I had been dreaming about the Hunt 1000 bikepacking trip for years, and when the opportunity finally arose, I grabbed it with both hands. On the morning of November 17th, my best mate Rohan and I set off on our adventure through the ACT, New South Wales, and Victoria. It was going to be a grueling 1000km ride, but we were ready for the challenge. As we rode through the winding roads of the ACT, we felt invincible. Although being a Canberra local, the familiar scenery felt different this time around, and the crisp air was invigorating. We were making good time, and before we knew it, we had crossed the border into New South Wales. We were filled with a small sense of accomplishment, but we also knew that we had a long way to go.

The next few days were a blur of exploring, camping, and keeping the wheels turning. We rode through rugged mountain ranges, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside. Every day brought new challenges, but we faced them head-on with a determination that only comes from pursuing a goal. Despite our lack of experience, we managed to find our way through the unfamiliar terrain. We navigated winding dirt tracks, crossed rivers, and encountered a few wild animals along the way. We learned to adapt to changing weather conditions, and we quickly became experts at setting up camp in the wilderness.

One of the most memorable moments of our journey was when we arrived at the summit of Mt Hotham. The climb was steep, and our legs were burning, but the view from the top was worth every ounce of effort. We gazed out at the stunning scenery, ate a nice warm pub meal and felt grateful for the opportunity to experience such natural beauty. As the days passed, we grew closer to our goal of completing the Hunt 1000. We rode through the rolling hills of Victoria, passing through quaint towns and villages along the way. We met friendly locals who offered us words of encouragement and the occasional toot of the car horn.

Finally, on the 28th of November, we reached our destination. We had completed the Hunt 1000, and we felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that is hard to put into words. We hugged each other, knowing that we had shared an incredible journey that we would never forget. Looking back on our trip, I realize that it was more than just a bike ride. It was a journey of self-discovery, a chance to push ourselves to the limit and discover what we were truly capable of. It was a chance to connect with nature and experience the world in a way that is only possible on two wheels.

The Hunt 1000 may have been canceled in 2020 due to COVID, but for Rohan and me, it was an opportunity to take on the challenge anyway. We were the only two riders out there, but we never felt alone. We were surrounded by the beauty of the natural world, and we shared an bond that was forged through our shared experience.

In the end, the Hunt 1000 was not just a bike ride, it was a life-changing experience that I will always cherish. I learned that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and that the most rewarding experiences in life are often the most challenging.