A grandfather who died tackling a gruelling endurance ride across the country is being remembered as a generous person and a “true legend”. Chris Barker, 62, was taking part in the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride from Perth to Sydney when he was allegedly struck by a passing vehicle on Eyre Hwy in WA early on Thursday. Police said the South Australian had been riding east near the small roadhouse community of Madura when the incident occurred between 5.30am and 6am on Thursday.
His life was well lived and he did not waste a minute of any day.” The 2024 edition of the IPWR was the sixth time Barker had competed in the 5,500km ocean to ocean challenge. Barker’s love for the outdoors was not limited to cycling. He had climbed New Zealand’s tallest mountain and was once trapped in a snow cave for five days. His nickname was “Caveman”. There has been no shortage of tributes for Barker, with those who knew him well sharing their stories online.