Byron Talks: Charity Cyclist Max Taylor
Max Taylor: Pedalling with Purpose for a Better Future
By Kate Love
Max Taylor is on a journey like no other. Cycling solo across Australia, from Melbourne to Cairns, Max is not only covering over 5,000 kilometres but also raising funds and awareness for an important cause - the construction of earthquake-resistant schools in Lombok, Indonesia, made from upcycled plastic waste. This incredible 150-day, self-funded journey is not only about distance, but resilience, purpose and making a difference.
Max’s journey is deeply personal. It honours the memory of his brother, who tragically passed away from mental health struggles. Through the challenges of this physical feat, Max is confronting his grief head-on while working towards something greater. Along the way, he is sharing his story through daily social media updates, inviting others to join him in finding strength and pushing through challenges.
Max shares the story behind his mission, the hurdles he’s encountered on the road, and the people and communities that have inspired him. Here’s how Max is cycling to make a difference, one pedal at a time.
You can follow Max’s inspiring journey through daily posts on his Instagram.
What inspired you to embark on this incredible 5,000 km journey from Melbourne to Cairns, and why did you choose cycling as your method of travel?
I’ve always enjoyed travelling and have done a number of trips overseas, but this one felt different. After listening to a podcast called Diaries of the Wild Ones, I started thinking more about alternative ways to explore, ones that involve a bit more challenge and self-reliance. Cycling seemed like the right choice because it’s a practical, affordable and low-impact way to cover a long distance. It also gave me the chance to experience the country more closely, meet people along the way and take things at my own pace.
Can you tell us more about the Classroom of Hope and the work they’re doing to improve education in Southeast Asia? Why did you decide to partner with them for this project?
Classroom of Hope is an Australian charity doing incredible work across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. They focus on providing better learning environments and educational programs for children in under-resourced communities. What really stood out to me was their partnership with a recycling facility in Lombok, where they’re transforming plastic waste into durable building materials. These blocks are used to construct earthquake-resistant schools, which is crucial in a region where natural disasters are frequent. Their mission is honest, heartfelt and deeply sustainable, which made them the perfect partner for this journey.
This ride has a very personal connection to your brother’s passing. How has this journey helped you navigate grief and find resilience?
Four years ago, I lost my brother to mental health struggles. That loss shook me deeply, but through the grieving process I learned that we grow the most when we face life’s challenges head-on. Instead of numbing the pain or running from it, I chose to confront it. That’s what this ride is about. Taking on a multi-month bikepacking trip, something I had very little experience in, has been a way to continuously push myself outside my comfort zone. Every week I face new hurdles, physically, mentally and emotionally, and working through them has helped me build a deep sense of resilience. It's about proving to myself that I can endure and keep moving forward, and in doing that, honouring my brother’s memory.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far on your journey, both physically and mentally?
One of the most challenging and rewarding sections so far was cycling through Kosciuszko National Park. I started by climbing Australia’s highest peak and camping near the summit in freezing conditions. From there, I ventured into remote backcountry trails that were steep, rocky and incredibly slow-going. I ended up pushing my bike for long stretches, dealing with failing brakes and running out of food. I was sleeping in old drovers’ huts, eating leftover rice packets just to get by. It wasn’t until halfway through that I realised I was actually riding along the Australian Alpine Walking Trail. I had to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
It was mentally one of the hardest parts of the journey. I went nearly 48 hours without seeing another person, something I’d never experienced in my life. But it was also one of the most profound. I was completely immersed in nature and the challenge of it all. That stretch taught me more about myself than anything else so far.
You’re using upcycled plastic waste to fund an earthquake-resistant school. Can you tell us more about how this innovative building project works and why it’s so important for the community in Lombok?
Indonesia sits on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ and experiences 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes. In 2018, Lombok was hit hard. Over 400 schools were damaged and more than 50,000 kids were affected. Classroom of Hope responded by developing the Block Schools program, using interlocking plastic bricks made from upcycled waste. These blocks are lightweight, durable and designed to move together during an earthquake like giant Lego. This prevents collapses and reduces injury risk. They’re also fire-resistant and non-toxic, making them incredibly safe and sustainable.
For the kids in Lombok, this means more than just a building. It means stability, opportunity and hope. It gives them a real chance to stay in school and work towards a better future with more opportunity, instead of dropping out early to help on the farm or in the family business.
Mental health and resilience are central themes in your journey. What advice would you give others who are going through personal challenges or hardship
Challenge yourself as often as you can. Step outside your comfort zone, even in small ways. That’s where the learning happens, and from learning comes growth. When you grow, you build self-confidence, and with that comes self-empowerment. Those qualities are what help us move through hard times with more strength and awareness. Whether it’s a hike, a creative project or something completely new, just start. Push your boundaries and you’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
You’re documenting your journey on social media. How has sharing your story with others impacted your experience and helped inspire people?
Sharing this journey online has been both a blessing and a challenge. Creating daily content - filming, editing, posting, responding - takes a lot of energy. At times it’s been hard on my mental health, and I’ve had to learn to set boundaries and be really mindful about how I use my screen time.
But I’ve also received incredible messages from people saying the videos have inspired them to think differently about their own lives, to take on challenges, or to reconnect with nature. That kind of feedback fills me with purpose and keeps me going. Knowing the story is resonating makes all the effort worthwhile.
What has been the most rewarding part of this journey so far? Have any moments or encounters stood out to you?
The generosity I’ve experienced has been truly humbling. Strangers have offered me food, a bed for the night and words of encouragement that lifted me on hard days. These moments remind me that people are good and that kindness is everywhere when you’re open to it. It’s been incredibly inspiring and has made me want to continue doing long-distance bike touring. There’s a real magic in moving through the world at this pace and connecting with people on such a genuine level.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of this initiative? How can people get involved in supporting your cause?
Once I reach Cairns, the journey won’t be over. I plan to find a boat to Indonesia (to continue the theme of slow and adventurous travel) and continue riding all the way to the school in Eastern Lombok. There, I’ll spend time with the community, teach some English and help document the impact this school rebuild will have for the kids and families. I’ll be sharing it all on social media to show exactly where the donations are going and how much of a difference they’re making.
If people want to support, the best ways are to follow along, share the journey with others and donate through the link in my bio. Every bit helps. Together we can create real change for the kids of rural Lombok.
