CROSSING TASMANIA | coast to coast in one push

adventure Adventure photography Australia bikepacking biking Cycling RedBull tasmania

CROSSING TASMANIA

FROM COAST TO COAST IN 32 HOURS

Just before sunrise, at 6:21am on November 7th, 2022, Payson McElveen dipped his wheels in the ocean at the Edge of the World on the West coast of Tasmania. The clock started ticking. Breathing in the cleanest air on Earth, Payson had started his journey to the other end of the Australian island. He wasn't going to stop riding until his wheels touched the ocean on the East coast - 580km (360 miles) away.

Payson is an accomplished professional cyclist from the United States who loves to challenge himself in unique ways. For 32 hours, he kept moving through incredibly diverse and challenging terrain - unsupported. Tasmania is truly an island like no other. Thick rainforests, rugged mountains, beautiful countrysides and unique wildlife are just some of the things that make this place what it is. I'm happy I was able to document the whole experience for Red Bull.

For more of my adventures, head over to my Instagram.

WE LOST HIM

Some time during the night, Payson entered terrain that was impossible for us to follow him in. Over mountain passes, crossing rivers, and through thick forests he struggled on by himself in the dark. Early in the morning we found a spot where he should come through and waited. Finally, after a few hours, we heard a distant rattle followed by whirring sound of a bicycle and a few seconds later Payson came flying past us. He looked very tired but determined. It was time for the last push.

HELLO, OCEAN

After 32 hours and 580km (360 miles) of cycling through the rough terrain of Tasmania, Payson welcomed the calm ocean breeze as his wheels touched the sand on the island‘s east coast. After a few emotional moments and a sloppy Aussie burger with the lot, Payson passed out for hours before spending his next days trying to recover. Even though he walked like a dinosaur, had lost all feeling in a few fingers, with badly swollen knees and constant cramps, Payson McElveen‘s mind was already wondering where his next challenge should be. Stay tuned.