The challenge of the Australian lifestyle has historically led bushmen on journeys of arduous adventure which actively developed unfettered spirits and extraordinary endurance. These qualities have contributed to the development of the Australian psyche. As a way of passing on the qualities and values of Australian bushmen of years ago, an alternative education program began, in 1986, simulating these journeys by taking groups of youth on marathon bicycle rides across North Queensland, Australia. Since 1986, many rides have taken place, covering distances up to 1000 kilometers in periods ranging from 7 to 11 days. Participation in this ride, requiring teamwork, resourcefulness, and decision-making, is competitive. Boys that are chosen must complete a Keirsey Bates Temperament Profile; this becomes the personal management tool used to individualize nurturing and growth directions during the ride. Daily briefing and debriefing sessions are held, including discussions of mind-body management, cognitive conceptual frameworks, and wisdom understanding. At the end of the bike ride, each boy must write letters to every other boy in the group; each boy must also write a letter to himself reflecting on his own learning experiences and growth. Includes a schematic representation of adolescent-development marathon bike ride and adventure education. (Contains 47 References.) (LSR)