All geared up for cycle adventure

HARD YAKKA: John Kelly and Warren Stroud are undertaking a 3000km cycling journey.

Two mates are about to embark on a gruelling cycling adventure in Australia.

Plumber John Kelly, from Waikanae Beach, and veterinarian Warren Stroud, from Reikorangi, are about to start the epic journey which will see them cycle about 3000km from Port Augusta, which is about 300km north of Adelaide, via Alice Springs to Darwin.

"It's something different and outside the everyday norm," Warren says. "And it's good to get away from your day-to-day life and do something like this, it's also a focus to train and shoot for."

A number of challenges are expected in the month-long trip.

"There are some long gaps between water supply places, and we'll have to carry it," he says. "Heat will be another one, and keeping cool and hydrated.

"And the repetitiveness of the long straight lines of road and keeping that out of your head."

"It's pretty much a straight line for 3000km.

"The hardest thing will also be cycling every single day," John says. "Everyone's happy to do a 100km ride but when you have to do it day after day."

Both are self employed and "governed by cellphone," John says.

"When it rings you have to go so it will be nice to be out of cell phone coverage."

The adventure begins on Friday.