In 1993 Kate Leeming became the first woman in history to cycle across the ‘New Russia’, when she organised, led
and completed the five month, 13,400 kilometre Trans-Siberian Cycle Expedition in aid of the children of Chernobyl.
Ten years later, she conceived and organised the Great Australian Cycle Expedition (GRACE), a 25,000km journey through her own country, 7,000km of which were to be ‘off road’ on remote, isolated tracks.

The purpose of the expedition was to promote the importance of, and contribute towards, education for sustainable development. The expedition was one of the world’s first projects selected as a Demonstration Activity for the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-14).

Out There and Back is Kate’s personal chronicle of the GRACE Expedition which includes the first bicycle crossing of the Canning Stock Route (CSR) by a woman. The CSR, the world’s longest, most arduous stock route, bisects four deserts and approximately one thousand sand dunes. At the same time, Out There and Back raises awareness of the importance of education for sustainable development, underpinned by the author's beliefs and fuelled by her experiences cycling across Russia. This detailed, often graphic, account of an amazing journey into the heart of Australia is told with style, humour and insight.

Cycling without the aid of a support vehicle (for all but the CSR) and alone for the second half of the expedition, Kate develops a close connection with, and respect for, the Australian people and landscapes, skillfully weaving in information about early explorers, pioneers and colourful characters who shaped the outback. She gives impressions of her visits to Indigenous communities and glimpses of life on cattle stations and in remote outposts and country towns.

"Take a large measure of guts, strength, will and heart; add
a bike and a young woman and spend 25,000 kilometres
across Australia. Truth can be so much better than fiction.
A brilliant story’.
Bryce Courtenay
Softcover; 348 pages; 260mm x 187mm; Colour Photography; Leeming, Kate