The Launceston Bucket List…
Tasmania has a long history of amazing cycling adventures and stories. There’s something about the land, people and weather that creates special memories. It’s the type of place where you can start the ride in glorious sun and finish several hours later having experienced varying terrain and conditions, only to refresh with delicious produce and locally crafted vino.
Over the years, Tasmania has seen it’s fair share of events and cyclists come and go. For those following the Women’s and Men’s professional peloton over recent years, names like Richie Porte, Amy Cure, Belinda Goss, Cameron Wurf, Matthew Goss and the Sulzbergers all proudly call Tasmania home.
Each time we’ve ventured to Tasmania, you can see how it would breed strong athletes that obviously love the craft of cycling…stunning roads, weather that keeps you guessing and no shortage of friendly locals ready to start a conversation.
While we appreciate the efforts of the professional cyclists and certainly share some interests, we get most excited by places like Bread and Butter cafe. It’s a place where the owner happily chats after serving your breakfast - and then dashes off to do the school drop-off. There’s a good level of authenticity and genuine Folk in Tas.
Places like this are becoming more the norm as locals that once shifted to larger cities across Australia are settling and creating great food, art and cultural attractions. Likewise, Tasmania is becoming a location from large city dwellers to relocate for competitive housing prices among the vast array of lifestyle attractions.
Tasmania has become a trendy place to visit, over recent times. What was once viewed as a cold and harsh environment, Tasmania has won the hearts of Australian’s and is becoming the ‘place to visit’ in 2021 and added to the wish-list for travellers around the world.
So when Covid hit and the opportunity for international travel paused, our attention was solely on Australian rides…
And our discussions began to focus on two majestic bucket list rides - Jacob’s Ladder and Mount Barrow.
When word spread of the first edition in March 2021, the ride filled with eager participants. Many had either seen or at least heard whispers of Jacob’s Ladder, not so much was known about Mount Barrow.
For those looking to take on the adventure - do it. If you need any technical or gear advice, just drop us a line or personal message on the socials etc.
Both Jacob’s Ladder and Mount Barrow command respect for the gradient towards the end of each climb. Particularly if you ride from Launceston and gradually climb to reach the base of these gravel roads.
On a personal level, doing these rides became almost Spiritual. Both of the areas have a strong energy that is best experienced in person. The energy was probably noted as I’d be learning about the Traditional Owners of Tasmania. Unfortunately, much of the wisdom of the lands have been lost - but there is work being done to regather and relearn some of the vast wisdom once understood.
One thing that is known about the Traditional Owners of these lands, is they were rock experts. They had/have a special understanding of rock - a level of knowledge that was seen to be superior to civilisations that perceived rock to be lifeless.
And who knows, perhaps when you visit these majestic lands, you’ll come to understand things at a much deeper level. Whatever the journey ends up being, enjoy it…
