Day 1 - Sydney to Huskisson, 200kms in 8hrs 24 mins (avg speed 23.8kmh)The clouds parted and we set off as scheduled on Friday, 29 February, full of anticipation and glad to finally hit the road. Unfortunately, we encountered strong headwinds all the way, but at least we didn’t get wet! We were delighted to see the turnoff to Huskisson at around 6.30pm where we had dinner at the pub and slept well at John’s uncle’s holiday house.
Day 2 - Huskisson to Narooma, 177km in 7hrs 20 mins (avg speed 24.1 kmh)The Weather was again kind to us, but headwinds persisted. Narooma was possibly the nicest stop on our trip and accommodation at the Whale Motor Inn was nothing short of magnificent! After a quick dip in the pool we headed off to a superb dinner at a local bistro.
Day 3 Narooma to Genoa/Mallacoota, 196kms in 8hrs 15 mins (avg speed of 24.1 kmh)Three days in a row of headwinds was not the way we planned to start, but everything went according to plan again. We finally crossed the border into Victoria, which was a major milestone for us. Mark had the first flat tyre of the trip just a few kilometres short of the finish. John met us at Genoa and we drove to the coast where we spent the night at Mallacoota. Nobody warned us about the hills on the first three days, but I can assure you, they were there.
Day 4 - Genoa to Orbost, 124kms in 5hrs (avg speed 24.6 kmh)We were warned of the hills on this section of the route, so we planned a short day. The hills were a little steeper than on previous days, but we coped pretty well, arriving in Orbost around 3pm. We took advantage of the early finish and drove to Marlo - “where the Snowy meets the Sea”. A quick swim was followed by dinner on the deck of the Marlo Pub, which overlooks the mouth of the river - a beautiful spot. The road was narrow today, much without a significant shoulder, and we had to share it with logging trucks.
Day 5 Orbost to Sale, 170kms in 6hrs 20 mins (avg speed 26.8 kmh)Finally a tail wind! We made very good time today, again getting to our accommodation by 3pm - we even had time to get a half hour massage each. The accommodation at the Best Western was again magnificent and donated, free of charge, to our cause.Day 6 - Sale to Inverloch, 180 kms in 6hrs 15mins (avg speed 29 kmh)I’m not sure of it was the smell of home, or another tail wind, but we motored along again today. A quick stop for scones at Jason’s great aunt’s house in Welshpool seemed to do the trick, as we finished strong. We clocked up 1000km at Fish Creek and finished riding around 4pm, despite our questionable map nearly sabotaging us again. Another quick swim in Inverloch surf beach was followed by another excellent feed at the pub, which was very generously shouted by Jason’s uncle and aunt, Bill and Nola.
Day 7 - Inverloch to Melbourne, 158km in 5 hrs 58 mins (avg speed 27.6 kmh)We tried to soak it all up today, but it was tough riding for the most part, as the wind turned on us again. The sight of Beach Road spurred us on and we arrived to a magnificent reception by family and staff at the Royal Melbourne Hospital at 2.30pm. When you see what the amazing hospital staff do every day to care for patients and their families in such difficult times, it puts our small effort into perspective.
TOTAL DISTANCE 1206km in 47 hrs 32min (avg speed 25,36kmh) What an effort!
We would like to thank you all for your extremely generous support and encouragement and for those who haven’t yet donated, but wish to do so, its never to late!
Today Jason and Mark held a fundraising breakfast to raise money for the Ride 4 Cure – Sydney to
There is less than 1 week to go until the start. We are very close to our target of $2000 and further donations will hep us acheive our goal and are greatly appreciated. Don’t forget you can help by making a donation. You can give online belolw or directly at Southwest Healthcare reception.Thank you for your consideration and support. You can keep updated on our progress via the Southwest health care website www.southwesthealthcare.org.au .
With the start of the tour only days away, the intense preparation over the last few months comes to an end and it is timely to acknowledge and thank the families who have been supporting the team. Justin, Derek, Jason, Mark and John would like to thank their partners Francine, Jo, Marcia, Jodie and Susie for their love, support and patience during this demanding time.
Spending hours on the bike means the Dads have less time with their kids, so the team would like to thank all their children who have been patient and understanding. Madeleine and Lachlan, Jackson, Jessie, Huwie and Bridie, Daniella, Joseph, Darcy and Padraig, Kiara and Jemma and Daniel, James and Nicholas - Dad looks forward to getting back to life as he knew it when he finishes the challenge.
The North Shore Times have shown their support for this years Tour by writting an article about Derek and Justin’s prepartion for the ride to Melbourne. You can read the article by pressing on the attached link.
The local ABC in South West Victoria covered the ride from Jason and Marks perspective. You can read that article by pressing this link.
Please make donations by clicking the link below
Thank you for your support
After a relaxing Christmas, Derek and Justin are busy preparing for the tour from Sydney to Melbourne. Sponsorship from a number of companys has provided them with continued motivation during this difficult period of training.
The boys will leave Sydney on the 29th February 2008.
On 29 February 2008 Justin Nelson, Derek Borg (the Sydneysiders), Jason Hill and Mark Powell (Warrnambool, Victoria) plan to ride along the coast road from Sydney to Melbourne in order to raise much needed funds for Leukaemia research. The ride, which will cover 1200 km in 7 days, will remember Nancy Palamara, who was struck down by Leukaemia, and assist with fighting the disease. John, Nancy’s husband, will be running the support vehicle. All funds raised will go directly to Royal Melbourne Hospital Oncology, the Peter Nelson Leukaemia Foundation and Warrnambool Palliative Care - South West Healthcare.
This is where Nancy fought the disease and was desperate to see conditions improved for future cancer sufferers. Unlike donations to many foundations, all money will go directly to the department, having an almost immediate impact on patients’ day-to-day life. Some of the items they need, which perhaps many of us take for granted include:
- Coffee machines which make REAL coffee
- Comfortable chairs
- Curtains in patient lounges
- Blood Pressure machines
The Peter Nelson Leukaemia Foundation
The research fund is unique, as 100% of the funds go directly to the researcher - the entire funds administration is voluntary. Peter Nelson was an Olympic cyclist, who married Marjorie Jackson (7 Gold Medals). Peter died in 1977 from Leukaemia. It is this foundation’s funding that enabled Dr Mark Gutheridge identify a new “switch mechanism” by which growth factors are able to control cell survival, proliferation and differentiation – a major breakthrough in Leukaemia research.
Warrnambool Palliative Care - South West Healthcare
This is the charity of choice for Jason Hill and Mark Powell. The palliative care unit is where some of our friends and acquaintances and many south west Victorians have fought leukaemia and cancer. Some have won, many have not. We aim to raise $2000 for the purchase of a syringe driver, which assists with delivery of pain relieving medications for the patients in this unit. We will track donation to ensure those that have been made for the specific purpose are allocated accordingly.
Donations to all charities are 100% tax deductible. As a platinum sponsor (minimum $5,000), your company will have their name prominently displayed on the cyclist’s tops and support vehicle. Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to support a wonderful cause!
James, Kath, Cameron and Dom would like to thank all our generous supporters for the encouragement, sponsorship, donations and participation. Your generosity was a great reward for all our efforts and made the event such as satisfying outcome for all involved.
On Thursday 27 September Steve Parberry and Shauna Collis of PPB hosted a Launch for the inaugural Charity Cycle Challenge. As the sun set over Sydney, we were treated to spectacular views from the 46th floor of the MLC Centre. The panorama of Sydney harbour was breathtaking and the hosts provided gourmet delights and a great selection of fine champagne, wines and beers were enjoyed by all courtesy of Grays Auctioneers.The guests included representatives from HDY, Gadens, Clayton Utz, Bird Cameron, Korda Mentha, Ferrier Hodgson, CCW (Corrs), Freehills, Allens, CB Richard Ellis, CBA, the CEOs of Sounds Easy, 20/20 Optical Store and CBHS.Donations on the night to the Brain Injury Association of Queensland totalled $5,600.Thanks to David Cowling who donated a bottle of Grange, which was raffled on the night and highly regarded Artist Mark Titmarsh generously donated a contemporary piece of art for auction. Bidding was furious and the hammer fell at $2,000. Congratulations to Campbell Hudson from Gadens who picked up an original Titmarsh for a steal.
Charity Cycle Challenge was established in 2007 by James Burton and Cameron Hall. It is a not for profit name and website that is free to use by riders wanting to take on a challenge and raise money for a good cause.
We welcome expressions of interest in the use of the site. Send your enquiries to info@charitycyclechallenge.org.au