Dan Gough A Cheap and Cheerful Adventure: Cycling the Tasmanian Trail on a $15 Facebook Marketplace — The Roamers Trail Join us each week as we interview and learn more about our favourite seasoned explorers and daring newcomers as we seek to understand the motivations that drive them, the challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

A Cheap and Cheerful Adventure: Cycling the Tasmanian Trail on a $15 Facebook Marketplace Bike

Dan Gough, a young Australian adventurer who embarked on a unique journey across Tasmania on a $15 Facebook Marketplace bike. Inspired by a desire for new experiences and a sustainable lifestyle, Dan set out to cycle from Safety Beach, Victoria to Cockle Creek, Tasmania, covering a distance of 680km to reach his graduation ceremony.

The Roots of Adventure

G’day Roamers, my name is Dan Gough and I’m 22 years old. I was raised on the Mornington Peninsula 90 km south of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. I grew up in an adventurous family of four, which included both of my parents and my older brother. We grew up camping from a very young age, with some of my first memories being out in the bush camping on Kangaroo Island and up in Port Stephens. My childhood has certainly shaped the person I have become, and I wouldn’t change that for the world! I am so lucky and grateful to have parents who raised me to ‘treat others the way you would like to be treated’, and I take that mantra wherever I go now, including treating the environment and my surroundings with the utmost respect, treading lightly and leaving places better than I found them. For the environment is our lifeblood, the roots of our being, and we need to recognise its importance in our lives.

Living simply and camping with the bare essentials has been running through my veins from a very young age, and has been passed down from a family of Scout Leaders. Although I have not followed in the footsteps of becoming a Scout myself, I know I have continued an adventurous family legacy and my Grandpa would no doubt be proud!

I owe it to my family and their support, allowing me to be my authentic self and seek out adventure in life. One day I hope you raise my own family and give them a memorable and supportive childhood just like my parents gave me. With such incredible parents as role models, I hope to one day follow in their footsteps and be the best possible role model for my own children, and the lives they may wish to seek.

The Spark of an Idea

The motivation for this trip came from a place of excitement and seeking a sense of newness. To paint the scene, I was sitting on my couch in my home at the time, which was located in Dunedin, New Zealand. I was on exchange and knew I would be graduating shortly after my arrival back to Australia. However, I didn’t study in Victoria, I chose to leave the mainland behind in 2022 and study a Bachelor of Natural Environment and Wilderness Studies whilst living in Hobart, Tasmania. Itching for another adventure, a wild idea came to me. That would be the start of this epic journey. I wanted to cycle from my hometown in Safety Beach in Victoria to Cockle Creek Tasmania (the most southern point accessible by bike). I wanted to seek a more sustainable and immersive experience in nature and knew I had to do something a bit different, a bit bizarre, and some might say a bit crazy. Well call me crazy, I was keen!

The Frankenstein Bike

To keep in the theme of sustainability, I chose to complete this journey on a $15 bike that I had purchased on Facebook Marketplace. There’s a reason it was only $15, and I soon found that out… However, I made it my goal to restore the bike with parts from other scrap bikes, scavenging and creating what would best be described as a ‘Frankenstein Bike’. Certainly not original, but how can a 35-year-old bike ever be truly original, when it’s lived a life for longer than mine? This bike would be the vehicle that got me all the way from Safety Beach to Cockle Creek, a 680 km epic journey! It became my freedom, my identity, my home and my new sense of adventure.

The Unlikely Cyclist

Did I have any prior long-distance cycling experience… Is it crazy for me to say no…? Well, I have always loved cycling, in fact, ever since a young age I have always wanted all the toys with wheels. I even asked for a unicycle for Christmas once, now I own three. I can ride them all, but who needs three? Might as well own a trike at that stage!

In 2023 when I lived in New Zealand, I bought a $20 90’s Mountain Bike. It was heavy, made of steel, and as strong and bulletproof as a uni student could dream. Maintenance was basically non-existent, as everything was mechanical and simple. I loved it! During that year I did two trips out on the Otago Peninsula, amassing a total of 80-ish km over three days. It felt incredible. I had never ridden a bike with my whole life packed into a single pannier, basket and backpack. I got hooked. But other than this occasion I hadn’t really dabbled in the long-distance cycling scene. Prior to my departure, I did one large practice ride, with the bike fully loaded. That trip led me from Safety Beach, across Port Phillip Bay via ferry and then to Ocean Grove. That was a total of 60 km cycling in one day and marked my longest-ever bike ride. This trip was about a week before my planned departure and proved I was capable of cycling long distances with a very heavy 60kg+ bike. Honestly, I was amazed there hadn’t been any mechanical issues at this stage… I did build the bike, and I am certainly underqualified, and some might say under skilled for such a job!

The Preparation

Preparation looks different for everyone, and to others, my preparation may have looked more like a lack of preparation. The bike build was finished a month before the start date, so that was already cutting it a bit short, as I wanted a buffer in case anything went wrong (luckily for me, the bike was fine)! I downloaded the map for the Tasmanian Trail and joined the Tasmanian Trail Association, paying my annual $70 membership to gain access to the important GPX map, and the guidebook. This part was done months in advance as it felt to me like a personal promise that I was committed to this adventure. I wasn’t going to waste that $70, so that was my ticket, along with purchasing my ticket for the Spirit of Tasmania, which also had to be done months in advance. Picking the date was hard, as I truly had no idea how long it would take me. I had constant questions about, whether would I be fit enough. Will my bike make it? What if I get bad weather? So, I gave myself a buffer and booked to arrive in Tasmania a whole 2-weeks before my graduation ceremony on the 20th of March.

To stay fit, I embarked on some long-distance hikes, building both physical and mental stamina over long periods of time. So, as all unemployed and recently finished university students do, they hike the 8-day 111 km Great Ocean Walk that meander along the infamous Great Ocean Road coastline. Following this journey, along with a group of incredible friends I had met on the Great Ocean Walk, I completed the 6-day 88 km Wilsons Promontory Extended Southern Circuit. Truly the most stunning and picturesque walk I have ever done. Standing at South Point (the most southern point on mainland Australia), I looked along the horizon towards Tasmania, beaming with excitement for the upcoming cycling adventure. For it felt so close, yet so far away!

Embracing the Unknown

The rest is up to the future Dan. There is only so much preparation you can do when you are doing something you’ve never done before. Plus, sometimes it’s nice to not look into it too much and to leave the element of surprise to keep things interesting. Why would I want to read ahead and see each and every hill that makes up the 12,882 m of ascent that lies ahead? What good would that do to my mental stamina, knowing what lies around each bend? Plus, I can deal with those things as they come, along with other obstacles like finding a place to sleep and buying food. Surely no one will care if I sleep under a BBQ shelter, or a day-use area? At the end of the day, I am just another person moving through life, finding myself as it slowly unfolds.

The Philosophy of Cheap

The premise of this journey was to be cheap. Cheap, cheerful and fun. Hence the $15 bike.

I began this trip keeping track of all my expenses, but soon that became a hassle. Or more so, a reminder of my hot chippie and coffee addiction. I’m honestly amazed I wasn't contacted by Bendigo Bank, thinking my card had been stolen and was used to purchase an insane amount of baked goods at Banjos… I’m sure I kept that economy going during my trip.

But, to put it simply, it was cheap. The most expensive thing is the one-way $172 Spirit of Tasmania Ticket. Otherwise, the rest is really up to the question of how cheap does one really want to go…? For me, that meant eating pretty simple pre-packaged meals and mostly free-camping. However, I did indulge in a night at the Deloraine Caravan Park and ensured I enjoyed a daily coffee and treat. Whether that be a frosty fruit, hot chippies, or a healthy/not-so-healthy mix of indulgent treats. This trip had to be enjoyable, and I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my enjoyment because I wanted it to be uber-cheap. I was already torturing myself enough, it would be criminal to cycle past a cute coffee shop or a gelato store! But in reality, I ate well. I eat a very healthy plant-based diet, and despite the treats here and there, I ensured to eat fresh, local and homegrown veggies, sourced from roadside vendors. At the end of the day the food you put in your body is the fuel that will take you where you need to go, so most importantly I wanted to fuel my body with good food that would take me the distance.

The $15 Bike and its Skeptic’s

The $15 bike that began as a neglected 90s Mountain Bike, became the icon of this journey, some might say the MVP (most valuable person)! I was very proud of this purchase, as I could see the potential this bike had. It was itching for a new life, a life of adventure and reinvigoration! Although, this excitement was not shared with my Dad, who thought it’d be a better idea to invest a bit more money in something newer or in better condition. I thought he was crazy, how could I pass up such a bargain! Nonetheless, once the bike was built and my vision had come to fruition, and we had both ridden it for the first time, he understood what I was doing and why I chose this bike.

To those I met on the trail, they genuinely thought I was insane to cycle the Tasmanian Trail on this bike. I was even fore-warned by a concerned hiker I had met on one of my previous hikes, sharing the mechanical issues he faced whilst attempting the Tasmanian Trail on his fancy bike that would have cost thousands of dollars. In all honesty, this fuelled the already raging fire and ambition within me. I had to prove these people wrong, had to give the bike a chance, but also had to put trust in myself and the work I had done in order to make the bike the touring machine that it has become. Sure enough the bike held up great! A true testimony to the old steel frame and simple mechanical parts. Sure I had to fix three flat tires, broke a spoke, had a loose derailleur, had the brake-cable constantly slip, and had never ending gear shifting issues, but to me that is water under the bridge. I can fix those issues, and I had all the tools needed to keep the bike running. But what I really loved, is that those imperfections are what reminded me that I built this bike from scrap parts. I bought it for $15. Nothing had to be perfect, for I was on an imperfect adventure to southern Tasmania. These issues kept me grounded, and in tune with the bike. I wanted to prove that nobody needs to go out and buy the greatest, newest, fanciest, most-expensive things in order to have an adventure. Most people own a bike, and really that's all you need to get out. If I can cycle the whole length of Tasmania on a bike that costs less than an order of Smashed Avocado at a fancy Melbourne Cafe, then you can too! Just give it a bloody go!

Navigating the Tasmanian Trail

The route I took for this journey followed a mix of sealed roads, logging roads and private property. As part of the Tasmanian Trail Association Membership, I gained access to otherwise inaccessible places, as permission is needed for many parts of this route. I also got a GPX map file of the route, along with a very detailed guidebook that proved as useful as it was confusing. Nonetheless, I was able to cross-reference the GPX file, guidebook and the AllTrails Map, which all seemed to interpret the route a little bit differently, but nevertheless led me somewhat in the right direction. Well, most of the time!

Geographically I rode basically down the centre of Tasmania. Well, as central as can be, as no roads are straight, and if there is an opportunity to make them straight, they always choose to add an incomprehensible amount of bends, just to make it interesting. Or so I tell myself. But, more or less, the trail headed fairly central from Devonport in the north, to Dover in the South, passing over the Central Plateau and through the geographical centre of Tasmania. As a geography graduate, I was pretty stoked to be able to say I have cycled through the geographical centre of Tasmania.

The Challenges and Triumphs

I think the challenges of a trip like this stick out like a sore thumb. There are a lot of hills in Tasmania… and I mean a lot! I cycled a total of 12,882 metres of ascent over 12 days. I had to average a total of 56+ km a day, to reach the finish before the 2-week mark. As someone who hasn’t cycled long distances before, let alone on a 35-year-old bike with 60+ kg worth of gear, these distances and hills were a huge challenge, but nothing I couldn’t overcome both physically and mentally. To put it into perspective, Mount Everest is 8,849 metres tall. So with that knowledge and imagery in mind, I basically summited Mount Everest 1.45 times. Ok, well maybe not really, as it’s all about perspective, but still, I am pretty stoked to think about it that way.

Other challenges include mechanical issues as previously mentioned, but they didn’t phase me too much as I had set aside all the tools and spare parts I needed to fix anything that came my way! Which included, 3 punctures, a broken spoke, failing brake cables, clunky gears, a loose derailleur, and I am sure there are other issues that I have forgotten or maybe intentionally erased from my brain. But remember, I built the bike, so if anything did go wrong I was to blame, but I was also the best person to fix it, as I was the one who knew the bike both back to front.

My bike was like my turtle shell on this adventure. It was my home, my bedroom, my transport, my kitchen, and so much more. I always had a goal to reach each day, however lofty that may be. On day 1 in Tasmania, I was aiming to complete 90+ km but found myself camped in a day-use area beside a quiet river after completing only 66 km by day's end. I say ‘only’, as I clearly expected to complete more, but there is only so much the human body is capable of, especially after only 2 hrs of poor sleep on the Spirit of Tasmania and fuelled mostly by carbs in the form of hot chippies. So from that moment on I knew that if I wanted to complete this journey and enjoy it, I had to set goals with the expectations that they may not be met on some days, and others they may be exceeded. With this, each night I would examine the next day's route, making sure to not look too closely at the hills that lay ahead, and plan a couple of campsites that could be suitable depending on what distance I was able to complete.

Campsites included recreation reserves, caravan parks, fields behind houses/businesses, day-use areas, and any other spaces that looked comfortable and safe enough for a half-decent night's sleep. I learnt that most people are often super accommodating, and I partially believe it’s because they felt sorry for the smelly, tired and potentially insane ginger that was riding the length of Tasmania. I’m talking about me of course!

The Longest Day and a Chance Encounter

This trip is memorable, the whole thing! I remember the ups and downs (both physically and metaphorically), the good and the bad, and all the people that I met and who supported me along the way. However, there are two very memorable moments that I would never have expected would have occurred before embarking on this trip.

To paint the scene it was day 8 on the Tasmanian Trail, commonly referred to as the ‘Tassie Trail’, and I had a massive day ahead of me. Leaving my Bushy Park camp at 6.40 am, this day would be the longest day on the saddle, amassing a total of just over 70 km, and the day where I would summit two large mountains including Wellington Park, which overlooks Hobart from Kunanyi Mt Wellington. With a total of 1,920 metres of ascent ahead of me, the day started early, and somewhat enthusiastically to make my way to New Norfolk for a mid-morning feed and cuppa at Banjos Bakery… again, I'm keeping this economy steady! Well, let me tell you, Banjos didn’t know what hit them when I indulged in a hefty iced latte and enough vegan savoury rolls to feed a small family. It seemed my indulgent feast had caught the attention of a local publicist for the Derwent Valley Gazette, who was eager to hear my story and learn more about the bloke with the big appetite and helmet hair. Little did he know I had already cycled 26 km and was operating on less-than-ideal sleep and nutrition (clearly). Nonetheless, this chance encounter ended up becoming the start of something incredible. I had an article written about the adventure and my story, which was released on the 20th of March, the day of my graduation. This leads me to the next memorable highlight…

From Newspaper to Radio Waves

You may be thinking, ‘it must be the graduation!’ Well, yes! That was good, but the graduation was just a destination, it wasn’t the story. Little did I know, but that encounter and the article in the Derwent Valley Gazette, led me to the ABC Hobart Radio station, for a live interview on the Morning Show, discussing all things adventure, cycling, and the trip I had recently completed. Who would have thought they would let me into such a clean and seemingly sterile environment, where suits are considered ‘casual clothing’... Well not me, but here I was, and I was stoked! So, on the 20th of March, which was the same day the article was released and the day of my graduation, I stood there on live radio hoping I wouldn’t accidentally swear or say something stupid that could be heard by all listening. Luckily it went smoothly and will forever be a very memorable moment.

Embracing the Challenges

I absolutely encountered difficulties, but these were expected. I knew this adventure would be hard, and I knew things would go wrong. What kind of story would this be if I wrote ‘yes, the trip was easy, nothing went wrong, all went as planned, and there were no obstacles or challenges to overcome.’ It just wouldn't be a true reflection of an adventure like this, and it wouldn’t be as fun!

Well let me tell you, throwing a 60 kg bike over locked gates and fences, riding it up 4WD tracks and unforgiving dirt roads, where boulders lay dormant and bigger than my head is not easy. But, I wouldn’t want it to be. I had mentally prepared myself for these challenges and difficulties, albeit still a bit naive and unsure of what I had really got myself into.

Day 1 and my inability to reach my desired camp definitely sparked doubt within me. I was shattered. Physically and mentally. I could barely muster the strength to set up my Bivvy, let alone cycle the remainder 474 km that lay ahead. But I knew I needed to stay strong, rest up, eat well, and know that tomorrow is a new day. I would make it, I can do it, and I am so much stronger than I give myself credit. Doubt on a trip like this, can lead to very negative self-talk and self-worth, so I had to keep myself optimistic. Overly optimistic, I would often tell people. And look where it has led me, I couldn’t be happier of my achievements and the opportunities that have come from this adventure.

Fear is similar to doubt. If you let fear take over it becomes a quick downward spiral. Camping alone doesn’t cause me any fear. I have been camping since I was a young tacker. However, I realised I was most fearful when I was physically and mentally fatigued, when my guard would drop, and I would let the ‘what if’ thoughts creep in. ‘What if I crash?’ ‘What if I don't make it off this mountain before it gets dark?’ ‘What if I run out of water?’ The likelihood of these events happening are fairly low, so I could keep fear at bay, but nonetheless, it would pop up here and there. Probably the most fearful moments involved those things that we in Australia call ‘danger noodles’, or better known as snakes. I had three snake encounters, all of which were too close for comfort. I nearly ran one over on the highway to Deloraine, and another as I was racing down a steep rocky hill and my brakes decided to no longer work. Too close for comfort… my heart was racing! For all those not from Australia or unfamiliar with Tasmania, there are 3 species of snake in Tasmania, all of which have the ability to inflict harm and could cause death. I certainly wasn’t hanging around to find out!

The Kindness of Strangers and the Loneliness of Nature

This trip was truly filled and fuelled by the kindness of those I met whilst on the trail, in towns and the messages of support I got from loved ones and strangers on social media. People are so willing to help you out and extend their hand in a time of need. After arriving in the small town of Cressy after a hot and hilly day of riding, I was warmly welcomed into the town and had a free hot shower thanks to the lovely staff at the Cressy War Memorial Swimming Pool. I offered to pay, but the staff kindly declined. Again, maybe they felt sorry for me. It was hot, and the expression on my face would have been of utter exhaustion along with sweat beading down my face. After a warm shower, I needed to find a place to stay, and to my surprise the local bakery in Cressy kindly allowed me to sleep behind their store in the back paddock. You know you're in the country when there’s an empty paddock behind the bakery, but that would be my home for the evening, and my heart was full of the kindness of the people in this seemingly one-street town.

The local grocery store in Ouse (pronounced ooze) allowed me to charge my electronics overnight whilst I camped in the local recreation reserve. It may seem like a simple request, but this is so much more than keeping electronics charged. It’s keeping my maps available, ensuring I can call someone in an emergency, allowing me to document my trip and having a head torch for when it gets dark so I can see at night.

It’s all of the small acts of kindness that truly add up to make the trip so unique and memorable.

There were plenty of other encounters along the trail, some occurred within towns, cafes, on the trail, at camp, or in general passing. To be honest, any social interaction seemed like an act of kindness to me. I was just happy to talk with people and have some company for a short while. Some days I hardly saw anyone, others were filled with these small social encounters, widening my already brimming smile. Life is full of beautiful people, who are kind and loving, and my adventure really taught me to value the openness of these encounters and to reciprocate this in my everyday life, to strangers, and to the ones I hold close.

I rode through a lot of logging areas. Logging areas feel dead. They are a sick monoculture where it seems only one thing grows, and nothing else can survive. I felt so alone in these places. I felt like an alien in a place I shouldn’t be. If birds and plants don't want to inhabit and live in this environment, why am I here? What is my place in this environment? I felt very alone in these places. My thoughts were amplified by the lack of bird song and life. It felt like I was there and nothing else existed.

I also had similar feelings when I was atop mountains, and I hadn’t seen anyone for hours. It can be a peaceful space to be, but you can feel vulnerable and alone as you become consumed by the towering eucalypts that rise above you, consuming the light of day, and making your presence feel very small. Maybe even giving me perspective on my place on this earth. I love these spaces, but it comes down to mental fatigue allowing this vulnerability to hold space within my body. On any other given day, I would have been fine, but after consecutive days of near isolation, the mind can start to fatigue, and vulnerability can start to set in. But it can be overcome, and for me, I just needed to remind myself of the ‘why’, and what I was doing out there. Finding purpose helps with these feelings of discomfort.

A Graduation, A Journey, and a New Beginning

If I am being completely honest, the graduation was the reason I embarked on this adventure, but for me, it wasn’t about the graduation, it was about everything leading up to it. It was about the ride, the journey, the people and the experiences. So attending graduation felt bittersweet, as it truly reinforced that this adventure and chapter in my life had come to an end. Something that I had been planning and looking forward to for so long, finished the moment I put on my suit and tie and accepted my graduation testamur. Certainly a change from the bike chamois and cycling outfit that had become a part of my identity for the duration of the trip.

I am so overly proud of my achievements and the experiences I have gained during my degree and over the past 3 years, and the 12 days of cycling just reinforced to me that the adventure is just beginning. When one door closes another one opens, and just because my time as a student has ended for now, there is so much to look forward to, and I would certainly be taking this attitude and outlook with me wherever I go.

But the best thing about graduation was reuniting with my family that had travelled to Hobart to support me, as they always have. I couldn’t ask for a more supportive family, I am so grateful.

The Power of Perseverance and Embracing the Unknown

During this adventure and the experiences and interactions along the way, I learned so much. But the biggest lesson that will always stay with me, is that we are so much more capable of doing hard things than we give ourselves credit for. But seriously, when was the last time you did something hard, so difficult that you questioned your sanity, or whether it could actually be achieved? Too often we live such safe and sheltered lives, constantly within our comfort zones, fearing what may happen if we stray from familiarity. It’s not a life to live, there's so much more out there for us to explore, challenge, do and try! All we need to do is persevere through the tough times, for there is so much life to be lived. We are all capable, just persevere. Find the point where you think you have nothing left, and keep going!

The bike trip was certainly physically challenging as I was constantly reminded by my sports watch that I needed an extra 95 hrs of recovery, along with a week's worth of sleep and rest. So yes, I recognise the need to listen to your body (although I’m not the greatest example), but so much of it is in our head. If we tell ourselves we aren’t capable or listen to the people who voice doubts about our ideas however crazy they may be, we will never achieve our dreams and true aspirations. A quote that has stuck with me is “you see things and say, why? But I dream things and say, why not?” - George Bernard Shaw. I love this quote. I want you all to remember you are capable, you are strong, and you can do hard things!

Sharing the Adventure and Finding Inspiration

Listen to your dreams.

I have always loved watching other people's adventures and getting inspired by people sharing their stories and journeys online. Most prominent being Beau Miles, who I have always looked up to, as an adventurer and storyteller, documenting his local adventures, and sharing them with his audience on YouTube. Maybe it's because we are both fellow gingers that share a passion for the outdoors, or maybe it's the carefully composed words and storylines in his videos, but nevertheless I am always left inspired by his adventures, and want to share and inspire others like he has inspired me for all these years.

It has been a dream of mine to document one of my own trips and share it with the world, and there's no better time than now! I have documented this whole trip on video with my DSLR camera, along with a mix of action cameras, to capture the most authentic and raw footage, representing the highs and lows of the trip. Just like a mountain there were many ups and downs along this adventure, and I hope this is portrayed through a long-form documentary style video that will be uploaded to YouTube later this year. I also frequently shared videos and photos on Instagram, during the trip, to keep friends and family updated, and to reflect back on, remembering the small intricacies and moments that occurred during the trip. I can’t wait to watch this dream come to life, and to share this adventure in greater detail with the world.

I hope it inspires you to seek adventure and to step out of your comfort zone to grow and experience new things.

So, keep a close eye out on my social media for updates and a release date for this documentary.

Finding Solace and Expressing Through Words

During this trip I also found deep solace in extended environmental immersion, which spurred a beautiful love for art in the form of words and poetry. I documented my poems, including this poem ‘Losing Time’ which outlines the fragility of time, and ensuring we live in the present.

‘Losing Time’

Time doesn't wait.

So, those who wait are losing time.

Those losing time, are waiting for a time that may never come.

A time that may never be right.

And a time that could be better spent.

So, don't wait for time, for time waits for no one.

Life waits for no one, so don't wait to start living.

Live in the present, as there is no better time.

Relish in the now, and cherish the memories that will be.

Look forward to the future, but don't live in a time that hasn't yet been.

For losing time, is a crime, for the life that wants to be.

- Dan Gough 2024.

Arthur the Acapulco: A Bike with a Story and a New Adventure Awaits

The bike has certainly got sentimental value now, so much so it has taken on its own identity ‘Arthur the Acapulco’. When you spend so much time on a bike, and you begin to learn its quirks, it’s hard not to begin to love it. Particularly as the bike was in such a state, that anyone else would have sent it straight to the tip to be discarded forever. The bike is a true labour of love, and I am so proud of what it has turned out to be. But also, it has become so symbolic of freedom. If I need an escape, I know that Arthur the Acapulco is awaiting another adventure, albeit needing a little love and attention first. Although I have plans on restoring another old bike, the sentimentality will forever stay, and I look forward to enjoying future trips, whilst reminiscing on all the places this bike has taken me!

Arthur's New Role and the Call of the Open Road

Now this adventure is complete, the 35 year old $15 ‘Arthur the Acapulco’ has taken on a new role in my life, becoming my ‘everyday’ bike for the time being. Since returning from Tasmania, I have been itching for another adventure, and am eagerly planning the next big trip!

Although Arthur the Acapulco stood the test of time, I have chosen to restore another bike for the next adventure. Of course, I decided to upgrade and pay a little extra too! Well, instead of being $15, this new bike was $20. Another bargain that I just couldn't pass up, and yes it was also bought off Facebook Marketplace! I have learned a lot about the things I would change for my next bike adventure/tour, and have chosen a bike with a larger frame, and will upgrade some vital mechanical components such as the brakes and groupset, to allow for a more comfortable and easeful trip. However, the premise is very much the same. Cheap, cheerful, and fun. I want a bike and an adventure that won’t break the bank. Something that will get me from A to B, and maybe even C?

Aotearoa New Zealand: The Next Big Adventure

Tasmania gave me a taste for adventure, and a yearning for something more, something bigger, more challenging, but also accessible.

Aotearoa New Zealand. Tour Aotearoa, 2024. 5 weeks, 3000 km, and a whole lot of adventure and fun!

Maybe it's a lofty goal but remember to dream big and live bigger!

I will continue to share updates on future adventures which include hiking, camping and of course cycling. At this stage I plan to undertake Tour Aotearoa in late 2024, returning to the incredible country I spent studying and living in during 2023 whilst on exchange. This is a loose timeline that is open to change, however, I have my heart set on another great adventure, and I can't wait to share it with you all.

Words of Wisdom

My wisdom to others is that this article is your reminder to get outside and seek out an adventure!
No matter how big, small, crazy, mundane or anything else, there's so much to life for you to enjoy, and it starts here, now and today. Don't wait until tomorrow, next week, or when the time is right, do what makes you happy and feel fulfilled, start living now!
The Tassie Trail and my most recent adventure has taught me so much about what makes me truly happy and feel fulfilled. The simple things in life make me feel the most alive. It's in connection with others, the environment, and myself where life feels most lively. It's living simply, not over-consuming, and being authentic when we truly grow and find our inner dirt bags.
It's not a life for everyone, but there's something to be found in nature, and reconnection is the first step.
So this is my call to you, to get out, and start living. For you will never look back in regret knowing you lived a life full of adventure and love.
- Dan Gough.