Mike's Blog

Setting off early, we made for Cooroy where we had an interview at the Noosa District High School with Amp Camper Rhys Lloyd. The riding was easier this morning with cooler conditions, less traffic and what I can only say were the most heavenly roads I think I have ever ridden. Super smooth asphalt and wide breakdown areas provided the near perfect situation of every cyclist’s dream. We arrived in Cooroy an hour earlier than expected which allowed time to find a café to fuel up on coffee and a ham, cheese and tomato sandwich.

Now Cooroy is a quant little town and one I have never had the good pleasure of visiting. So it was an incredible surprise when a voice behind me called out my name. The voice was familiar but as I scanned quickly into my memory I could not place it. Turning, I saw before me one of my good mates, Paul Underwood, from the Blue Mountains in NSW. I was standing right outside his jewellery shop, Bold as Love Jewellery, in the middle of Cooroy. We sat with coffees on a bench out the front of his store and caught up on the last twenty odd years since we had last seen each other. Paul and I were in a band together all those years ago and as life takes us to different corners we had lost touch. What an amazing opportunity to renew friendships.

Arriving at Noosa District High School, we were introduced to Rhys who had arranged for an interview to be filmed by the media team at the school. The team, made up of students from Year 11, briefed me on their objectives, how the interview would be conducted and positioned Rhys and myself. We were able to conduct two separate interviews with Rhys interviewing me and then me interviewing Rhys. I haven’t seen the finished product but am sure these will appear shortly on the Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page. A massive thank you must be given to the Staff, Administration and Principal of Noosa District High School for accommodating and supporting Rhys and ourselves. Thanks also to Rhys’s mum for supporting and helping to arrange this catch up.

Leaving the school, we attempted to re-enter the Bruce Highway for a quick run to Maroochydore and then on to our stopping point near Mooloolaba. However, as I turned to ride back onto the highway, there standing some twenty feet in the air, was the white sign of exclusion – No Pedestrians, No Horses, No Bicycles! The sign was pretty clear. The only problem was that the sign was fifty metres up the ‘On’ ramp which I had just committed to ride up. Stopping and having to now safely exit the ‘On’ ramp, I navigated to another route where I now had to ride the hills of the Sunshine Coast across to Noosa before navigating down to the coast. Instead of the super smooth asphalt roads, the next 15 – 20 kilometres were up and down every hill and valley that seemed to be available. We eventually reached our goal at 3:50pm.

Grabbing a quick shower at my cousin’s home, we were bundled into the car before heading to Sunshine FM (104.9 FM) for a radio interview which would air on their Drive Time Program. We detoured slightly to pick up another of the incredible Amp Campers, Robey and her mum Lisa. The opportunity for an interview with Robey and myself was something we did not want to miss. You can listen to this interview on 28/07/17 via podcast available at www.sunshinefm.com.au
Robey has been to Amp Camp four times and spoken of the difference it makes for her in her life. She spoke of it being another family where she feels unconditional love and acceptance. On returning to Robey and Lisa’s home, we also recorded a quick interview which we are trying to have uploaded to the Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Today, Grant and I have been truly blessed. First, to meet with an old mate; then, catching up with my family; and finally, to be incredibly humbled and inspired by some amazing teenagers who can and hopefully will Make A Difference in the lives of others. It is for these young people that I ride and I am very impressed with their love and acceptance for each other and their inner resilience and fortitude. Another thanks to Noosa District High School for accommodating us and a big thanks to Sunshine FM’s Greg and Bruce for making the radio interviews happen and for supporting Amp Camp.

We have only two days of riding to go in Queensland and we would love to see the support for Amputees and Family Support Group Inc Queensland (AFSG) grow through your financial support. Today, we identified another young person who, in twelve months time, may be eligible to attend Amp Camp – so this doesn’t end here. Please support us as every $500.00 raised through this ride, provides the necessary finances for another teenager to attend Amp Camp.

Again and again it is being reinforced to Grant and I that the stories of these young people and their parents highlight the importance of Amp Camp and how it provides community, relationships and a connection for youth at such a crucial time in their development. We value your support. Donations can be made via www.afsg.org.au or via the links on our home page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

It was a later than expected departure today but we had a late night with our hosts (Kelli and Michael) at the Blue Shades Motel – had a great time. We discussed: the world’s woes; politics; the concept that everyone belongs to a tribe; rugby union and rugby league; the importance of Western Force remaining in the National Rugby Union comp and how great it is that Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest has backed them. We then talked of the significance of Making A Difference in other people’s lives. Michael spoke of his ongoing and previous involvement in a cancer ride for a mate and the importance of supporting his mate’s wife and kids. We also talked of the need for youth to be encouraged, given confidence and, equally vital, developing their competence whether in a trade or other employment skills. Michael noted his involvement in developing a national youth program and spoke of the positive outcomes of the youth involved. This resonated with both Grant and myself as we set out to build into the lives of the youth in the amputee, limb loss and limb difference community. This morning we had another short chat before Michael wished us well and we were on our way. Thanks Kelli and Michael, it was a remarkable time!!

With roadworks being done on the major exit road from Maryborough, we found ourselves on the old country roads heading south. There’s something refreshing about not being on the highway and cruising through farmlands. Soon, we were re-joining the Bruce Highway and heading through more roadworks before coming to a relaxed stop at Tiaro. This small town has a real sense of character and is deeply entrenched in history. Sitting at the Retro Espresso was a nice step back in time. They have set up their shop with items of the past including some beautiful old treasures out the front. The vintage touring bike was a winner and many of you there will remember the old banana seat dragster.

Beautiful bushland lines the sides of the road and we made very good time today with an occasional tailwind assisting. There was a bit of climbing today accompanied with some very nice downhill runs. It was spectacular scenery.

We arrived early in Gympie and this has allowed us time to plan the next few days. We are hoping this will help us lift the profile of Amp Camp and the amputee, limb loss and limb difference community. Over the next 24 hours, we are looking forward to meeting with some of the young people and their families as part of our stop on the Sunshine Coast. We have an appointment with Sunshine FM and we are hoping these young people will join us for the planned interview. I am encouraged daily, through my contact with Aussies met on this journey, who show a genuine interest in our cause of Riding4AmpCamp.

If you are a Queenslander please get behind Amputees and Family Support Group Inc Queensland (AFSG) with your donations. Every $500.00 raised through this ride, provides the necessary finances for another teenager to attend Amp Camp. What is evident to us, by hearing the stories of these young people and their parents, is that Amp Camp provides community, relationships and a connection for youth at such a crucial time in their development. We value your support. Donations can be made via www.afsg.org.au or via the links on our home page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

A very brisk morning, with the temperature gauge sitting between 3 degrees and 10 degrees for the first hour, made for very nice riding. There was no wind to contend with which provided a good platform to launch into the day. The first 50km of riding was characterised by climbing the longest individual hill climb – being more than 2km. They weren’t high climbs, but sufficient enough to make you work for the crest. The cold weather aided this section of the ride and I was soon removing the cold weather layers as the heat of the day kicked in.

We left at 7.30am this morning and arrived at our first major rest stop in Childers by 10.30am. Grant had gone ahead to secure a table at Childers hot bread shop, “Hot Bread Fred”. Breaking from tradition, Grant had a Curried Chicken pie and coffee and I had a sausage roll and Coke. Both pastries were of a great quality. Grant was originally wanting to have sauce with his pie, but the lovely lady behind the counter convinced him otherwise. He raved about the curry sauce offered in his pie and was glad he hadn’t spoiled it with tomato sauce.

 

Childers is one of those old country towns with a certain charm and warmth. All the locals were friendly amidst the busyness of their day. It has those wide country streets and character buildings which must tell some amazing stories of the past. On my way out of town I noticed the council shire office and had to take a photo. Given the bad rap the word Isis has received in recent times, I was fascinated to see that the shire office is the ‘Isis Shire Council’. A glance at the maps and we were surround by Central Isis, North Isis and South Isis. I’m still intrigued as to the background of the name for these parts of Queensland.

When passing a wood mill today, the aroma of the burning timbers took me back to my memories of sitting with my mate Doug and his son Matthew in the remote Papua New Guinean village of Naduri on the Kokoda track. My senses were very alive this morning due to the coolness of the air and the wood burning lifted me from this track (road) and took me to another. Many of the young men who fought on the Kokoda Track were from Queensland, so it was fitting to be thinking of their sacrifice as I rode through this beautiful country side. We have still been seeing numerous Australian service men and women traversing these roads, highlighting a new generation committed to the protection of this nation and its people.

The roads here are lined with gum trees and Grant and I both reflected that it was very similar looking to the South West of WA, specifically through the Donnelly River milling region near Manjimup. The air was filled with a sweet and refreshing smell of eucalypt and wattle since they have begun to blossom throughout these parts. The road has become smoother since moving further south and the resistance on Blackadder’s tyres has lessened.

Travelling the road between Childers and Maryborough today has been a dream run with a beautiful surface of asphalt with a good one and half metre edge between the grass and the white line. Having a wide edge allowed for easy passing with the ongoing stream of trucks. We eventually came upon the Torbanlea Roadhouse and grabbed ourselves a quick snack before being blessed with the smoothest roads to date. The verge was nice and the surface smooth. It made for very pleasurable riding despite the headwind having kicked in.

On entering Maryborough, I turned at the first entry into town which led me to the city centre before having to navigate my way to our accommodation for the night. We are staying at the Blue Shades Motel and the proprietors, Michael and Kelli have offered to share and cover dinner for Grant and I tonight. Michael has previously completed a charity support ride for a friend who had cancer, so we have some common talking points. We have, throughout this ride, brought to your attention the service providers who have supported the ride and, again, we want to acknowledge and thank Michael and Kelli for their generosity and welcoming spirit. The Blue Shades is a fine establishment and the rooms are turned out very nicely. Access to the washing machine and dryer has meant we have clean clothes for the assault on the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. When you travel up through this part of Queensland, either on your way north or south, be sure to book a night at the Blue Shade Motel.

I have decided to call an end to the Find a Roadside Clothing Outfit. I found some items today; however, decided that I really would need to be kitted out with a Hazchem suit before touching them. So we will endeavour to bring other interesting items we may find along the way.

Tomorrow, we are off to Gympie and then the following day the Sunshine Coast. We are hoping to catch up with a number of the teens from Amp Camp on Thursday and then again on Saturday in Brisbane.

Please continue to support us @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page. For those reading the blog who would like to donate to the Amp Camp program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

Another day, another 100 road trains, 200 caravans and no other cyclists! We had a good night at the Hilltop Motor Inn, Benaraby, and an equally appetising dinner at the Tannum Sands Surf Club. The plan had been to leave at 6:30am; however, tiredness got the better of me and we didn’t hit the road until 7:50am. This late start resulted in a late finish of 4:50pm.

The ride today was dominated by ongoing stints of climbing, which saw me rise over 1000 metres and encounter the ever-changing road surfaces of the Queensland roads. As always, the truck drivers have been very accommodating and they have been superb on the narrowing and winding roads.

Throughout today’s ride, we have travelled through very similar terrain as yesterday with good tree cover on the sides of the road. Large gum trees re-enforced the change of flora as there have been less bridges and creeks which had become familiar further up north. The rivers here have widened with a good flow of water in them, and the banks are flourishing with flowers and strong native grasses.

We covered the first 50km in good time as there was a very light tailwind and the roads were quiet due to little traffic. We rode through our first planned stop in Bororen and continued to Miriam Vale where we stopped for morning tea. After a break, we re-entered the road and the conditions had changed against us. The wind had picked up, the traffic increased and the temperature had risen from the cool of the morning.

My hopes of building my roadside cycling outfit were given a start when I came upon a lonely, but previously loved and nurtured, gum-boot. Unfortunately, it was only the one and no other items could be located. I’m starting to think that this may be a case of ‘tourists up north don’t value their clothing’. Maybe they just throw them out the window; or, they are left to dry on the roof racks and away they go in the wind. We will keep trying as it appears people south of Rockhampton treasure their clothes.

We stopped for a roadside lunch consisting of Ryvita and milk before completing a phone interview with the ABC Radio station in Rockhampton. Although these interviews are not in my comfort zone, they are necessary if we are to continue to raise awareness of youth living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference. The wider Australian community needs to be made aware of the challenges this group of Australian teens and their families face and to work at including them in the community.

The day was long and we arrived in Gin Gin shortly before 5:00pm. I ordered my standard dinner of Salmon, Garlic Prawns and Veges, while Grant enjoyed the T-Bone Steak and veges combos on offer here. Then we chatted about where we will stay tomorrow night and discussed the logistics of the next few days of riding.

Please continue to support us @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page. For those reading the blog who would like to donate to the Amp Camp program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

Rolling out of Rockhampton early on a Sunday morning was a very good idea. Traffic was low and the conditions were conducive to cycling. The temperature was hovering around 15 degrees for the first hour and there was a very light wind which was also favourable. Last night we stayed on the northern side of Rockhampton and it was approximately 10km across town before we began to leave the city limits.

The rest day has served me well and energy levels are up, along with a sense of excitement, as we are only a few days from reaching Brisbane. As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, we have a few catch ups being planned and it is meeting the young men and women we are riding for that gives us the greatest sense of achievement.

As a cyclist and someone who loves the culture and genuineness of Australia, it is very relaxing riding through rural Australia, exploring new countryside and meeting people along the way. Many of the little hamlets we passed through would have been hustling centres in years gone by. Today was no different as we travelled through areas like Bajool and eventually stopped for morning tea at Marmor having knocked over 50km. The day has been different to most in that we are encountering rolling hills which remind me of the terrain around Mudgee in NSW or Arthur River in WA. These consistent rollers have resulted in over 600 metres of climbing today (For full riding statistics, see STRAVA data to the left). Eventually we passed the little village of Raglan and I thought of my wife and daughters discussing that old fashion genius, the raglan sleeves and where it was devised. As I rode away from the entry to Raglan I thought that maybe this was a town of seamstresses in the past or maybe it still is!

Continuing on down the Bruce Highway, we rolled into Mount Larcum for a brief lunch stop. From here the road seemed to rise and fall with gums and high native grasses lining the road side. The traffic had built up over the day and what was ever present were the convoys of Australian, New Zealand and American soldiers who have recently finished their joint international war games (Talisman Sabre) in the Rockhampton area. When we say convoys, we are meaning in excess of 200 vehicles. Pretty impressive and the Australian Army are a tight looking outfit I must say.

Earlier in the day, there were multiple points on the highway where road works led to reduced edges and on one occasion I was forced from the road, down a small embankment and onto a service road below – you guessed it, by my favourite vehicle…a caravan (sarcasm intended) . As I steadied Blackadder, a young Australian soldier called out to check on my welfare. All was good and I re-joined the road when it was safe to do so. I ended up riding the last kilometre of that particular stretch of roadworks with three New Zealand vehicles providing me a rear-guard action. A thumbs-up from the passenger and a little further up the road they had pulled over and the driver lent out the window to cheer me on.

Not a lot of wildlife today and even less in the way of clothing to put together our first roadside outfit. Hopefully tomorrow!

Initially we had planned to stop in Calliope (pronounced, KAL…I…OH…PEA) but, as we had made good time and I was feeling good, we continued up a number of hills and we are resting tonight at the Hilltop Motor Inn, Benaraby. The proprietor offered us a discounted rate to support our venture. We are very thankful and our digs tonight are very comfortable. We would both recommend this Motor Inn if you are ever passing through this part of the country. They have ensured attention to cleanliness and there is that old-family-run-business atmosphere that makes you feel very welcome. Tomorrow we are hoping to reach Gin Gin which is around 150km.

Please continue to support us @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page. For those reading the blog who would like to donate to the Amp Camp program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

Last night we spent the night in Yeppoon with good friends and today was one of those days of catching up and enjoying a good yarn over breakfast before heading back to Rockhampton.

We were advised to drop in to Emu Park on our way back to Rockhampton which had a pretty spectacular view of the Great Keppel islands. Whilst in Yeppoon we noticed the old railway line had been removed and we were told there are plans for a rail trail. I only hope the Mountain Bike and Touring Cycling Clubs can get on board and turn this into another venture that supports tourism here on the Central Queensland Coast. The old train line runs through some beautiful countryside not dissimilar to areas in Western Australia – like down near Ravensthorpe and towards Albany. I guess we will see what the future holds for reclaiming this old railway line.

On returning to Rockhampton, we set to getting all our domestic requirements completed. This included the washing of clothes and doing a food shop for the next few days. All done by 3:00pm, we made the executive decision to go to the movies. The film of choice was Dunkirk which allowed us to sit back and enjoy the chance to relax.

Tomorrow, we return to the road with the objective of reaching Benaraby, south of Gladstone. A quick view of the forecast for the next few days seems favourable and we are hopeful of a good ride. It’s only six days and approximately 600km until we reach Brisbane. It is hoped that, as we pass through the Sunshine Coast, we may have opportunity to catch up with more of the young people who make up the reason for this ride. Next Saturday, another rest day is planned in Brisbane and there is an event organised through the Amputees and Family Support Group (AFSG) which we will explain more later in the week. Both Grant and I are looking forward to these two opportunities.

I encourage you all to raise the awareness of teen amputees where ever you may be. As a community we need to make a difference in these young peoples lives and we would welcome your support. Please link in to @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page. For those reading the blog who would like to donate to the Amp Camp program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

With very few options for accommodation in Marlborough, we stayed at the Marlborough Caravan Park. Our accommodation was very basic in the form of a workman’s donga and communal showers. Dinner was a buffet which was a very welcome sight and definitely satisfied the need.

Setting off earlier than other days, we were on the road by 7:10am and heading back to our mate Bruce (The Bruce Highway) and on our way toward Rockhampton. The temperature was a nice 1 degree and the roads were quiet. For the first time on this trip I had a gentle tailwind which was blowing nicely and giving superb assistance. We were making good time as we traversed the now rolling hills between Marlborough and ‘Rocky’ and stopped only for a quick drink before heading off again – not wanting to waste the tailwind.

We soon arrived in the little hamlet of Yaamba for a quick break which consisted of 500ml of milk and an ice cream. It was a quaint little spot and a great location to just rest and watch the streams of traffic that had now entered the Bruce Highway.

 

A few kilometres down the road, I stumbled upon a sight of yesteryear. I met David, happily mounted atop his horse, and stopped for a brief chat with him as he kept a watchful eye on the cattle gently grazing along the roadside – he was content in his workplace.

Again, we had hoped to present our new ‘Fashion Found on the Side of the Road’ segment today: however, the Rockhampton Shire have cleaned up the sides of the road and there was nothing to be found. We will attempt to bring this to you when we can.

We arrived in Rockhampton without fanfare and in great time by stopping the ride at 1:00pm. The difference for us today was the tailwind, cooler conditions and a keen desire to get the day done early so that we could enter our rest day. Locating a truck stop that offered a shower, we quickly used their amenities before heading into Rockhampton where we decided on Chinese for lunch. A quick buzz cut later (yes you may laugh – all three hairs had to be trimmed) and we were now travelling to our rest stop 63kms in the beautiful seaside town of Yeppoon. We are staying the night with friends and looking forward to some down time.

Arriving in Yeppoon early gave us a chance to grab a coffee and check out the beachfront. It has a pretty cool water park which we have been told is very busy in summer. We were treated to dinner at the Yeppoon Sailing Club which was a great way to finish the day with friends.

Tomorrow we are off to Rockhampton (City) where we will try and catch some rest and just relax from not being on the bike for a day. We will set off on Sunday with the objective of reaching Benaraby with hopes of reducing some of the daily kilometres on Monday.

If you are not linked to @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page we recommend you link in there as well to follow some of our day’s events. A big thank you to those of you have donated and we greatly appreciate your support. For those reading the blog who would like to donate this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

Another late start after a cold night due to a front coming through and, honestly, a tired body. Grant cooked up some nice eggs on toast with butter beans and cumin seeds. We decided today was our ‘We’re on Holiday’s Day’ and we will take it as it comes. The terrain has switched it up a level from being flat runs to long distances and a bit of extra climbing. From the moment we hit the road, the wind was a constant 20+km/h with the temperature a lot cooler this morning than most other days.

Our first objective was only 13km up the road where we stopped for morning tea at the Clairview Service station. After a break, we were off again. Today was a case of just battling the wind and achieving the objective of reaching our selected destination. It was a relaxed day and, although we only had to cover 105km, we still took around 8 hours due to the stops and conditions. The countryside through this region is traditional Australian bush with mountains in the distance and open paddocks dotted throughout which are usually home to large Brahman cows and bulls.

Eventually we arrived at Waverley Rest Stop for lunch, consisting of Ryvita biscuits and peanut butter (the staple diet I learnt to enjoy with Rev Mel Macarthur on our ride across Australia last year). It was here we met a couple travelling to Cape York. A discussion ensued about the reason for our ride and the gentleman soon disclosed that he had lost a digit on his right hand as a 22-year-old in a farming accident. Now in his 60s, he related to the teens from Amp Camp and learning to live with the loss. They wished us well and gave a few dollars toward the AFSG donations. It is incredible how many people have been affected through injury, accident, birth and illness. What strikes me is that each person we have spoken to so far, appears resolute and they are each getting on with life. It is a strong reminder that raising awareness for Amp Camp can Make A Difference in the lives of these children and their families. Also, it has seen a connection with others in the wider Australian community who may have never considered the whole topic of living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference.

As the day drew closer to an end, I started seeing Kangaroos moving closer to the road and feeding in the table drains. Interestingly, they remained still when cars would pass, but a weird looking two wheeled, fluro-lycra monster was enough to make them dart off into the scrub. It was about 20km out of Marlborough that I came upon a little Echidna on the side of the road, walking peacefully and without concern for the dual-trailer road trains passing a mere two metres away. So, I stopped and watched this beautiful Australian for a few minutes as it foraged for food. It is not very often you have the pleasure of being able to see Echidnas in the wild, so this was a very special moment. After filming this unique and protected little Aussie I was on my way.

Now we had hoped to bring you a new segment tonight called ‘Clothing Yourself With Items You Find Beside the Road’. However, the abundance of clothes we had seen prior to today seemed to have dried up. We will try again tomorrow. If you are a cyclist, you will know that you can find the oddest and coolest things while out for a ride. Today we found what I initially thought was a drum from a drum kit; however, when Grant returned to inspect the item it was a near new portable dunny! We did leave it but, at the next opportunity, advised a traveller that they could get a free dunny for their caravan – just up the road, round a few corners and on top of the next hill.

Tomorrow we are off to Rockhampton where we will reward ourselves with a rest day on Saturday. If you are not linked to the @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page, we recommend you link in there as well to follow some of our day’s events. A big thank you to those who have donated and we greatly appreciate your support. For those reading this blog who would like to donate to this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant

Some days just roll along and are memorable, not for the ride but rather for the things you see…

Today was such a day.

Leaving Proserpine, the road was not dissimilar to the day before. The occasional cane farm, open paddock, bush-land and mountains all around but not impeding our route. We had made our first stop in the little hamlet of Bloomsbury. Yes, a name that could easily have drifted out of a chapter in a Jane Ayre novel or even a Harry Potter story. However, there was no romanticism or wizardry at play here, just lots of raucous laughter. Let me go back.

Sitting in the Bloomsbury roadhouse whilst eating my standard ham, cheese and tomato toasted sandwich and Grant enjoying his breakfast of bacon and eggs, we were suddenly drawn to giggles of the staff member stacking shelves and the sniggers of a customer nearby. Casting a glance out the window to the service station driveway, we were immediately hit with a spectacle one can never forget. A man walking with the backside ripped out of his shorts so that both butt checks were completely visible. The rear of his shirt had the bottom section ripped out exposing his torso with frayed edges. If you can imagine a man getting out of a creek and just as he launches onto the sand, a crocodile grabs at his back but just gets hold of his clothes with the man making a very lucky escape – well that’s what this guy looked like. Immediately all the patrons at the road house began to laugh raucously as he made his way to his work ute as if there was no issue, climbed in and drove off. There was a group of ladies travelling together who were in fits of laughter as it was a very unexpected sight. Now Grant and I have seen our fair share of bazaar things but this was a complete game changer. I didn’t take a photo as it would not be printable in this blog!

Having completed our feed stop and still laughing at the event that just took place, we were off again. About 30km down the road, we came upon a police car stopping all traffic. I was given the wave through while all other vehicles were waiting and this gave me a good clear road for about ten minutes. Rounding a corner at the crest of a hill stood the biggest bulldozer blade I have ever seen, with its width taking up both sides of the road. It was stopped, which was a little difficult to understand, until I rounded the next corner to see a motor home being inspected by three police officers. Immediately my eye was drawn to the deep gash in the side of the van which looked as if a can opener had been at work. Clearly, they had tried to fight the Bulldozer’s blade and lost.

Otherwise, today was relatively eventless on the bike. I’m still trying to manage the fatigue from yesterday and we will be providing a revised itinerary which is more accommodating for the ride toward Rockhampton and then Brisbane.

On reaching Mackay, we caught up with another young man from the Amp Camp family. Brayden and his mum Amanda came to visit us at the motel we are staying at and talked about the importance of Amp Camp for both of them. For Brayden, it’s about meeting other teens who he said, “are like him”; the community connection and worthy respect they share for each other. For Amanda, it was about letting her son develop and grow in his independence and recognise he is not alone. For Grant and myself, it was interesting to hear Brayden and Amanda’s story as it provided yet another example of how determined, perseverant and committed these extraordinary parents and their children are. We recorded a short interview with Brayden and Amanda and we hope this will be available via the Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Following dinner, my cousin Karl came to visit which was a great time to catch up and finish the night off splendidly. Karl also gave us some local insight into the roads ahead and where to possibly stay, so we are taking this on board in our redeveloped itinerary.

Please donate to this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference. Every bit we add will Make A Difference in the lives of these young people and their families. Donation links are on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant