Kilometre freak-out

I just spent half an hour estimating distances involved in this mammoth (perhaps just as hairy) journey. Looking at the parts of the tour that are time constrained (Melbourne to Brisbane isn't)...

Book Review - Downhill all the way: Cycling through France from La Manche to the Mediterranean by Edward Enfield

I just finished reading this book which follows the just-retired Edward Enfield through France by bicycle. This guy is a very funny British (Sussex) writer, and despite having little interest in the geography or history of France, I enjoyed the book immensely just because of his funny anecdotal way of telling his story.

Fully loaded

Minus a couple of water bottles...

Book Review: Long Cloud Ride - Josie Dew

I have only read half this book so far as I just got it out of the library and its a popular book so couldn't renew the loan straight away. But what I have read so far is enough to say this is a very fun read. Its a journal style recording of the trip, so you end up taking the journey with her. She is very fond of picking up on the local culture via observations of personalised number plates, news clippings, excerpts from local radio and personal interactions. She also makes it a point to mention each time she visits a shop or roadside stall to stock up on half a kilo of food. She describes the scary roads (NZ drivers don't sound the most careful, especially the logging trucks) and the steep inclines, as well as the amazing scenery, crazy wildlife and more crazy weather.

Book Review: Cold Beer and Crocodiles by Roff Smith

In 1997, an ex-pat American who had been living in Australia for 15 years, Roff Smith quit his senior correspondent position at Time magazine (no less), whittled down his possessions to what could be carried in panniers (no more) and set off on a voyage to figure out at the age of 38 whether to stay in Australia or return to the US, and just what was Australia anyway?