Though a trained engineer, 'Ryko', who also contributed occasional pieces to the Northern Territory Times and Gazette, preferred to make his living as a photographer, and established himself as such in Darwin in 1915. Prior to this, in 1914, Ryko attempted to break the record for bicycling across Australia from Adelaide to Darwin. While engaged in this pursuit he also compiled detailed maps of facts and numerous photographs of the interior regions he passed through. These activities led to Reichenbach being viewed as 'highly dangerous' by Australian authorities during World War One, under suspicion of supplying information to Germany. Consequently, all his maps were confiscated by local military authorities and army Intelligence inquired into his background and activities.
