Ulladulla newly weds John and Lydia Miller, who married on May 20, are embarking on a several thousand-kilomertre bike ride from Alaska to Argentina – sleeping in a tent on the way and taking with them just five items of clothing each. 

The aim of the ride is to raise funds and awareness for Compassion, an international aid organisation releasing people from poverty. They hope to raise $50,000 for the cause. 

The journey started as a dream for Mr Miller, who planned the trip while riding from Ulladulla to Cairns.

“I didn’t think I would do it on a tandem bike necessarily, but with my wife was one key element,” Mr Miller said. 

Mrs Miller said they decided to get the tandem bike because she was “unfit”.

“We decided to get the tandem bike because it balances out our abilities," she said. 

“The tandem will stop John waiting for me all the time and it will be fun.”

Although they have only taken to the road twice on a tandem bike, they were confident.

The couple have to cycle 80 kilometres a day for the first 90 days to get from Anchorage, Alaska, through Canada and America and across the Mexican border to meet visa requirements.

“It is a lot easier to go further on a tandem bike. They are a lot faster and have less resistance,” Mr Miller said. 

“Canada and Alaska will be pretty hilly. In America, it will depend what route we take. We haven't decided our route south of Seattle.

“After there, it looks pretty flat on the maps. Through Mexico, if we stay on the coast it should be pretty flat; we just have to pick our route wisely.

“Once we get into South America, at some point we will have to cross the Andes. I don’t know how high we will have to go, maybe 4000 metres.”

Mrs Miller said they were excited about the trip. She said minimising was the hardest part.

“I have condensed a walk-in wardrobe, six chest of draws and some baskets into five pieces of clothing for a year,” she said.

“We need our tent and food and water on the bike, as well as our clothes. 

“I am excited, it is like a dream.”

Admitting it would be hard, Mrs Miller said it would be “rewarding” as well. 

“I think pushing through will be the biggest challenge for me because John is much fitter,” she said. 

“Peddling in the middle of our fitness levels will be difficult.” 

The couple left Australia on June 19 and picked up their $8000 tandem bike overseas. 

To support them, visit https://journeyfortwojl.wixsite.com/love.