Cyclist to pedal road to Darwin

Steve Sochacki

IT MAY be a fitness routine that seems rather extreme, but Lismore man Steve Sochacki is on a mission to ride his bike from Lismore to Darwin.

When asked why he was taking on such a mammoth exercise, Mr Sochacki’s answer was simple.

“Why not?” he quipped.

“I’ve been all over Australia, both for work and just travelling around.

“I’ve been to Darwin by plane, car and motorbike, and have even sailed there.

“But you just don’t get to see much when you travel at speed.”

Mr Sochacki said he wanted to really experience the Outback.

Despite having no training or cycling experience, MrSochacki is confident he will cope with the trip.

“The boys from Harris Cycles in Lismore have been terrific setting me up with the bike and trailer,” he said.

“They have given me the benefit of their cycle touring experience with heaps of advice and information.”

While there is no particular timetable for the 4000km ride, Mr Sochacki wants to be back for his birthday in early November.

“It doesn’t really matter when I get back,” he said.

“You never know, I might just get to Darwin and keep going to Perth.

“Whatever happens, I should end up a little less fat and a little more fit.”