Connor's Epic Australia's long stretch 1,300km

On the bike, each time you enter a new country and region of the world you’re forced to adapt. Quickly. Since starting this world tour, Australia is country 22 and represents an epic moment for me. For so long it seemed so far away. Now I’m here cycling across this massive land and it’s thrown up some emotional moments. Since landing in Perth I first made my way south to the beautiful towns of Denmark, Albany and Esperance. I quickly find I’m no longer in densely populated Asia so my bags are a lot fuller with noodles, wraps, sweets, nuts and water as some stretches are 100km between towns.

Then I hit the stretch of outback known as the Nullarbor, about 1300km of bush land with not much more than a few scattered roadhouses to keep me going. The landscape is vast and pretty daunting at times. A massive storm comes in from Antarctica one night throwing hail, winds and rain at me. Had to use the Brae panniers to hold down the tent as there was no shelter. Everything inside remains completely dry. With the tent walls caving in and flapping all night I don’t know how but I manage a few hours sleep. Thankfully it gives a tailwind the next day and I’m powered along although soaked and chilled I cover 170km in 7hrs riding. The holiday makers in their RVs show me lots of kindness and I’m gifted water, coffee and sweets to keep me going.

After the Nullarbor comes the Eyre Peninsula which again seems endless and is known as the grain belt. It’s a 5 day ride through these fields but I’m now passing one small town a day which provides a moment to chat to someone other than myself. One farmer tells me one of his fields from end to end is 66km. That’s just one of his fields. The landscape changes again when I cross into the Clare Valley a wine growing region with rolling hills somewhat reminiscent of the Lake District. From there I head south to Adelaide by far the biggest city I’ve come to since leaving Perth five weeks ago. A magic few days rest in an actual bed and time to prep for the next section to Canberra. It’s a massive bike touring adventure out here and I’m loving it. 

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