BIKE FOR BIBLES 25th ANNIVERSARY

THREE CYCLISTS SENT TO HOSPITAL!

VETERAN CYCLIST REQUIRES OPEN HEART SURGERY!

The headlines are somewhat alarming – but we could also have written:

FORTY CYCLISTS DO 25TH ANNIVERSARY RIDE. Or

$60,000 GOAL FOR LITERACY DEVELOPMENT AT INDIGENOUS COLLEGE.

Maybe: KEAST HERDS CYCLISTS FROM SYDNEY TO MELBOURNE DESPITE WEATHER, MISHAPS AND TERRAIN.

From 6 – 13 December I was a roadie for the 25th Anniversary ride of BIKE FOR BIBLES. Fancy that! 25 years ago Bob Forest, (see first photo) his son and a friend rode from Sydney to Melbourne. They raised about $2,000 for the purchase of Bibles through the Bible Society. This ride expects to raise up to $60,000 to support Wontulp-Bi-Buyu indigenous college at Cairns in Northern Queensland. The rides over the past 25 years have raised in excess of ten million dollars for literacy development throughout the world. While there are rides in other countries (eg Canada and India) most rides have taken place in Australia.

Being a roadie for the A team meant driving behind about 12 riders (with signage and flashing lights) and supplying them with water, nibbles, track pump, encouragement, wet weather gear and other maintenance necessities. (see 2nd photo) There were two other teams of riders, a tandem and 2 recumbents. About 30 riders. It took us 8 days. Yes, there were 3 casualties: one with a heart condition, one with a damaged shoulder joint and one with a damaged left elbow. Those 3 were unable to continue riding. Riders and roadies came from Ulladulla (1), Dubbo (1), West Wyalong (1), Narrabri (1), Orange (1), Port Macquarie (1), Melbourne (3), Nowra (4), Newcastle (4), Canberra (4), Central Coast (5) and Sydney (18).

Distances each day between 80 and 160. At each place we visited we would stay at a school or a church hall or a church or a sports hall. The roadie pair provided breakfast, morning tea and lunch. Evening meals were provided by local church communities mostly and sometimes by an RSL club.

Jim Blaxland did a fantastic job (as usual) in organising the ride. He is the ride coordinator with the Bible Society. It was great to have Bob Forest (one of the original riders) have a cameo role by riding on day 1 and day 7. Bob is over 70. There was a tribute given to Bob and his wife Betty at the end of the ride.

It was my first BFB ride as a roadie. I did enjoy it although I managed to sneak off when we reached Benalla and have a 21 km ride using one of the bikes. Whether I am able to ride again or not…. God only knows. I have indicated a desire to do the Cairns to Melbourne ride commencing April 2009. It’s over 3,000 km. Time alone will tell. And yes, I will be seeking sponsorship next year to the tune of $6,000! Gonna support me? Again?

Thanks to all those who have been my support team both this year and in past years. Much appreciated. I’m glad to have made a small difference in the lives of others less fortunate than myself with your help. I rode in the Mulga Bill ride in July, the Dubbo Coffee Shop Easy Ride in September and then roadied in December for this 25th Anniversary ride. I have been truly blessed.

MULGA BILL RIDE

Graham Brown, myself and Andy Baltaks

Team leader, Jim Blaxland, rider Alan Melmoth and roadie Geoff.

A great time was had by all! Though it was damn cold I can tell you!

Distances ridden each day were: Sat - 87, Sun - 25, (that was before the actual BFB ride), Mon - 75, Tue - 104, Wed - 103, Thur - 108, Fri - 75 (most in the rain) and finally Fri - 108.

It seemed that each day was just a bit harder than the day before. Though Friday was only 75 km, the consistent rain made riding less than ideal. Saturday was the hilly day from Canowindra to Yeoval. Other towns where we stayed were Parkes, Condobolin, West Wyalong and Grenfell. The local churches that opened their doors for us and often provided sumptuous meals were greatly appreciated. Wow! Underfloor heating in the Uniting Church at Canowindra! Two of the days - Wednesday and Thursday, were VERY cold. For me, it meant I rode for three or more hours with no feeling in my toes!

Money raised this year goes towards Wontulp-Bi-Buya College in Cairns. It equips Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to reach out to their own communities with God's Word using local forms of communication and language. This is an initiative of the Bible Society.

What was a real thrill for me was to cycle with Andy Baltaks and Graham Brown, two blokes I went to Wagga Teachers College with 46 years ago!!!

PS Late News (13 Aug): Deb (#1 daughter from Sydney) is on track to come to Dubbo to be part of the Bike for Bibles DUBBO COFFEE SHOP EASY RIDE from 8-13 Sept. Great news. She anticipates riding with Logan in the trailer behind the bike (not an easy task.... I tried it!!) I'll give more details about that ride in a day or so.