“ Yeah , I had a crack at it ,” a laconic response to a question about taking part in the Australian Safari , the Down Under version of the Dakar that took in the red deserts of central Australia .
“ It was just one thing I wanted to do .” One thing he wanted to do ? Paul Koczak is that sort of person , conversation comes easy , yet everything seems understated , Paul ’ s not a self-promoter , he ’ s just someone who decides on something , then gets on with it . It ’ s a similar story with his latest project .
We ’ re enjoying a coffee behind the Gellibrand River Store , a local café in the Otways ( Victoria ), it ’ s a family affair run by Paul ’ s wife , Maria . Out the back is the Adventure Bike Shop , an impressive display of adventure riding gear for both the rider and the bike , plus tyres that suit all riding styles and bikes . It ’ s an odd place for a retail outlet , which makes perfect sense when you consider the Otways are regarded as some of the best riding in the country .
“ People do come down and have a look ,” explained Paul . “ We had someone ride all the way down from Albury not long ago .”
It ’ s when you see Paul ’ s collection of bikes , all set for adventure , that you realise this guy has a passion and certainly knows what he ’ s talking about .
We go through an array of gear , a few brands stick out , Paul is the exclusive authorised importer of Bumot luggage solutions . There ’ s also Dane Gortex riding gear , and much more .
“ I ’ d used Bumot for a few years , especially when riding through Europe ,” continued Paul . “ I met the Australian
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