Simpson Desert Bike Challenge

Combining overland adventure travel with remote endurance sports makes for a very exciting trip...

In 2016, I will be riding across the Australian Simpson Desert as part of a charity ride for the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Read more about the adventure: SDBC2016

Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners

Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners - my light hearted approach to the various roles overlanders have.

Overlanders: Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners

In the world of independent overland travel we have those that are pioneers, settlers and town planners.

Initially I used the concept of Values Model, which is a tool to group population by values.

This concept then evolved and I have based it on the original concept of Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners from Simon Wardley (including modifying his diagram. All credit goes to Simon). This version translates the wonderful world of independent overland travel into three categories, namely Pioneers, Settlers and Town Planners.

Pioneers push the boundaries…

Pioneers are able to explore never before discovered trans-continental borders and boundaries for overland travel.  They open new routes, travel fast, share frequently via social media and create buzz and influence dreams.  Often they fade fast once the destination is reached and often don't leave much history for those who follow. Generally always find an overland way regardless of the countries before them.

Settlers commodise those boundaries…

Settlers can turn the half baked thing (that grape vine pioneer border crossing or route) and turn it into something useful for a larger audience.  They build trust from the content they create.  They make the possible future actually happen.  They broaden the routes, travel slower and often longer.  Often share infrequently but indepth, often via books. History is vital. They get to know other settlers often crisscrossing paths multiple times.  Once the primary journey is done, they settle into a life as overlanders often re-living memories and planning future trips.  They contribute to the community.

Town Planners create foundations...

Town Planners build, often in the vehicle & accessory industry. They build a strong brand, leave a legacy and contribute passionately and often build empires focused on them. They find ways to make things faster, better, smaller and good enough. They build the platform that settlers require.

They contribute vocally across diverse media (print and online), organise communities & gatherings and optimise the arm chair traveler.

The overland industry needs brilliant people in each of those roles all contributing to the joys of independent overland travel.