2025 HCC Landcrewing

UTMB live coverage now includes Strava segments

First signs of summer

Bobbin Head, at night

How not to drive, Sydney edition

Overall my best day of riding, but a tough way to finish three hard days. 

The previous night I'd been speaking with the guy whose place I was camped at. His mate turned up unannounced. They were both a bit pissed they told me I couldn't ride the road I wanted to. I'd get stuck out there for days. I might die. I felt like suggesting they should join Bikepacking Australia Facebook page. I didn't...

The first 60km were great. I was worried about a potential storm and rode hard thinking I'd then be on a sealed road. Wrong. I had another 80km of rough, sandy, deep gravel roads to pass. I finally hit the tar and saw a light on, so went to ask if I could fill up and camp. 

At 2200hrs I was too tired so set up camp on their front yard. I found them the next day and they were surprised but cool with me. They said next time I'm in the area to do in. I joked I already have my camp spot.

In three days I rode 395km. 350km was 'unsealed road'. 300km of the this was really fucking hard. I do not foresee riding this section again on a gravel bike.  Ideally, ever.

I have come to see the flies as my friend and the mosquitoes as my true nemesis.

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Andrew Pratley

Day 09 Clare to Hillston

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2025 HCC Landcrewing

UTMB live coverage now includes Strava segments

First signs of summer

Bobbin Head, at night

How not to drive, Sydney edition

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