Day 17: Riding 4 Amp Camp – Rest Day in Brisbane (Springwood)

Our last rest day was a real treat. The day started with a very lovely breakfast and conversation over the table with our hosts Kym, Deb and their son Sam. We have been shown incredible hospitality whilst here.

Following breakfast, we made our way into Brisbane for a planned event with the kids from Amp Camp, along with Lynda and Holly from Amputees and Family Support Group Queensland (AFSG). The first venue was Jimmy’s On The Mall which was a great meeting point for coffee and a chance to meet the parents of these amazing young people. Next was a Lazer Tag party. The privilege for Grant and myself was to be included in this Amp Camp family event and to have an opportunity to share in their stories and lives. I have often thought, it is one thing to read or hear about another person’s life and experiences, but it is another to meet the person and hear the story from their own lips. It is a very humbling and challenging experience. I have been continually left in awe of these incredible young people who have such resilience and strength and have so much to offer. I have learnt so much already from the simplest act of being accepted and included in their community and have enjoyed the relationships built.

Lazer tag was an absolute ball! As I have plenty of kilometres still to travel, I was reserved in my actions in the game and found nice corners to conceal myself and avoid the chance of injury. There was a real connection between all the young people and a great time was had by all. After two games, we had a quick bite to eat and there was a short session of Karaoke before re-entering the battle zone for one last game of Lazer Tag.

After a group photo, we said our goodbyes and everyone went their own way. A massive thanks to these amazing kids and to their incredible parents for allowing us to join in on their day. Holly, Grant and I finished the day with coffee and cold drinks while discussing tomorrow’s final ride in Queensland. Leaving the outskirts of South Brisbane in the morning, we will meet up with Lynda Foulis and Holly Franklin from AFSG, and Darrel Sparke from Amputees NSW at the border to do our hand over from Queensland to New South Wales. Our planned meeting will take place at Point Danger (Tweed Heads), which is on the border between both States. I will be joined on my ride to Danger Point by Kym and two of his cycling mates as we take in the beautiful Gold Coast beach strip.

We have covered over 1800km so far, which means we have completed two thirds of the ride – only 900km to go. Please lend your support to Amp Camp through providing donations to www.afsg.org.au or via the links on our home page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant