Author(s): Kate Leeming

Travel Narrative

In 1993, Kate Leeming became the first woman in history to cycle the breadth of the 'New Russia', completing the 13,400-km Trans-Siberian Cycle Expedition to aid the children of Chernobyl. Ten years later, she organised the Great Australian Cycle Expedition (GRACE), a 25,000-km journey through Australia, 7,000 km of which were to be 'off road' on isolated tracks. This detailed account of an amazing journey into the heart of Australia is told with style, humour and insight. A highlight is Kate's description of the first bicycle crossing of the Canning Stock Route by a woman. The CSR is the world's longest stock route, and bisects four deserts and approximately one thousand sand dunes. Cycling without the aid of a support vehicle (for all but the CSR), and alone for the second half of the expedition, Kate celebrates the close connection and respect she developed with the Australian people and landscapes, skilfully weaving in information about early explorers and pioneers who shaped the outback. Illustrated by more than 300 full-colour photographs.