Reports by Erik Straarup

Since my last attempt in 2002, it had annoyed me I didnt complete, and as time passed, I realized I had to try again, to regain at least some self-respekt. In the meentime Swiss/Australian Eugen Schilter had set a incredible new record of only 55 days and 17 hours. A time I had no intentions on beating, my only goal was to complete a full Around Australia biketrip.

I set a timetable of 74 days, or pretty much an average of 200 km a day. This would beat the Danish record of 80 days, if completed. I made an agrement with the Australian Red Cross to promote Blood Donation, in return I was allowed to wear their logo on my back, hoping for some goodwill and a safer ride in the traffic.

This time I brought camping gear with me, it would be cheaper acommodation and I would not have to rely on roadhouses as much as last time. I had a trailer too, and it meant lots of space for food and water on the long parts. Afterall, I wasent going for the world record, so a few extra kg didnt matter.

I choose a route going more north this time, up to Innisfall, then west to Normanton and south to Cloncurry. This would ad nearly 500 km ekstra to the trip compared to 2002.