I have been dreaming of cycling Australia for years and now that I have a friend (Cedric) who is also retired and willing to drive a support vehicle it looks like I can make this happen. I want the ride to be as comfortable as possible; a car hauling your comfy air mattress, tent, bag, food, water etc will be something I would like to share with any other riders who would like to join me. Personally, I would like to sleep indoors as much as possible, but camping will be the only option at times. The expenses of only the rental vehicle, gas, any shared camping meals would be shared by any cyclists joining us. Should you want to camp while others stay in a hotel Cedric will haul your gear where you need it.
My very conservative plan is 60-65 days total with several rest days built into schedule, longer breaks for sightseeing in Adelaide, Melbourne. Legs are usually 100km or less each day. I am a 63 y/o American who has done a few long distance trips in the past, longest was Florida to Oregon in 2016 (4,000 mi) - but I am older, fatter and less fit than I was 9 years ago. I managed to cycle from NY to Georgia (1,000 + miles) w/o too much difficulty last year but am more comfortable with 60-70 mile days only.
My 2016 blog pretty much lets you know my background up until my Navy retirement.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o= ... 17668&v=Vb
Since then I worked in the ER, kids left for college so decided recently to retire.
My strategy for cycling Perth to Sydney are to go in the winter (July-August) when one can expect cool to cold weather and most importantly Westerlies (tailwinds) across Western Australia.
The route is designed to maximize facilities and hotels available and stay on lowest traffic hard surfaced roads*.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bRini9Jymk5hTDmx5
If the pace is too slow you may leave the group at any time and surge on ahead and no longer share pay for the SAG rental car etc. Likewise if by consensus we can all do longer legs, we can discuss route/stops as we go. (Don't have space to lay out all the proposed legs here)
Of course one can ride in the vehicle if they are feeling sick or just off, this isn’t a competition or a race, I just want all to enjoy it and invite others to do it as well. If you are used to trips of 1,000 plus miles great, but I would NOT recommend joining us if this will be your first long distance trip. The biggest challenge imo is the mental effort to cycle day after day across the same treeless landscape. Australia’s deserts make US deserts look like verdant gardens. (Im not worried about Aussie snakes, will probably only see them as road kill - I am afraid of the road trains, I don't want to BE road kill) Music, audiobooks, good food, a comfy rest and friendly faces at the end of the ride are essential to making it enjoyable.
Contact me for more details, best to email me at davidslesser@gmail.com
Happy Trails
Dave Lesser "Doc Bolby"
* I've since been told by an WA Aussie that their dirt tracks are cycleable even if there is a rain (unlike here in Florida, unpaved roads mostly sand/dust usually impossible even w/ mountain bike) - I'm willing to consider taking Hyden to Norseman or other dirt tracks if anyone from WA knows what that track is like after a rain - I'm on 700x35 tires.