Australian cyclist on the Canning Stock route

Alan has a very nonchalant approach to the ride but his gear in the photos shows he knows what its about.
Good luck to him.

hhmmm... perhaps.

Did you read what happened on Day 7 - to both bike and trailer? Had to call his bro to come fetch him. That trailer in the picture is now replaced.

He will need better luck when he gets onto the Canning.

I feel quite strongly about the importance of prior and proper training, and the testing of equipment, before an attempt is made to traverse the Canning Stock Route by footpower (inclusive of cycle). My apologies if that comes across as negative.

My approach is/was very different and so I find it hard to understand why someone would NOT train properly and prepare themselves for such a difficult journey. Even then, so many things can go wrong.

Luck is useful and very welcome. But I am not sure that it is to be relied.

Gaynor, I think you misunderstand him. He sounds typically Australian and so on the laid back side. My reading of it is that he wants to complete it without obvious serious committment. "Yeah mate, I put me thongs on, packed a Vegemite sandwich, pinched me little sister's bike and rode it up the CSR". Words to that effect. In reality, he is probably taking it very seriously, but he would never want anyone to think so. It's an Australian thing, if you are going to ride the CSR, then someone has to get a laugh out of it. I'm surprised he's not doing it in gumboots....

Ah ... that would explain a lot. I have come across the cultural misunderstanding before. Thank you for taking the time to explain Mike.

I agree with Mike, it is the Aussie way to be laid back with a 'she'll be right' 'no worries' attitude.

But I'm surprised that he had such a failure that was on a good road and not the dunes, corros and rocky patches on the CSR. To me he looks overloaded hence the yoke broke.

In vehicles corros, especially the seemingly endless ones on stretches of the CSR, will soon find any weakness resulting in failure be it shock absorbers, spring mounts, roof racks etc. That's why I tell people not to overload and have a thorough vehicle inspection by a 4WD outfit before departure.

I hope he doesn't suffer more probs.

Good on ya mate.

I was in Sandstone at the caravan park recently when Alan passed through and had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him. From our discussions I understand he is doing this for himself, no one else, and its a personal adventure, another thing to cross of his "bucket" list. With regards to training and equipment reliability, its not mentioned that he started out from Mukinbudin and is not just following the bitumen so by the time he gets to the CSR he will have a good idea of his physical condition and equipment reliability etc etc. This is not the first adventure he has undertaken, I believe he is an experienced bicycle rider/tourer and walker, he has trekked throughout the world including India/Nepal and as high as Everest base camp.
As mentioned above "Good on ya mate"

PS- He likes oranges, so if you come across him in your travels and have an orange to spare, stop and have a chat, I'm sure you will find, like I did, he is an interesting fellow.

Absolutely Woteva good on him he doesn't need to justify himself to anyone he is living his life and we wish him all the best. Hope to meet him out there. Go for it and enjoy Alan good on ya mate.

I find myself being a bit of a mother hen with regards to foot powered attempts on the Canning Stock Route. I want everyone to succeed and must admit to becoming concerned when I see a pattern that suggests otherwise.

But that is not my purpose. Everyone is responsible for their own success or otherwise. So be it :-)

I am sure like ourselves and Alan we don't need a mother we already have one. We suggest you get your facts right before commenting on peoples lives. Try talking to people that attempt things and getting all the facts straight from the horses mouth, rather than giving your opinion on peoples lives without the facts. I am pretty sure being an Australian and knowing this country gives us all more experience than yourself. Watch what you say you are very open to legal action for slanders remarks. When trying to tarnish other peoples reputations or goals in life. Moderator here we go again, wil be speaking to you now.

Easy does it Rose. This is not about you and me.

You are certainly right there Gaynor it is not about the both of you. What ever course of conduct has transpired between you both off line STAY's off line.

There is no place for it on EO. Final warning to you both.

The moderation team

Thankyou moderator for prompt response appreciated, very much appreciated.

Avoid the bloke with the camels then, they'll do a lot of damage to your vehicle! Mike, have you seen the simply awful things she writes on her website. What an ugly, mean spirited person. Mate if you don't realise what she's doing with these posts on EO then you haven't been paying close attention over the past few years. Why bag out people who are simply trying to have a go. That's what Aussies do, we have a go. Who cares if the blokes doing it for enjoyment, good on him I say. I'm prepared to put money on it that something disparaging about him will appear on her website in due course. Perhaps we should ask the people she disparages just what the truth of the matters are from their perspectives?

You're right though, perhaps Gaynor should stick with her own website and leave EO alone.

Mate, I'm blissfully unaware of any back story happening on other sites and I'd rather it was kept that way. Therefore I can read Gaynor's posts and not draw any untoward conclusions. I do however always keep in mind that this is the INTERNET, and all it's really good for is watching funny cat videos and arguing with complete strangers...

Hey byronbyran
You attack Gaynor saying she has been disparaging of others but you only mention Gaynor.
You must have your blinkers on have a look at some of the responses in this thread; also maybe you should re-read your own response!

When did you meet the rider Freshstart? And was this on the Simpson or elsewhere?

This month I know of Martin Adserballe who cycled from Halls Creek to Alice Springs. He is from Denmark.

Rian Cope crossed over the Canning in May or maybe late April, doing an East-West 1600km traverse with two friends. Route Alice Springs to near 80 Mile Beach.

http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/107761/Cyclists_Desert_Crossing.aspx?ky=cyclist&sn=&p=%2fForum%2fDefault.aspx%3fs%3d1%26ky%3dcyclist%26pn%3d1

I just checked my correspondence with Martin. He was on the Tanami in June. He did venture 60km south of Billiluna but turned back.

He also mentioned a Japanese attempt two weeks before his. The Japanese went as far as 40km before turning back.

Correction: He also mentioned a Japanese attempt ONE week before his.

Wish there was an edit button!

We met him up around well 38 on about the 12-13th this month. Heading south and making good time. His support (maybe wife or partner) was actively calling ahead to let people know they were nearby. Excellent on the bike and making good time. We think his name was Ian but are not 100% sure.

Another surprise was a bloke heading towards Halls Creek on the Tanami on the 7-8th July. In a small three wheel sailing whatsit (???) and getting along at a good rate. We met him about half way between the WA border and Alice. Couldn't get the camera out in time.

This is exciting news, thank you!

Correction, total distance 56km from Wiluna

Mateusz Waligóra (Poland) asked me to remove reference to this years attempt from my website until 20 August ... so your question has perfect timing.

Unfortunately Mateusz email address has gone onto auto mode siting a 'walkabout' and return to Poland 5 Oct. There has been no reply from an email I sent on 19 August asking if he had a tracking device I could follow. His last post on the Polish cycling forum was 22 July.

I will see if I can get in contact with the people he was to meet up with in Perth and let you know when I have anything more to add. As you say, he should be starting round about now, from Wiluna if he has not changed his route direction.

Still hoping to track down information regarding the supported cyclist from July, but so far no news on him.

Hi Michelle

Aga, Mateusz wife, emailed me with an update. He started out from Billiluna yesterday, heading south. Good decision to change direction. It would have been very hot arriving in the north end in September.

He does not have a tracking device but I have a satellite phone number for him, so hope to chat further down the line. Keep you posted. I am not putting anything on my website until it is over.

I would like to add that this is Mateusz second go on the Canning. Last year he and Aga were bogged down at Well 46 for 5 days and had to abort due to food running low.

I know that everyone will give him encouragement as they did me last year. Anything that a fellow traveller might do to help him succeed on his solo quest would be greatly appreciated. From experience this might take the form of sharing a cuppa and a biscuit beside the track and chatting for a few golden minutes. Perhaps if you are so inclined and have a piece of fresh fruit or a vegetable ... these are the things that make a positive impact on moral. I am not sure how a guy might react, but I found a hug was a wonderful gift and he is likely to be missing his wife and family. Even though cyclists usually do the Canning in 26- 31 Days, solo cyclists and motorcyclists often talk of the isolation they feel on the Canning...

Should Mateusz succeed, he will be the first unsupported (no vehicle) foot powered traveller of the Canning Stock Route this year. Holding thumbs for his success.

Gaynor that is very helpful to describe the examples of 'support" a passing 4WDriver might give to a walker or cyclist. Very nice of you to take the time to explain the what and whys of it. Huge kudos to all those that take the risk of finding their limits.

Ah Phil ....there will be no further posts from me on ExplorOz.