The Indian Pacific Wheel Race: Overlanders of the 21st Century

The Indian Pacific Wheel Race is a gruelling 5,500 km coast-to-coast bicycle race across Australia. The race features the two leading long distance bike racers in the world as well as dozens of other cyclists determined to push themselves to the very limits of physical and mental endurance. Jack is joined by Australian cycling journalist Craig Fry and long distance cycling expert Chris White to discuss what it takes to win the race, or even to get to the finishing line in Sydney, plus the long history of overlanding in Australia and the possibilities of making the journey in a more leisurely cycle touring style.

Follow the race at Curve Cycling. And on the live tracker. And on twitter.

Read Craig Fry’s features on the IndyPac for SBS and Cycling Tips.

Read Chris White’s tips on long distance cycle racing and bikepacking

Transcontinental Race Wrap-Up

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Wrapping up The Bike Show’s coverage of this year’s Transcontinental Race, Jack Thurston talks to race organiser Mike Hall and women’s race winner Emily Chappell. Mike also tells the story of his record-breaking ride in the Tour Divide race earlier in the year and reflects on the growth of bikepacking, as a sport and a pastime.

Photo credit: David Price / Instagram

Pushing the Limits

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The Transcontinental Race is a test of body, mind and spirit. The format is simple. It’s a single stage race that begins on one side of the European continent (in Belgium) and ends on the other (in Turkey). Riders must plan their own routes and navigate themselves without any support. Jack hears from four riders readying themselves for the 2016 race. But not everyone is ready to race 4000km across Europe, and that’s why Transcontinental organisers Mike Hall and Anna Haslock dreamed up a shorter, more accessible format, called the Valleycat. Jack spends a weekend in deepest mid-Wales to find out more.