I am officially 8 weeks out from the ride and the enormity of our challenge is starting to become reality. The training is time consuming but certainly on track. I am now riding in excess of 300km per week over 5 days. This consists of two 100km rides on the weekend and smaller rides during the week. As we get closer to departure, my goal is to be riding 400km per week over 6 days. Whilst my body keeps reminding me that I am 37, its holding up to the challenge without any major problems.
On a logistical front, everything else is falling into place. Slowly but surely we are ticking off boxes. Our bikes, equipment, nutrition, vehicles and clothing are all but finalised. Once again I would like to thank all our sponsors and partners for their support in making this happen. There is still plenty of work to be done but considering this entire campaign has been put together by two families, its amazing what we have achieved so far.
The final piece to our puzzle is the fundraising and I am proud to say we have passed $150K before the ride even begins. With our target of $200K well and truly in our sights, we are hopeful of not only meeting our target but exceeding it if possible. This money is going to a wonderful cause.
28th February, 2010
Its 48 hours after our Golf and Dinner fundraising day in my home town of Orange. I have just sat down and had time to reflect on the day.
It was less than 8 weeks ago we decided to hold this fundraising event with little understanding of what was ahead of us. Venue, food & beverage, sponsors, auction items, celebrity speaker, ticket sales..... the list was endless. My wife, father in law and I rolled up our sleeves and made it all happen. 128 golfers and 130 guests for the official dinner that night. I am pleased to say it was an outstanding success. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely and guest speak Doug Walters was a hit with everyone. A champion guy with plenty of great stories to tell.
What impressed me most was the support we received by the Orange community. Our initial goal was to raise $10,000 for our charities. Thanks to our 6 major sponsors, we had surpassed that target before the first ball was hit. The local community, Orange businesses and friends helped us raise $25,000. I am so impressed at how the people of Orange got behind Sam and I. They embraced the C2C event and we are greatly appreciative of what they helped us achieve. My hat is off to everyone who donated so generously.
21st December, 2009
This is the first attempt at writing a blog so I apologise in advance if it’s not up to scratch.
The C2C ride was first presented to me by my good friend Dave in September 2009. At the time my wife and I were dealing with the grief of losing Jack so a charity ride was the last thing on my mind. As the pain eased and David continued with his plan to ride, the idea grew on me.
We are now just a week out from Christmas and the ride is reality. Training has started, the official website is live and the monumental task of putting this program together is in full swing. It is fast becoming apparent that the ride is the easy part!
I am proud of what I am doing. C2C gives me the opportunity to use the loss of my unborn son as motivation to do something special. The ride ensures his short life was not without cause.
Please join Dave and myself in trying to build a better life for Australian families. I encourage everyone to donate generously to our wonderful cause.
Merry Christmas to everyone. Stay posted for my next update in the New Year.
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