Tail wags even after 10,00km

It’s been a hot, gruelling journey around the nation for this man and his adorable furry friend, who have kept their chins up despite an unexpected hurdle when stopping over in Hedland.

Patrik Lechner and his border collie Molly have travelled by pushbike through Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, and will now venture the Pilbara to raise money for charity organisation Pencils of Promise.

But when heading into Hedland as part of the trek, his beloved pet was mauled by two other dogs.

The pair will spend two weeks here in Hedland so Molly can recuperate before heading to Broome.

The German-born cyclist said he was always grateful for the education he revived back in his home town Munich and wanted other children to have access to the same opportunities. “For us it was free, the government paid everything for us but for other countries they don’t even learn writing or reading,” he said.

From 7am to 6pm Mr Lechner and Molly ride along coastlines, up hills and across country roads.

Mr Lechner said truck drivers who had stopped to re-fuel him on his journey often called him “crazy” but he enjoyed meeting fellow travellers and exchanging stories.

“It’s amazing how many people stop and care about you and ask if you are fine and if you need anything.”

But it hasn’t always been easy.

Despite a breakdown, some close calls with trucks and deadly king brown snakes, Mr Lechner said the journey was easier with his furry friend, Molly, by his side.

He first laid eyes on Molly while working to make some money for the trip at a cattle station in Geelong, Victoria, and they have been inseparable ever since.

“She is much better to travel with than a human,” he laughed.

Mr Lechner is in no rush to reach the finish line, which will be back where he began in Sydney.