900km Fundraiser Ride
Thank you to everyone who sponsored me on my 900 kms bike ride. Your generosity is very much appreciated.
Here is a recap of my journey:
Day 0 - what have I done? I’m not fit enough to do this ride … and day 1 is 175km!
Day 1 - left George St Sydney in pouring rain, Pacific Hwy at St Leonards was a river. Made it to Hornsby for breakfast. Rain eased and was a beautiful ride along old Pacific Hwy to Kariong, Gosford, Erina, up to The Entrance for lunch. Tail wind all the way to Newcastle. Made it! 177km and 2200m of climbing.
Day 2 - breakfast on the beach then ride up Hunter Expressway to Golden Hwy, across to Denman with a lunch stop at Jerry’s Plains. Sunny day and blue skies - perfect! 150km and 1500m of climbs.
Day 3 - breakfast then head off in sunny blue skies. Dunedoo pub was a revelation - fantastic food. 158km and 1900m of climbs. Went to sleep with chills and shakes, wondering if would even be capable of riding day 4.’
Day 4 - Woke early, for biggest day, no breakfast as nothing open. Figured I would at least try to get 30-50km done then retire to van. Somehow made it through Gulgong to Mudgee for brunch. Coffee and food, started to feel a bit better so decided to persist for a bit longer. We were all hangry when we got to Ilford and realised cafe was closed… permanently. Pete, one of the drivers, drove ahead to Sofala and picked up some food which he delivered around an hour later. Dished out pies and sausage rolls … and then pulled out some turkey, cheese, and cornbread for me … was the best! Then followed some steep climbs and descents. Rolled into Bathurst 11 hours after leaving Dunedoo. 205km and 2900m of climbing. I still can’t believe I survived the day!!
Day 5 - across the mountains through some beautiful countryside to Penrith. Last 40km all downhill. 163km and 2400m climbing.
Day 6 - easy start… then the heavens opened. Ride ended as it started, in torrential rain. Took 5 hours to do 80km. Finished in Kensington with coffee and beers - we did it!
As David Eck (organiser) said, it might be hard, it might be challenging, but the kids that get our financial help are facing enormous challenges every day. We only had to endure it for 6 days.
All in all, we raised over $21,000 and of that, our contributions were over $6,500.
Once again, I am very grateful for your support.