we've all gone a bit soft?

[in4]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2654800/Historic-photos-3-000km-bike-ride-Adelaide-Darwin.html

[Andre Jute]

There were men in those days.

[jags]

ah yeah my type of cycling bring it on

[in4]

...and if I'm not mistaken there is a Brooks in the penultimate photo!
Even now the Top End is a harsh environment, more so to cycle in.  When you consider the roads in those days were nothing more than dirt tracks the extent of his achievements are all the greater. Such a shame his photos were stolen in Sydney. I'd love to read of his Grandaughters revisit ride; I'll have a dig around.

[in4]

Here it is: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-28/cyclists-saddle-up-to-recreate-record-breaking-trek/5484016

[phopwood]

Real men.  Some of the men seems to have nasty cases of Balanitis, today you can get ointment for that.

Peter

[alfie1952]

Peter, they are members of the nutbush tribe..... I think.

Alfie

[in4]

A brief look through my anthropology books suggests that the chaps referred to are from the Ummagoolie community, near Kickatinalong. Further research might be necessary though; and indeed peer review. Any takers?