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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

A late start was the order of the day as we had been advised we would be facing thick fog in the morning. The prediction was correct as the whole of Mackay was thickly covered to the point the airport was shut down. Departing at around 9:00am, we entered the fray of the Bruce Highway and our seventh day was underway.

Initially, there was a gentle breeze which provided a nice tailwind allowing for the first 30km to be covered in good time. We made the decision that we would stop at Sarina and have breakfast. Unfortunately, it was at this precise time that the wind changed and we were now in for another day of fighting the head and cross winds. What started with hope was quickly dashed.

 

The terrain was generally flat with areas of rolling hills. Beside the road, the majority of the flora was natural bush with gums or cane crops. As the hills increased, the bush became denser and the creeks that were being crossed became deeper. When looking down from the bridges, it was incredible to see the dry beds with occasional pools and knowing, should big rains come, these will flow with significant force. Looking into the ravines that have cut into the landscape, shows the force of the torrents that flow through here.

Today I was greeted on the road by a small black snake who really was not interested as I rode past, turning his head slightly, otherwise not a movement. There were occasional movements in the grass on the side of the road but no clear identification of the beasts within. Road kill out here is ever present with the majority being wallaby’s. Included in this mix have been Echidnas, Possums and a rat the size of a cat (also known as ROUSs to Princess Bride fans). The rat has become our bench mark of proof that they breed things big in North Queensland! Even writing this now we are laughing at the size of the thing. It was, as Grant says, “HUGE!”

I had a personal interaction with an eagle today. My first knowledge of it was the silhouette it cast on the road beside me. When I looked over my shoulder, I could see this beautiful creature about 20 feet above and intently looking at me. This continued for around five kilometres and I was only interrupted when the eagle would swoop around me then, out of nowhere, pluck something from the road before flying above me again. It was an amazing experience and I was in wonder of the power, control, grace and majestic movements of this predator from the top of the food chain. Eventually, it left and I last saw it soaring high on a warm current of air.

Today I saw my first Croc. It was not as exciting as I thought it would be. It was there, just sunning itself on the side of the road without a care in the world. Much smaller than I thought and not nearly as fierce as I had been led to believe. I noticed a waterhole nearby but didn’t think to usher it back to the water and away from the road. Instead, I tentatively approached it and snapped a few photos before returning to the road and on the bike again.

Okay, so it wasn’t a crocodile but, hey, no other Croc has come out to be seen so far.

Grant said that on arrival to Cairns he realised he forgot his thongs and needed to purchase some. Whilst still in Cairns, he discovered the perfect pair, the old-style foam surfer thongs with the tractor treads. Unfortunately, he didn’t buy them when he had the chance. However, on one of his daily recce’s of the road ahead, he was stopped waiting for me to arrive. There on the side of the road, waiting to be discovered, were his new black thongs, complete with diamantes. They are brand new, perfect size and he just loves the diamantes. Clearly ladies’ thongs but, hey, Grants not complaining.

Tonight, we are at the Barracrab Caravan Park in Clairview, situated on the beach with a very relaxed environment. We arrived in time to take a few photos of the water as the sun-set. A great feed of Barramundi for me and beef casserole for Grant. We would recommend this site as a stop between Mackay and Rockhampton. Very simple setting, but comfortable.

Tomorrow we are off to Marlborough, approximately 110km before heading to Rockhampton on Friday. 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 who have donated and we greatly appreciate your support. For those reading the 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

If you have ever been to North Queensland you will know that rain doesn’t really bring the temperature down a great deal. We awoke to rain and it was still a barmy 19 degrees as we made our way to the start point on the Cairns Esplanade.

Following a radio interview with Cairns Community Radio, 9:00am rolled around and we were off. The first stop was to see the team at Design Lab who were applying the finishing touches to the support vehicle, which looks great.

Soon after, we headed to Freedom Prosthetics where we had our last catch up with Jerry Vella and completed an interview with Channel 7 News. The interview was aired on tonight’s news as the fifth report. Amp Camp has been able to get a good plug across North Queensland media today. With final good-byes, we were on the road heading south. The rain had abated but this just meant the humidity and heat had risen. When we set off, it was approximately 25 degrees and 70% humidity.

Heading down the Bruce Highway is very different to last year’s ride as there is considerable traffic and multiple intersections through which Grant secured safe passage for me by ‘running block’. This was a successful approach. Eventually we left the outskirts of Cairns and began a steady ride south. The weather was not my friend today with a strong head wind and gusts up to 39 km per hour (Weather Zone). Intermittent rain helped reduce the stickiness but it wasn’t until much later that it cooled the air. The road was lined with cane fields and the occasional banana plantation and I knew I was no longer anywhere remotely near Bunbury, WA, when I saw a few signs near creaks advising crocodiles could be present in the water ways.

Between Cairns and Innisfail there are few locations to stop but we still managed to locate the occasional roadside store for a quick drink and something to eat. Riding with mountains to the left and the main range to the right creates an incredible funnel for the wind to mount its assault on this unsuspecting cyclist. Before long the dehydration and fatigue of fighting a cold for the past two weeks, no sleep on the flight over and a change in climatic conditions left me with cramping in one calf followed shortly after by the other. I haven’t had leg cramps since I was about 16 years old so what I can say is that Queensland has brought about a new experience.

After navigating through a number of sections of roadworks and with the rain falling again we eventually rolled into Innisfail. Settling into our accommodation, having a nice hot shower before heading to the laundromat and then dinner at the Goondi Hill Hotel. An excellent place for a feed if you are ever driving through Innisfail.

Tomorrow will be a more intense day as we head to Ingham with weather similar to today predicted only the distance is 150kms. An early departure is on the agenda and I’m hoping that the body recovers tonight.

Strava Data from each day’s ride is available to the left of the blog.

Donations to Riding 4 Amp Camp can be made from either of the links on the home page of this site. While riding through Qld, our focus is on supporting the Amputees & Family Support Group Qld (AFSG.org.au).

Thanks to Lynda and Holly at AFSG for there support and especially Holly re/Facebook and Instagram.

Until Tomorrow,

Mike and Grant

 

When I left Perth on Sunday, due to the cold temperature, there was condensation coming from the mouths of all the passengers as we walked across the Tarmac and boarded the ‘red eye special’ from Perth to Cairns. Leaving at 11:55pm is never nice.

Arriving in Cairns at 6:05am, the humidity was light but still noticeable on exiting the plane. A barmy 19 degrees greeted me as I left the terminal.

I was met by Jerry Vella from Freedom Prosthetics (here in Cairns) who has kindly offered his home for three nights before we set off on Thursday. Jerry took me to Freedom Prosthetics where he showed me around and gave me the opportunity to observe a lower limb prosthetic being made. An amazing process to watch given the detail involved to ensure this item is made to the highest degree of accuracy for the user’s maximum comfort, fit and functionality.

Jerry and I had an appointment with the photographer at the Cairns Post before I picked up the car we will use as our support vehicle. Thanks to Europcar Cairns, my good friend Grant from Perth, will be driving a nice Subaru Forester down the eastern seaboard. Car collected and a little shopping done, it was time for me to head to Jerry’s to get some rest.

Looking forward to the beginning of the ride and hoping people’s awareness of the great work being done in the amputee sector can be brought to light through this ride. Our primary focus is on supporting Amp Camp; however, it is great to see how, from a bit of carbon fibre weave, a prosthetic can be crafted to offer and enhance a persons mobility and thus allowing them an opportunity to continue contributing and functioning in their community.

I’m catching up with work colleagues for lunch in Cairns before hopefully getting on Blackadder for a spin of the legs around the beautiful Cairns region.

Don’t forget to get behind Riding4AmpCamp via their Facebook page. Links to donate are also on the home page of this site.

Go Well!
Regards
Mike