So here we are on the final day of Cairns to Sydney, Riding4AmpCamp. The aim was to have a sleep in to try and replenish the body. The greatest of plans all fell apart when the body clock said at 5.45am its time to get moving. Grant selected the Blue Gum Hotel in Waitara for our last night and it was a good choice. The rooms are comfortable, the restaurant provided a great meal and the included breakfast, eaten at our leisure, was excellent. Today was a late start and my friend Phil arrived to accompany me to the Opera House.
We were in no hurry today as we had three hours to cover 30 kilometres, however, that didn’t stop Phil and I heading along the Pacific Highway at 40-50km/h. Our first stop was at St Leonards station where we met up with Grant and indulged in coffee. We had arranged to meet up with Ayelet from Amp Camp at 1:30pm but we had arrived an hour earlier than needed due to a great tailwind and a quick run down the Pacific Highway. Ayelet also arrived early so, after a few photos, we were on our way through the back streets and cycle-ways.
Before heading across the harbour, we made a stop at Milsons Point on the northern side and took a few snaps in front of Luna Park’s famous clown face entrance. Tempting as it was to go in to Luna Park, there is just something creepy about a clown’s face.
Riding across the Harbour Bridge is always an experience and one which, if afforded the opportunity, you should do. Stopping regularly to take photos also allowed us the opportunity to drink in the spectacular views of this beautiful harbour. Having reached the southern side of Sydney Harbour, we made our way down via Observatory Hill and then a quick tour of the remodeled Barangaroo Foreshore before heading under the bridge. Passing by the Rocks we were soon at Circular Quay and navigating to Macquarie St. If you’re in Sydney, they now have a bike hire scheme which allows you to grab a red bike and, using your phone, hire it for 30 minutes for under $2.00. Set yourself a goal to explore this beautiful city aboard a mighty two-wheeled machine. You will be amazed how much you can see in a day and the freedom you will have to explore that little bit further. With the Botanic Gardens now on our right, we rode the final approach onto the concourse at the Sydney Opera House.
Arriving on the concourse, my first impression was the beautiful lady herself, no not the Opera House. My wife! Merrilynne had surprised me by being at the finish with my daughter Makayla, my mum and sister in law. A group from Amputees NSW had gathered including my great mate Russell Hodge. I was officially welcomed by Dwayne and Darrel from Amputees NSW. It was great to have the other members of the amputee family there to meet us as well. What glorious weather we have had today with beautiful blue skies, a nice tailwind and the company on the road was awesome.
Thanks to all of you for your support and we hope the blog has kept you informed along the way. From Cairns to Sydney we have had numerous individuals and families who have supported us with accommodation and meals. Both Grant and I greatly appreciate and value your friendships and willingness to assist us – superb people who embody the Australian culture of supporting a mate. For all of you who have encouraged us along the way whether through a text, email, Facebook comments or your generosity on the roadside – thank you. I said it in my crossing of Australia from West to East last year and will say it again, the professionalism and respect shown by the truck drivers of Australia is incredible. I am in awe of their ability, under stressful long days and nights, to ensure that we all receive the goods we require.
To the Amputees and Family Support Group in QLD, and specifically Holly and Lynda, Grant and I wish to thank you both for all your support; for all the Facebook and Instagram posts; for all your work behind the scenes; for organising catch ups with Amp Campers from Townsville, Mackay, Cooroy, Buderim; and then, to have a day of hanging out playing Lazer tag in Brisbane with current and future Amp Campers – Thank you! This ride has opened our eyes to these members of our community who have so much to offer and who show those great qualities of resilience, fortitude and determination. I did not hear any of the people we met complaining of their circumstances, rather there was a strength in their voices and determination to be treated equally and to be given the opportunities many of us take for granted. This has been a truly humbling experience.
To Darrell, Russ, Emma and the team at Amputees NSW, a really big thank you for letting us come on board and support the great work that is being done through AMP CAMP. I hope that the future for Amp Camp grows and over the months ahead that others will jump in to support this great program for young people living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference.
Grant has been a massive support to me this whole trip. Not just as the driver of the support vehicle, but as a friend who has had my back, someone to turn to and discuss how I was feeling and help me to maintain the right head space. Thanks mate, your support has been far greater than just the bloke in the car. Now it is also to be noted that Grant was in on Merrilynne being there at the finish, so thanks also for making the finish very special.
To Merrilynne, Makayla here in NSW and my two daughters Emily and Elizabeth back in WA. Without your support, love and willingness to let me ride this ride, it wouldn’t have happened. I love you all beyond words and appreciate all that you bring to these rides and your own inspiring stories keep me going. Lastly, I wish to thank God for His protective hand on the road, from crazy caravan drivers, close calls on bridges and high winds. The weather we have had has been great and the countryside rich and bountiful with flora and fauna which has made riding each day a joy.
As we step off the Riding4AmpCamp journey, please remember this is not the end for Amp Camp, rather it is the beginning. Please continue to provide your support to Amp Camp through donating to Amputees NSW via the following address, http://ozcrowd.com/campaign/3959 or through visiting their website http://www.amputeesnsw.org.au/ or through Amputees and Family Support Group QLD, www.afsg.org.au or via their website www.afsg.org.au
Until the next adventure wherever you are Go Make a Difference.
Go MAD!
Mike