Ten years ago in May 2016, I packed my bags for the very last time and headed to Heathrow Airport for the long flight all the way to Tasmania. After many incredible years living in England, my wife and I made the difficult decision to move back to Australia (but to the “most English” part of the Australia).

It was a decision that neither of us made lightly. We both had a fantastic time living in the UK, embracing the lifestyle, travelling through Europe, and making the best of what we had. We also made so many lifelong friends. Adjusting to English life wasn’t easy. We started with nothing more than a suitcase each, sleeping on the floor of a tiny British flat, but we made it work. Leaving was bittersweet.

Tour of the South East with Woking CC (that’s me far right).

London to Hobart (via Singapore). It’s a LONG way…

Tasmania has been good to us both. We’ve managed to carve out a life for ourselves here. It’s not always been smooth and there have been a number of rollercoaster moments, but we’ve both found work, we’ve bought a house with some land, and even got a dog. Some of those things simply weren’t possible for us in England.

Hmm. That’s a strange looking dog?

A decade in Tasmania. I can hardly believe it. Even though SO much has happened in those ten years it really does feel like yesterday I landed here. I am truly grateful to all the friends I’ve made and opportunities I have been given.

I approach life like I ride a bike, eyes forward and hit it at full gas!

Exploring the lesser travelled roads with the gravel crew.

Some of the old school FulGaz team at the Tour Down Under.

Smiles all round, blue skies and sunshine.

I certainly wasn’t expecting to enjoy the gravel scene so much.

I wonder what the next ten years will have in store? Situations are ever changing and you never know what life is going to throw at you with no warning. Sometimes you just have to grab the moment and make the most of every situation. Here’s to hopefully many more adventures into the future!

Oh, and thank you to everyone reading this. I value the time you take out of your day to read my posts on tempocyclist, follow my journey, or leave a comment. I really do appreciate every single one of you.