19th May 2025 - And, just like that, the trip is over.

Outback View

The time spent immersed in the Flinders Ranges allowed me to review long distance cycling and, to be honest, I have struggled to find the positives in such a venture.

Endless Horizon

Listing the negatives was easy. Hours in a bike saddle, endless horizons, long dark nights, loneliness, traffic, tourists, to name a few. As someone who has devoted most of my free time to the mountain ranges of the world, I have struggled to find comparisons from an adventure perspective.

But I gave it a go. Clocked up 2000km across varied terrain. Drank too much coffee and enjoyed too many visits to local bakeries. Endeavours driven by the need to indulge in treats, such that they invariably became the highlights of the trip.

Road Train from a Safe Distance

Long distance cycling is exactly that. A means to travel from A to B, but with one big downside… the bike. It’s the proverbial millstone that has to accompany you everywhere, under constant threat of being stolen, along with all your equipment. There would definitely be advantages in travelling with others, and maybe that’s the key to long distance cycling, to travel with others. To share the experiences, the highs and the lows, the good and the bad. No more lonely coffee stops, or lonely beers. To be able to get groceries without constantly having to check over one’s shoulder that the bike’s okay.

Port Augusta from top of Spencer Gulf

Anyway, kudos to the people who enjoy solitary cycling, but for me, it’s back to the mountains.😊😊