Wild Ride: Epic Cycling Journeys Through the Heart of Australia

by Daniel Oakman

This book tells the story of the cyclists who were overcome by the need to venture forth on two wheels; the courageous men and women who undertook some of the most epic bicycle journeys of all time. Wild Ride reminds us of a thrilling period of exploration all but forgotten in the age of the motorcar. Daniel Oakman takes us on a rich ride through the 130 years of Australian cycling; from the overlanding heroes of Arthur Richardson and Francis Birtles, to the lesser known but no less amazing feats of Jerome Murif, Ted Ryko and Joe Pearson, through to modern-day bikepacking trailblazers such as Kate Leeming, Tegan Streeter and Tom Richards. Celebrity riders are here too; from the historic icons of Hubert 'Oppy' Opperman, Wendy Duncan and Shirley Law, to the more recent triumphs of actor Sam Johnson and his audacious quest to ride a unicycle 15,000 kilometres around the country.
You will be astounded by their journeys, retold here with sparkling clarity. Be inspired for your next pedal powered adventure.

285 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2020

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm an Australian with a passion for cycling. My longest ride so far has been the 1000 km Mawson Trail in South Australia. The author obviously loves cycling as well and breathes a lot of colour into some of the classic historical figures in long distance cycling. And, it's not all suffering and breaking records. The story on Wendy Law and Shirley Duncan show that it can, and in most cases, should be about the adventure.

[Lee Kofman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great approach to history and managed to thrill even me, who never in her life rode a bicycle!

[Dale Erdmier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked learning more about these Australian adventures, but to be honest it hardly kept my attention. This book also has quite a few errors which I found distracting.