Sam Dreams of Cycling Adventures: From Western Australia to Canada

Sam B

1 year ago

More than ten years ago I wrote about why bucket lists bug me. Still true and still true that I like this one, 26 Things to Do on a Bike Before You Die.

So I’m offering this list, not as a list of places I want to ride my bike before I die, but simply as a list of places I’d like to ride my bike. It’s unlikely I’ll get to ride even a couple of these in my lifetime but it’s fun to think about it.

I’ve been inspired by Cate’s latest adventures (see below) and by my recovery from knee surgery. I think I’m ready to get back on my bike for some adventures. This year it’s just my birthday ride and Pedaling for Parkinson’s. After that I’m taking my bike to New Zealand and after that, who knows!

From Vienna to Budapest, on a bike

Some far away riding

🚴The Munda Biddi Trail in Western Australia. End to end, it’s 1067 kms.

Here’s a lovely short film about it.

You can also watch Munda Biddi Dreaming which documents Australian ultracyclist Jack Thomson’s record breaking ride of the trail in two days, 12 hours and 15 minutes. Whoosh! FWIW, I have no speed ambitions, just making it hut to hut for as long as it takes.

🚴 Cuba I’d like to ride in Western Cuba with Bicycle Breeze with my friends Beth and Lee Orphan.

🚴 Japan Shikoku Island, 400 km.

🚴 Lake Garda bike path in Italy, 140 km

https://youtube/ECF-d9cHOnE?si=91cbS0luipPGds_Q

🚴 Bikepacking in Iceland in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, 293 km.

🚴 No particular links or distances but I’ve always wanted to do an inn to inn tour in Scotland.

🚴 Denmark, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, 823 km

🚴 Norway, the Lofoten Islands . From a company offering bike tours, “Nestled at the northern edge of the world, Lofoten, Norway is a pristine natural wonder that will steal your heart with its rugged beauty. This enchanting archipelago, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and awe-inspiring surroundings, is a destination like no other. As you cycle through the Lofoten Isles you will be surrounded by towering, jagged peaks rising dramatically from the deep, crystal-clear waters. This distinctive landscape makes for a perfect backdrop for your adventure. As you explore this unique haven, you`ll encounter a labyrinth of winding fjords and serene, sandy beaches. While Lofoten’ s natural splendor is undoubtedly its highlight, the charming fishing villages that dot the archipelago`s coastline offer a glimpse into authentic Norwegian culture.”

🚴I’ve blogged about this route before, the Vatternrundan. It’s 315 km. See A Long Bike Ride in my Future? Vätternrundan is the world’s largest recreational bike ride. Every year close to 23 000 participants from around the world ride around this lake in Sweden. Read more about it here.