Some journeys begin with years of planning. Others begin with a simple conversation.
For Annette and Ian Blakey, their love affair with bicycle touring started after a visit to family in Scotland in 2000. Inspired by Ian’s uncle, who was still cycling well into his sixties, they returned home to Tasmania determined to give cycle touring a try.
What began with weekend rides around Tasmania soon grew into something much bigger.
Much bigger.
A few years later they packed their bicycles, camping gear and enough determination to fill several panniers and flew to Scotland with a plan to spend four months cycling around Britain and Ireland.
This was long before smartphones, GPS navigation and travel apps.
Every route was planned with paper maps spread across the kitchen table. Campsites were researched on a desktop computer. Distances were calculated by hand.
And somehow, that made the adventure even sweeter.
Travelling at Bicycle Pace
There is something magical about travelling at bicycle speed.
You move slowly enough to notice the details. A hidden laneway. A village pub. A conversation with a local. A view that would flash by unnoticed through a car window.
Most days Annette and Ian rode between 50 and 60 kilometres, occasionally stretching to 100 kilometres when needed.
They followed old railway trails through Britain, camped in paddocks and pub gardens, and were regularly invited to stay in the backyards of complete strangers.
Again and again they discovered something I hear from travellers all over the world:
Treat people with kindness and respect and most will return it tenfold.
When Things Don’t Go to Plan
Of course, no great adventure is complete without a few challenges.
While cycling into King’s Lynn, Annette was struck from behind by a car.
She crashed heavily, landing on her elbow.
The accident left her with a broken elbow and torn tendons, effectively ending the cycling part of the journey—at least temporarily.
Or so it seemed.
Rather than abandon the trip, the couple adapted.
They hired a vehicle, explored Wales while Annette recovered, and continued travelling until she was able to ride again two weeks later.
It’s a reminder that travel isn’t about sticking rigidly to a plan.
It’s about finding a new path when life throws a detour in front of you.
Ireland: The Best and Worst
Ireland left a lasting impression.
The scenery was spectacular.
The food was wonderful.
The locals could be either incredibly welcoming or surprisingly hostile, with very little in between.
One moment they were being invited into pubs and sharing stories with locals. The next, they were diving off narrow roads to avoid speeding traffic.
Yet despite the occasional challenge, Ireland remains one of Annette’s favourite cycling destinations.
The rugged coastline, tiny villages and unforgettable landscapes made every kilometre worthwhile.
The Journey That Changed Everything
Shortly after returning home, life took an unexpected turn.
At just 37 years of age, Ian suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
Against overwhelming odds he survived.
The experience changed the way they travelled.
Rather than transporting bicycles around the world and tackling fully independent tours, they began exploring options such as cycle barges and supported cycling holidays where luggage, accommodation and logistics were handled by specialist operators.
It allowed them to continue doing what they loved while reducing risk and stress.
And continue they did.
Belgium.
France.
The Somme.
The Danube.
Austria.
Slovakia.
Hungary.
The Rhine.
Each journey bringing new stories, new friendships and, unsurprisingly, a few memorable beers along the way.
Slow Travel at Its Best
Listening to Annette’s stories, I was reminded once again that travel isn’t measured in kilometres.
It’s measured in moments.
The conversation with a stranger.
The kindness of a campground manager.
The village pub discovered by accident.
The unexpected friendship formed over a shared meal.
Whether you’re travelling by bicycle, campervan, boat or on foot, slowing down allows the world to reveal itself.
Annette and Ian’s adventures prove that sometimes the best way to see a country isn’t through a windscreen at all.
Sometimes it’s from the saddle of a bicycle, one kilometre at a time.
And perhaps with a local beer waiting at the end of the day.
Final Thoughts
Have you ever travelled by bicycle?
Or perhaps you’ve had an adventure where things didn’t go to plan but became unforgettable because of it?
I’d love to hear your stories.
Until next time,
Travel with us a while.
— Bron
Listen to the full conversation on Spotify
