A Typical Day – Norseman to Coolgardie
Our Story Teller
Long-distance cyclist, adventurer, and storyteller, Ian Wallis brings all three together in the way he shares his journeys. At our Pedal Power Social Night on Tuesday 16 September, Ian was our guest speaker, offering members a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of touring Australia by bike. But Ian’s stories don’t stop when the talking ends. He also keeps detailed accounts of his travels, written with the same mix of grit, humour, and reflection that captivated the Social Night audience.
One such account takes us to Western Australia, on a demanding 165 kilometre ride from Norseman to Coolgardie. It is a day that shows just how unpredictable life on the road can be.
A Typical Day
The account highlights the many contrasts of cycle touring. There is the stark silence of vast salt lakes, broken only by the thunder of road-trains. There is the unexpected comedy of rediscovering ancient snacks buried deep in a pannier, set against the genuine peril of dodging heavy traffic on narrow roads. There is the kindness of strangers, like the roadhouse worker who pressed a full bottle of water into his hands, and the grit it takes to push through hour after hour without coasting.
By the time Ian rolled into Coolgardie at sunset, he had not only conquered the distance but also gathered the kind of memories that define a ride: the momentary fist-pumps of progress, the satisfaction of arrival, and the sense of connection to the landscapes and people along the way. Coolgardie itself, a town that still carries the echoes of its gold rush past, became the fitting backdrop to close a day that was as much about determination as discovery.
For those who joined us at Social Night, this story is a window into the kind of adventures Ian draws on when he speaks about cycling. His full account of the Norseman to Coolgardie ride is well worth a read. It is just one chapter of a much bigger journey, but it captures beautifully why cycle touring continues to inspire: it blends challenge with joy, hardship with humour, and the promise of the unknown with the simple satisfaction of turning the pedals.
