Lachlan Morton is pushing the limits of endurance as he attempts to set a record for the fastest circumnavigation of Australia by bicycle. After setting off from his hometown of Port Macquarie, the professional cyclist is on a monumental quest to complete a full lap of over 8,800 miles (14,200 kilometers) around the continent in record time. While he’s only been on the road for about a month, the grueling journey feels like a lifetime to him, thanks to the relentless challenges he faces.

Morton’s undertaking is not just about distance; it’s about navigating harsh weather conditions, dangerous traffic, and the rigors of physical and mental fatigue. He has been cycling up to 17 or 18 hours each day, stopping only for necessary breaks to eat, rest, and reset his mind before hitting the road again. As he reflects on his journey, he shares, “You might finish a day with a huge sense of accomplishment, of relief, and then you’re asleep within 20 minutes. Before you know it, you’ve woken up and you’re back to zero. It’s tough.”

As Morton nears the end of his journey, he is on track to break the existing record of 37 days, 20 hours, and 45 minutes set by David Alley in 2011. He anticipates returning to Port Macquarie, a town located about four hours and 15 minutes north of Sydney, soon, marking the conclusion of an incredible feat of endurance and perseverance.

Braving the Elements and Wildlife

Throughout his ride, Morton has had to contend with extreme headwinds, scorching temperatures, and the constant threat of heavy trucks on the road. He describes some days as particularly arduous, stating, “Rainy days, big, long headwind days – I think mentally they’re probably the most challenging. You spend 17 or 18 hours just pedaling into the wind, which is quite maddening, to be honest.” This mental battle is compounded by the physical challenges of long hours in the saddle.

In an effort to cope with the intense heat in northern Australia, Morton sometimes begins his rides at midnight. These early starts allow him to avoid the midday sun and heavy traffic, taking advantage of better visibility provided by his bike lights. However, the risks don’t end with just the weather; Morton recently had a harrowing experience when he collided with a kangaroo. He humorously recounts, “I nearly went over the handlebars – it was a very close call.”

Despite the danger of traffic and wildlife, Morton has developed a strong routine, emphasizing the importance of sleep and support. His team consists of his childhood coach, a bike mechanic, a masseuse, and his wife, Rachel, who provide vital assistance throughout the journey. According to Morton, maintaining at least six hours of sleep each night has been critical to his endurance.

The Physical Toll and Mental Strain

The physical demands of this challenge are immense. Morton admits that the first few hours after waking up can be excruciating as his body adjusts to the rigors of cycling. However, he also notes that, once he gets going, his body generally feels good, with the mental strain of solitude on the road being the more significant challenge. “It can be very monotonous,” he explains. “The mind games and tricks you kind of have to play on yourself become a lot more intense.”

Morton is no stranger to endurance cycling; he has competed in prestigious races like the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a España. However, this ride is uniquely daunting due to Australia’s vastness, much of which is remote and uninhabited. He describes the sheer scale of the continent as “mind-blowing,” further emphasizing the challenges he faces.

As he travels, Morton also engages with the local landscape. He has encountered everything from snakes on the Nullarbor Plain to stunning sunrises filled with birdsong. “That’s probably the most special time to be on the bike,” he remarks, highlighting the beauty that exists even amid his challenges.

Nutrition and Fueling the Journey

In terms of nutrition, Morton approaches his diet without strict strategies or scientific guidelines. Instead, he consumes what he craves at the moment, which can range from sandwiches and eggs to muffins and cookies, all washed down with approximately six cups of coffee a day. “Some days I would eat up to half as much as other days, just based on how I’m feeling,” he shares. “When I’m hungry, it’s wild how much food I can put away.”

Throughout this monumental journey, Morton has been supported by his team from EF Education–EasyPost, who document his adventures on social media. He has also made a philanthropic effort, surpassing his goal of raising 100,000 Australian dollars (about $68,500) for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, which aims to provide educational resources to Indigenous children in remote Australian communities.

A Journey Beyond the Norm

Morton’s ride around Australia is not just another endurance challenge; it represents his philosophy of cycling as a means of adventure and exploration. He values the unique experiences that cycling offers and sees each journey as a way to push the boundaries of his sport while connecting with the environment in a meaningful way.

Reflecting on his travels, he states, “The different experiences you can have just using bikes are pretty remarkable. I don’t value any more above the other. It’s just been a journey, you know?” This mindset drives him as he pushes through fatigue and discomfort, ultimately seeking to find joy in the challenge.

As he closes in on his goal, Morton’s spirit and determination shine through. With the end of his journey in sight, he stands on the brink of making history while also raising awareness and funds for a worthy cause. This cycle around Australia is not merely a physical feat; it encapsulates the essence of adventure, resilience, and the pursuit of personal growth.

In a world where speed and technology often dominate the narrative of endurance sports, Morton’s journey reminds us of the raw power of human determination, the beauty of the landscapes we traverse, and the importance of community and support. Whether he ultimately sets a record or not, the experiences and memories he gathers along the way are bound to last a lifetime.

As he continues to pedal toward home, Lachlan Morton’s incredible journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of endurance and the relentless human spirit.