My Life Adventure
My Life Adventure
I am on a A gritty gravel cycling adventure across the states linking up as many old Rail Trails (train lines converted to paths) as possible.
“Fun is optional, but preferred. The disasters are mandatory, but where the story lives.”
See my initial planning post and actual route below. Enjoy!
If you are using Mobile – it looks MUCH better in ‘Full Screen’ mode!
Starting May 1st, I’m taking a much-needed break from the digital world. I’ve decided it’s time to give my eyes a rest from screens and complex spreadsheets in favor of the vast horizons of the American prairies and mountains. This trip is about disconnecting from the “hustle” and reconnecting with what really matters and I think a 30 Day Gravel adventure into some of the most remote parts of the USA is the perfect way to do that.
The Mission: Seattle to St. Louis:
The goal is to ride my own Iron Horse (bicycle) from the Pacific Northwest all the way to St. Louis using a combination of human power and historic iron. To keep the journey as enjoyable as possible, I am intentionally avoiding highways and heavy traffic. Instead, I’ll be following the historic rail lines that shaped this country, riding the gravel trails where the tracks used to be and jumping on the train where they still run. This takes me back to 2018 Japan touring.
By utilizing the “Rails-to-Trails” network, I can stay off the main roads and immerse myself in the landscape. Here are the major converted rail systems I’ll be tackling:
Rail Trails:
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | State |
| Palouse to Cascades Trail | 290 km | 1,450m | Washington |
| Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes | 120 km | 300m | Idaho |
| George S. Mickelson Trail | 175 km | 2,000m | South Dakota |
| Cowboy Recreation Trail | 310 km | 550m | Nebraska |
| Flint Hills Nature Trail | 140 km | 350m | Kansas |
| Katy Trail State Park | 395 km | 550m | Missouri |
Other Trails:
| Trail Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | State |
| Mullan Road / Pass | 110 km | 1,200m | Montana / Idaho |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 230 km | 3,800m | North Dakota |
| Black Hills Scenic Loops | 150 km | 2,500m | South Dakota |
| High Plains Connectors | 450 km | 2,800m | South Dakota / Nebraska |
G’day, folks! So, me and the missus, we’ve been living in Seattle, Washington, for a year now, after chucking a sickie to leave sunny Oz. It’s been a real eye-opener, a proper mixed bag, ya know?
Everything’s Fair Dinkum New: From seeing snow (a bloody novelty!) to exploring all these new spots, it’s been a ripper adventure.
National Parks? Bloody Oath!: Crikey, these national parks are somethin’ else! We’ve hit up Yosemite, Zion, Olympic, Rainier, and Bryce Canyon. As a trail runner, it’s like winning the lotto. The scenery’s bonza, absolutely unreal.
What’s On? Heaps!: There’s always somethin’ happenin’ here. Gigs (Killswitch Engage, Motionless in White, the lot), sports (still barracking for the NRL, mind you), races, events – you name it.
Work’s Sweet: The pay’s decent, and there’s heaps of opportunities in my field. Can’t complain!
Weather? She’s all good mate: Was expecting constant rain and cold when we first thought of moving here, but it’s actually sweet as.
Tipping? it bloody sucks: Yeah, this tipping thing’s still a bit of a head-scratcher. Still tryin’ to get my head around it.
Social Issues? Bit Rough: Homelessness, social security, and safety – it’s a bit confronting, to be honest. Redmond’s alright, but downtown Seattle and other places are a different story. Found a bloody gun in an iHop, and saw someone who’d probably overdosed on a morning run. Bit of a shocker.
People? A Bit Stand-Offish: People aren’t as friendly as back home. On the trails, you’d usually get at least a nod, but here? Forget about saying g’day. Maybe it’s just a city thing.
Prices? Bloody Expensive!: Eating out? Jeez, it’s pricey. Makes ya miss the local pub feed and a $5 schooner.
FOMO? Bit of a Pisser: The “fear of missing out” thing, especially with trail running races, is a pain in the backside. Getting into those big races like Hardrock or Western States is near impossible.
Missin’ the Mates: Being away from family and mates is tough, no doubt about it.
Public Transport? A Bit Rubbish: For a place with all that railroad history, the public transport system is a bit of a letdown.
It’s been a bloody rollercoaster, this first year in Seattle. We’ve had some unreal experiences, and we’re still getting used to the place. We’re grateful for the opportunities and adventures, and we’re just takin’ it as it comes. And that’s the bottom line, cause Stone Cold said so!
The Lake Biwa 100 is not just a race; it’s a test of endurance, a battle against the elements, and a relentless assault on the mind and body. I was eager to face this challenge, but little did I know, the universe had other plans.
The initial 25 kilometers were a blur of technical terrain, a treacherous dance with gravity. Every step required precision, a misstep could send you plummeting down a rocky cliff. But fate had a more sinister plan. A hidden, rogue rock, camouflaged by leaves and brush, caught my foot, twisting my ankle in a way that sent shockwaves through my body. The pain was immediate, sharp, and unrelenting.
Despite the setback, I pressed on, determined to conquer the course. The next 20 kilometers were a grueling test of willpower. Each step was a battle against pain, a constant reminder of the fragility of the human body. By the time I reached the aid station, I had fallen 16 places, but my spirit remained unbroken.
Fueled by ibuprofen and a stubborn refusal to quit, I limped through the next 30 kilometers. The pain was excruciating, and the blisters that formed were a constant source of irritation. The temptation to throw in the towel was overwhelming, but I drew strength from the words of David Goggins: “Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.”
With each agonizing step, I edged closer to the finish line. The final aid station was a lifeline, a chance to change into fresh shoes and rejuvenate my weary body. I surged up the final mountain, my determination unwavering. The descent was a painful crawl, but I persevered, pushing through the darkness and the pain.
Finally, after 42 hours and 30 minutes, I crossed the finish line, 86th out of 350. The relief was immense, but the exhaustion was palpable. I had conquered the Lake Biwa 100, not just physically, but mentally as well.
This race was a humbling experience, a testament to the power of human endurance. It taught me the importance of perseverance, the value of pushing past one’s limits, and the incredible strength that lies within us all.
The Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Route is a historic pilgrimage trail in Japan, renowned for its spiritual significance and stunning natural beauty. For over a millennium, it has drawn pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment and purification.
The route, often referred to as the “Imperial Route,” was particularly favored by emperors and nobles. Many emperors, including Emperor Go-Shirakawa, embarked on pilgrimages to the Kumano Sanzan shrines, seeking divine blessings and protection. These imperial pilgrimages not only elevated the status of the Kumano shrines but also contributed to the development of the Nakahechi Route as a significant cultural and spiritual pathway.
Today, the Nakahechi remains a popular pilgrimage destination, offering a serene and contemplative experience as hikers traverse ancient paths, encounter traditional villages, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region.
We walked this over 4 days per the below structure:
| Date | Title | Time | Distance | Elevation |
| Thu, 17/10/2024 | Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 1 | 04:42:07 | 14.63 km | 997 m |
| Fri, 18/10/2024 | Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 2 | 08:08:39 | 30.16 km | 994 m |
| Sat, 19/10/2024 | Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 3 | 04:07:47 | 14.41 km | 665 m |
| Sun, 20/10/2024 | Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage – Day 4 | 05:44:30 | 18.53 km | 1,272 m |
Would highly recommend staying in Yunomine onsen area after day 2, as it’s a long day out and a really nice little area. Note that you do need to get a bus there at the station at the end of day 2.
The siren’s wail pierced the crisp mountain air, a stark contrast to the serenity that had defined the past few days. As I watched the ambulance carry my friend Joe away, I couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind adventure that had brought us to this point.
Our four-day odyssey began with boundless optimism. Kelli, Joe, and I, fueled by a shared love for the outdoors, set off from the Big Old Flat car park, our eyes fixed on the imposing figure of El Capitan. The first day was a grueling ascent, our lungs burning as we climbed over 1,000 meters. Reaching the base of the iconic rock face was a moment of triumph, but our celebrations were short-lived as we battled swarms of mosquitoes to find a suitable campsite.
Day two dawned with renewed vigor. We tackled the challenging climb to the summit of El Capitan, the world shrinking beneath us as we reached the peak. The exhilaration was palpable, and we rewarded ourselves with a refreshing dip in the icy waters of Yosemite Falls. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the valley, we found a perfect campsite, a stark contrast to the previous night’s ordeal.
On the third day, we deviated from our planned route, opting for a less traveled path through the valley. It was a decision that would prove fateful. The terrain was demanding, and the relentless sun took its toll on us, particularly Joe. By the end of the day, it was clear he was struggling, his skin pale and his movements sluggish.
Our final day began with a mix of determination and trepidation. Half Dome loomed before us, a daunting challenge, but we were focused on reaching the summit. As we climbed higher, Joe’s condition worsened. His energy levels were depleted, and he was showing signs of severe dehydration. The once exhilarating climb turned into a harrowing ordeal. With each passing hour, it became increasingly clear that we needed professional help. Making the difficult decision to call for a rescue was heartbreaking, but it was the only option.
The ambulance arrived, and as they whisked Joe away, a wave of relief washed over us. While the adventure had taken a perilous turn, the memories we made will forever be etched in our minds. Yosemite, with its stunning beauty and unforgiving wilderness, had taught us a valuable lesson about the importance of preparation, teamwork, and listening to our bodies.
TLDR: It’s Feb 2024 and I’m moving to the United States to become an Expat!
G’day from Seattle to all my mates back home in Australia. Today, I’m not just sharing a travel story, I’m living it. That’s right, I’ve officially taken the plunge and swapped Vegemite for Venti, crocs for gators, XL to XXXXL. As of 26 Feb 2024, Kelli and I have moved to Seattle, Washington to begin our expat lives.
So why the big move, you ask? The truth is, it wasn’t one specific reason, but a whole heap of them! A part of me has always craved new experiences, and let’s face it, Australia is fantastic, but there’s a whole other world out there to explore. It’s all largely linked to my other recent post Making the Most of Now.
This was actually one of my longest plans to come to fruition. I can still recall clearly when I was still working at Woolworths and went for a walk around the block with a mate/colleague and I realised that I wanted to try something, not just an industry, but a culture, a society and way of thinking. I wanted to be working somewhere ‘cool’. I wanted to see what it’s like working at a ‘hip’ place. I want to see what running and other adventures are out there.
So from that day of roughly 2.5 years ago, I hatched a plan and started to make it happen. First, I had to figure out what I wanted and why; cool companies, trail running, big national parks and a way to make it happen fast. United States – boom. Yosemites, Google, Amazon, but making it happen fast wasn’t an option…. Long story short, working rights are tough to get, so I had to go the long way around and find a job at an Multinational company operating in Australia and pray that they give me an international transfer. I’m not really the religious type, so I found an opportunity at Amazon AU and made sure I performed and did what I could to get the transfer. Skip forward 2.5 years, to Feb 2024.
My ever-growing travel map of the US and beyond. Come say ‘Hi’!
A beyond-awesome time in Wellington New Zealand. Although I was only there for 4 days – there was so much to do and explore for adventure and food lovers.
Highlights
“My fortune is yours for the taking, but you have to find it first! I left everything I own in One Piece.” – Gol D. Roger
Ever since, One Piece fans from around the world set sail for Kuamamoto, searching for One Piece (statues). The treasure that would make their (travel) dreams come true.
As part of a collaboration with Eiichiro Oda, author of ONE PIECE born and raised in Kumamoto City, a total of 10 statues of the Straw Hat Pirates of ONE PIECE have been installed throughout Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan! The One Piece statues are part of a larger project to help Kumamoto recover after the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes and are being built thanks to the cooperation of and extremely generous donation from Mr. Oda.
The below Map is my ‘away from the ordinary’ locations that I would recommend as well as places I’m planning to visit in the future. I hope you find it handy instead of searching ‘most popular things in X’. Remember as a wise man once said ‘sheep who follows crowd loses identity in wool’.
It has made me realise where my interests are and where gaps may be.
The Great North Walk is a 250Km walking track which runs from Sydney to Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia. My wife and I’s current house in Macquarie Park literally backs onto the Lane Cove National Park which the GNW (Great North Walk) passes through.
I have walked and run many sections of this great trail and owed it the respect it deserves to traverse the whole thing. With some inspiration from The Backyard Adventurer and no plans for the June long weekend, I decided it was finally time to attempt it – in just 3 days (+ an afternoon).
I went up to Newcastle very early Friday Morning to work from and old mate (Rolly’s) house before setting on a sneaky ~35K ‘warm up’ run.
This was a real tough day. Trail markings went missing when I needed them most, elevation was double what I had expected, only 11 hours of light. But that’s what adventure is – overcoming the unexpected. Originally I had planned for Yarramalong but decided to pack it it 10K’s early and tidy those up the next morning after a solid dinner with the Wife at Angel Sussurri’s.
A frosty morning made it difficult to start but I started with a bang – finishing off the previous night’s leftovers I ran back to town at ~5:30min/km pace and felt awesome. Tucked into some breakfast and set off again.
There were some tough trails between Yarramalong and Summersby but it was nice, away from cars and I was lost with the spirit of adventure. Met up with Kelli for some a quick look in at the Harvest Festival events in town but had to quickly jet off as I knew I had a big day ahead.
Landed in Mooney Mooney bridge where my number 1 was going to bring me lunch…. but she wasn’t there. Turned out the 5am morning starts were a bit much and she needed a much needed nap… oh well, onwards! I saw a snake, got a horrible bleeding nose but soldiered on until kilometre 63 where my knee decided to breakdown. I marched on and took some nurofen to finish off the day but knew the final day of adventure would have to be postponed with my knew unable to carry me. “True strength is knowing when to call it” – The Fish.
Exactly 1 week later, a deep tissue massage and a rare visit to the physio – I had mentally told myself that I was ready to take on the final segment: Brooklyn to Sydney Cove. The Sign said 77kms but we all know how they lie. I knew it was going to be a tough day out so I set off on the very first train to Hawkesbury River station on the 5:20am from Epping and arrived to start just before 6am, then disaster struck.
On the train I realised I had forgotten my carefully prepared breakfast and coffee! I ate through most of my snacks before even starting but knowing that I could get a replenishment it would be okay. I also made an emergency pit stop at the local Cafe in Cowan to grab a quick bite and a brew and I was back on track.
I had to mentally push myself after leaving Cowan with some small niggles in the same knee that gave out the week before, telling myself it would be okay and keeping my mind on the job at hand helped get me through. As well as Joe Abercrombe’s book – The Blade Itself. I made good progress and sped up just as I was arriving in Thornleigh to meet Kelli who had already ordered a giant dish of sweet and sour pork. Fuel of champions.
I set off on my most local trails for which I’m probably the local legend on 50% or more of them and met up with my good mate Leighlan who had agreed to pace me the final 20Ks – legend. It really started to hit home as we were running past the Woolwich pub that I’d just (about) finished a 270K run from Newcastle to Sydney, nothing could stop me now! We smashed through the final few kms, finishing just before full darkness – arriving at Woolwich Ferry Wharf at around 6pm. A ferry ride into Circular Quay to meet Kelli and the final destination!
| Metrics | Day 0 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Total |
| Distance | 32.5 | 76.5 | 80.0 | 79.8 | 268.9 |
| Time (Moving) | 03:17:23 | 10:34:53 | 10:53:44 | 10:40:40 | 35:26:40 |
| Pace | 06:04 | 08:18 | 08:10 | 08:01 | 07:55 |
| Ascent Metres (m) | 546 | 3,226 | 2,220 | 2,783 | 8,775 |
