winter/start of spring) over there. It is the cycle repair gear that weighs the most. To get it right, the process of luggage is a repetitive one (a)decide, (b)set aside, (c) weigh, (d) 'something has got to go' (e)now go back to (a). It is only when the trip is over that I'll know if I got it right.
For communication, I'll bring phone (Australian SIM), Ipad and camera. These all need power and recharging facilities may not always be available especially Perth to Melbourne. I'll bring along a solar -charger fixed to my helmet and hope for sunshine.
Each evening, I'll write up an account of the day's events for this blog but since I'll be depending on wi-fi, posts may come in batches of 4 or 5 when we arrive at a hot spot. Hope you enjoy them and do post comments.
Cycle departs Perth on morning of Sunday July 28.
