Last October, Luke Yates begin a cycling adventure that would see him travel from Perth in Western Australia to New York City in the United States. We caught up with the adventurer one year on.
Luke Yates wanted an adventure. He had graduated from university and taken up a job as a petroleum geologist, but instead of the career he’d imagined, scouring the planet for the next as yet untapped oil reserves, he found himself sitting in front of a computer in an office in London. Not much fun for a budding Indiana Jones.
Luke had always enjoyed physical challenges, throwing himself into rugby, rowing and cricket whilst at university, but it was skiing that was his undoing; his application to escape and join the army was over before the interview as he damaged his knee in a freak accident.
It was a visit to the Royal Geographical Society that encouraged him to think laterally; maybe he could be an adventurer? But where do you start? And what happens at journey’s end?
We managed a quick catch up with Luke just after his epic Australian/New Zealand/American adventure and we wanted to know if he was ready to do it all again, or whether that itch has now been scratched?
How are you?
“I’m great. The trip’s left me in a great place, mentally and physically. [And geographically, as he’s now studying journalism on the east coast of Canada] I loved the trip and now I’m looking forward to my studies.”
What tips have you got for adventurers wanting to follow in your tyre tracks?
“You have to plan. Look at your strengths and capabilities and give yourself on honest appraisal. Be meticulous about choosing your equipment and don’t skimp; get good kit and it will last. In fact, in all my travels across Australia and beyond I had no real issues with the kit I chose.”
What was the toughest part of the journey?
“I think the most tiresome aspect was not the weary legs but looking for something to eat; and finding a place to sleep could be tough. I think confidence was an issue when I started out too, but as the journey went on my confidence grew and I found things got easier.
“I met some terrific people along the way and I was really amazed by the kindness of strangers – it makes you see people differently.”
Would you do it all again?
“In a heartbeat! But not before I’ve finished my course.”
We plan to catch up again with Luke once he has settled in, so watch this space to find out what he plans next. In the meantime check out his blogs here and on his own site, Luke Yates Adventure.
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