In the European summer of 2024, three friends - all retired and ready for a challenge, set out on an unsupported cycling journey from Rome to London. What began as a shared goal of pushing our physical limits quickly evolved into an unforgettable adventure, full of moments that combined history, personal goals, and community purpose.
Our team consisted of Chris Jones from New Zealand, Steve Seymour, a friend from Melbourne, and me. All three of us have done many cycling trips over the years in Europe, New Zealand and Australia. We had all dreamed of doing something extraordinary in our retirement, and in this case, a long-distance cycle ride through six countries ticked all the boxes. With no support crew, we carried our gear on touring bikes, staying in budget hotels and youth hostels along the way. It was just us, our bikes, and the open road for 73 days.
Riding for a cause
One of the primary motivations for me on this journey was raising funds for Alkira Disability Services in Australia, a charity close to our hearts. I have been involved at Alkira on its Board for 47 years. Our goal was to raise $35,000 to support a café fit-out that would train participants with intellectual disabilities to become baristas and café staff. This cause added a deeper sense of purpose to our physical and mental endurance. Through sponsorships and donations, we’re proud to say we reached our goal, knowing that every push of the pedal was for a greater purpose.
Climbing the Stelvio Pass
On a more personal note, climbing the Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps was a bucket-list item for me. Known as one of the most famous and challenging cycling routes in the world, its hairpin bends and staggering elevation gains had long captured my imagination. When we finally reached the base of the Stelvio, after days of riding through Italy’s sun-drenched countryside, I could feel the anticipation building.
The ascent was nothing short of gruelling - 48 switchbacks winding up to 2,757 metres - but the view from the top made every drop of sweat worthwhile. Standing there, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, I realised how much of this ride was about testing our limits. That moment will remain etched in my memory as one of the high points of our trip, both literally and figuratively.
Paris Olympics: A golden opportunity
From the Alps, we made our way toward one of the most exciting parts of our journey: the Paris Olympics. By sheer luck and perfect timing, our route coincided with the Olympic Games, allowing us to attend several events. The most memorable for me was watching Australia’s Grace Brown clinch gold in the cycling time trial. To witness such an historic victory as cyclists ourselves felt incredibly inspiring. Being in Paris during the Olympics added an extra layer of excitement to our adventure, mixing our physical challenge with the world’s greatest athletic competition.
Retracing History: POWs and war memorials
Beyond the physical challenge, our ride had an historical dimension. Chris, our teammate from New Zealand, had always been fascinated by World War II history. One of the ride’s key objectives was to retrace the steps of a friend from New Zealand who was a POW and involved in a march of POWs from camps in Austria at the end of the war. Riding through those landscapes, where soldiers once faced unimaginable hardships, added a poignant layer to our journey.
We also made a point of visiting the WWI battlefields, including a stop at Mesen to pay respects to Robert Grieve VC (OW1904), a famous Old Wesley Collegian who earned his Victoria Cross during the war. Seeing the plaques and memorials in person brought home the immense sacrifice made by those who came before us, many of whom were not much younger than we were when they fought.
Countries and challenges
Our route took us through six countries: Italy, Austria, Germany, France, Belgium and finally, England. Each offered its unique flavour, from the cobblestone streets of small Italian towns to the orderly bike paths of Germany, and the rolling hills of southern England. The diversity of landscapes and cultures kept the ride interesting day after day. However, it wasn’t all smooth cycling. Italy’s heat made for some tough riding days, especially as we wound through the scenic but sweltering Tuscan countryside. The wind became a formidable opponent when we reached the southern coast of England, often pushing against us as we powered through the final leg of our journey. And then there was the issue of taking bikes on trains - booking in advance was necessary, and trains run on time, often leaving us scrambling to ensure we didn’t miss a connection.
Surprisingly, we encountered very few mechanical problems along the way. Our touring bikes held up well under the strain of nearly 4,000 km and 25,000 metres of climbing, with only the occasional flat tyre or minor adjustment needed.
The rhythm of the ride
Our daily routine became second nature after a few weeks on the road. We would wake early to maximise the daylight, aiming to be on the road by 7:00 or 8:00am. Breakfast was either enjoyed at our accommodation or grabbed on the go, with a quick stop for morning tea or a much-needed coffee fix. The ride would continue until lunch, which always marked the halfway point of our day’s distance.
After a brief rest, we’d push through the afternoon, often rewarding ourselves with an ice cream if the weather was particularly hot. The goal was to reach our destination by 4:00pm but on longer or more difficult days, it could be as late as 6:00pm. After showering and taking care of essential tasks like washing clothes and updating the ride blog, we’d relax and refuel for the next day’s challenge.
Final leg: Cirencester and the Cotswolds
Our ride concluded in England, where one of the final highlights was visiting the home of a fellow cyclist in Cirencester, nestled in the beautiful Cotswolds. After weeks of riding, it was a joy to reconnect, share stories and celebrate the completion of such a monumental journey.
After 73 days on the road - 51 of them serious riding days, our trip finally came to an end. We covered nearly 4,000 kilometres, climbed 25,000 metres and visited six countries. Each day brought new challenges, but also new rewards – from breathtaking views to pieces of history brought to life or simply the satisfaction of a hard day’s ride.
Reflecting on this adventure, I’m reminded that cycling is about more than just physical endurance. It’s about the people you meet, the causes you support, and the memories you create. For me, this ride will forever stand as a testament to what can be achieved when you combine determination, passion and a sense of purpose.
Peter Harrison (OW1969)
