When We’re Not Afraid: My 12,000 km Bike-Packing Ride Through South America

What would you do if you were not afraid?

During a difficult time in what had already been a difficult life, Leonie Katekar decided to plunge herself into the unknown, embarking on a 12,0000-kilometre solo bike-packing expedition. When We’re Not Afraid is her story of facing her fears and daring to leave behind her identity and past by immersing herself in a foreign world.

Leonie’s story is about taking risks and finding out how we can pursue a deeper happiness. On her journey she overcomes overwhelming physical challenges and internal anguish while experiencing a world of beauty and inspiration.

When We’re Not Afraid recounts Leonie’s journey through nine countries. She conquers the Andes mountain range at an altitude of more than 4000 metres, explores and thrives in unique towns, cities, lakes and forest, deserts and ancient ruins, while pushing through extreme physical demands on her body and overcoming the weather and her own doubts.

Told with an insight that enthrals and inspires, When We’re Not Afraid is for anyone disillusioned with their life and brave enough to ask the question- what would you do if you were not afraid?

Returning to Australia at age fifty-five, just days before the Covid-19 pandemic sent the nation into lockdown, Leonie is changed both physically and as a person; she faces a changed world from a unique perspective.