From Capital to Capital before I turn 70
I’m an Australian approaching 70 years old at an ever increasing speed. I’m retired, an experienced long distance cycle-tourer and live in beautiful Canberra the national capital.

About 12 years ago I set myself the goal to cycle tour from Canberra to every state capital in Australia by the time I turn 70.  

So far so good. I’m now 68 years old and I’ve ridden from Canberra to almost every state capital over recent years. 

This next tour is aiming to reach one more of those capitals. This time Hobart, the state capital of Tasmania, is the goal. 

Because Tasmania is an island state, I’m expecting numerous ‘witty’ quips about paddling, snorkeling, kayaks, flippers and so on. Stay tuned to this journal to find out how to cross Bass Strait with a bicycle without the need to get wet. 

Co-rider Joel

I’m very pleased to be sharing this ride with good friend Joel Krewaz. It’ll be the third long distance tour we’ve done together over recent years.

He’s great company and a very accomplished road rider. With his Canadian heritage, cycling across wide countries with seemingly endless open spaces aren’t daunting to Joel.

For a previous tour journal I asked Joel to write an introduction to himself. They were such fine words, I’ll reuse them here:

“I am happily faced with a superb opportunity.  I have  cycling mates who are the best and most experienced endurance touring cyclists I know, who were willing to have me tag along.  I’ve had a desire to do a long unsupported bike tour for many years and this chance has been handed to me on a plate. 

My father was born in the Ukraine, but migrated to Canada as a young boy. My mother was born in Winnipeg;  her parents were British. I grew up in Canada and migrated to Australia, with the family when I was in my early teens.  

I’m of a generation who jumped on bikes to get around and a 10 speed, drop handlebar bike was the only significant item I brought over from Canada.  I’ve ridden bicycles all my life, with a few gaps, and became a certified MAMIL when I turned 50.  I’ve done a few multi-day rides, and some week-long tours, I use a mountain bike to go fly fishing the Snowy Mountains and still use a bike daily to move around.  I have some experience, but, this will be a great test.

My parents rode bikes in their youth and always had an attitude of focusing on the trying and doing in all aspects of their lives.  Canada is a harsh environment too, in a cold way.  It seems a natural thing to do, to pick up a distance cycling opportunity and give it a go.  I do say there are few real challenges for active blokes of our vintage.  

We live in Canberra and are used to hot and dry.  Besides I’ve got seasoned cycling veterans to guide me.  Having Doreen, my very supportive wife, who has encouraged me in this challenge is a real joy.

Graham is an enthusiastic guide for regional Australian communities and people. He has a long history with rural and regional Australia and his passion to support it is contagious.  As with any undertaking done with others, and which meets more people, it is those interactions which matter and are the true experience.  The bicycle is just a means.  This is an immersive way of getting to experience these communities.

 What advice would I give any young person about the value of travel in their own country?  My only advice would be to try it.  

I know that young people are adventurous and do look forward to understanding the world.  I can recommend travel in Australia to add to their joy and understanding.  If you ever have an opportunity to expand your horizon, grab it.”

Well said Joel.

The Bruce Simpson Rural Scholarship Fund
This tour is also fundraising tour. 

For 7 years I worked for a wonderful non-government organisation, The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, which runs leadership development programs for rural, regional and remote people. 

Last year Bruce Simpson, a highly accomplished alumni of the organisation, sadly passed suddenly. A huge loss to his family and community in regional NSW.

Bruce and his family have generously established a trust fund to pay for scholarships to enable rural people to undertake leadership development courses.  My ride will raise awareness and funds for this scholarship.