The ride of a lifetime
Jack’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed two decades ago when he founded Bike About while working as a greenkeeper and assistant supervisor, driven by his love for the outdoors. Growing up on a dairy farm instilled in him a strong work ethic, balancing chores with escapes into the Kuipto Forest on his trusty bike. His passion for cycling led him to transform it into a business, acquiring Peter O’Brien’s bike education enterprise in 1999.
Through dedication and strategic planning, Jack expanded Bike About into a successful bicycle tour and hire company, offering educational services to schools and establishing a community-focused retail shop in Woodside.
Embracing sustainability, he installed solar panels to power his eBikes and curated popular tours. The first tour Jack offered in 2014 was a 7-day adventure that included Kangaroo Island.
Late in 2019 and early 2020, bushfires raged across the Adelaide Hills and South Australia. Jack’s equipment, based on Kangaroo Island, was destroyed.
All the local trails were lost. Bike About’s infrastructure was saved; however, friends and neighbours lost their homes and sheds. The challenge was quickly followed by the onset of COVID-19, prompting Jack to pivot his business model. Despite these back-to-back crises, Jack’s resilience shone through as he embraced the challenge and sought innovative solutions. Amanda Hunt from the Business Recovery Office – Adelaide Hills introduced collaborations with local establishments, including The Lane Vineyard, The Manna, Udder Delights and Shaw & Smith.
Despite a setback due to a severe injury, Jack recently passed the reins to his son Dan, marking a new chapter in Bike About’s legacy. As Jack embraces retirement with the support of his family, he leaves behind a rich legacy of entrepreneurship, resilience, and a deep love for South Australian tourism, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.
