Prologue

I guess I could start this story anywhere. Tell you about my childhood in Cumbria and Lancashire, living in Spain and Bristol, and travelling through South America. I could tell you about life affirming moments, interesting encounters and the things that changed me and made me who I am. But that's not really relevant to this story.

This story begins in my office with no windows in Bristol, where I was researching our future Australia trip. I read that it is possible to cycle the East Coast of Australia (and subsequently learned it is possible to cycle the whole thing, but I think that is beyond my talents). The idea was born. So roping in 3 other people (who were very willingly roped I may add!), who between us have probably cycled less than 50kms in one sitting, we decided to cycle from Brisbane to Cairns.

1700kms. If you drive it that is. The scenic route is anything from 2000kms upwards. And of course we have decided to do this in the beautiful Queensland spring time...so around 30 degrees upwards.

We are all doing this for a number of different reasons; health, fitness, adventure and the challenge. Above all, is probably the traveller dream: to be able to say you did it differently than everyone else.

Despite what many have asked, we aren't getting sponsored or doing it for charity. BUT if you read this and feel inspired, then do something different and make it count. And if you want to support us, and give us a boost then please feel free to donate to a cause that is close to your heart or just give someone your time - please let us know about it, because some days are going to be long and hard, and that will keep us pedalling!

Thanks for reading, and we hope you enjoy the journey as much as we do!

Love Jane (and Tom and Adam and Sheryl)

And the bikes: Kylie, Colin, Neil and Terry.