Sydney to Melbourne with Noah, Harry and Lucy
Below is Noah’s account of their epic ride from Sydney to Melbourne rainding money for Bicycles For Humanity. An astounding effort.
Our Experience of Riding for Bicycles for Humanity.
By Noah Bergel, travelling with Harry Catterns and Lucy Minter.
When two of my close friends and I found 10 coincident days in our busy lives for a two wheeled adventure from Sydney to Melbourne this Summer it was proposed at the last minute we take up the challenge and make our efforts count toward a cause. After a stint on the Net looking for respectable organisations to contribute to, none seemed more appropriate or deserving than Bicycles for Humanity.
After some last minute bike mechanics, we gathered under the clock at Sydney’s Central Station before boarding the 11.15 train to Bombaderry several hours South and well away from the City’s fringe. With Melbourne as our destination and 800kms we set out without further delay. By the time we rode into Cunjurong Point that evening we were aching all over, unaccustomed to the hours in the saddle. I remember distinctly, the refresh that the cold Pacific Ocean provided that evening to my skin and bones.
Over the next few days we proceeded to edge our way further South along the NSW coastline, taking time out in townships such as Milton, Mogo and Bodalla for nourishing bites where wholesome café/foodstores had opened. Camping at places such as Mystery Bay and Mimosa Rocks reaffirmed the beauty of our Country; the diversity of Acacia, Eucalypt and Banksia species in places where we spent the night added to beautiful coastal landscapes.
400km into the trip and with Bega approaching, Harry’s knees began to suffer, every incline a new challenge we decided to ease up for the day. At Mimosa Rocks we waited, giving our legs a break and hoeing into the last of our supplies. Eventually we were forced to press on for want of a decent feed. The next hour determined the end to Harrys ride, the pain of each pedal too much. A decision was made to call it quits and I was to accompany him by bus to Melbourne. Lucy However, demonstrating her iron will and tenacity insisted on progress – unnerved by the prospect of a solo mission she continued without delay. In the evening, Harry and Myself cycled the last twenty ks to Bega where our journey ended.
Lucy could tell the rest of the tale better than I, but I know that in 4 days she completed the remaining 500kms, including a lengthy off road stint on the old rail trail near Bairnsdale. She described to us the butterflies and majestic Mountain Ash forests of Eastern Victoria. There were kind souls who fed her when all others had shut up shop and of Truckies who told her the best and worst stretches of roads. Lucy completed the trip in our absence and proved her determination to finish what had begun. She spearheaded the fundraising efforts and must be acknowledge for doing so. Well done.
