"There's nothing you can't do with a Bike Friday!" proclaimed customer Klaus Schreiber as he pedaled his Air Friday over a rocky mesa on Route 66. Enter Super Seniors Ron and Bev Lukin, kicking it up a notch by completing a fully-loaded, self-supported expedition to the punishing northernmost tip of Australia. Add the fact that the Lukins are "looking, not staring, at their 70's" and you have a super inspiring summer tale of what you can do, if you dare, on a Friday ... - LC
WE HAD just arrived back from cycling over 3,000kms around Germany and the Czech Republic and decided it was time for an 'Outback fix'.
There was a window of opportunity in which we could fit in an unsupported ride from Cairns to Cape York in Queensland's tropical north.
Our Bike Friday Gnus hardly had time to cool down and we were on a flight Sydney to Cairns. Cape York is a very challenging 4WD journey, with an amazing mixture of wild life, terrain, landscape fauna and flora. Our bike trip commenced in August during the dry season which made river crossings minimal and fun - being very aware of possible sightings of saltwater crocodiles in some areas.
On this trip we decided on four panniers each instead of the suitcase trailer, because there would be many times we would be cycling in heavy sand, plus corrugation and anything the off-road could throw at us. We had to strap our panniers to the racks - even the brand that claims their panniers are secure - Ortleib - did jump off, cable ties and straps were used to secure the panniers. It was important to check all screws, nuts and bolts during the trip, because everything was being tested to the limit.
A water filter was essential and also a good mosquito repellent. Day three had us grinding into a big climb up to Mt Alexandra to be rewarded with a spectacular view of the coast after which there was another big climb to Noah Creek.
By the fourth day Cape Tribulation to Ayton we were into the dirt and would sometimes only see minimal sections of bitumen (that's pavement to you Yanks) near small townships. This was a day of many steep climbs; some being concreted to help with traction - a very tough day ...
Heading for Jardine River was a hot day. The road was being upgraded so we had lots of sandy corrugated patches. Ron had another puncture before we got to the camp at the Jardine River crossing. The store which is run by local Aborigines stayed open to allow us to buy ten cans of drinks that didn't even touch the sides.
At 4am three young Germans arrived in a small topless Suzuki 4WD. They had driven 800kms on the dreadful roads and they thought we were crazy?
Ron and Bev Lukin
NSW, Australia
Read more of this story at www.bikefriday.com/australia/lukin-capeyork
RELATED LINKS
Bike Friday downunder Little Wheels in Australia
Touring on a Friday Coast to Coast and End to End
Super Seniors When "Over the Hill" means "Nice passing you, young man"
