Finale

To those who attended the Mates on a Mission finale at Bull Creek Leeming Football Club on Saturday you witnessed one of the most special moments ever. Having travelled over 2700 km from Adelaide to Perth, Brad brought the Mission home in spectacular style. As a support crew we were overwhelmed with the size of the crowd who had formed a guard of honour to watch Brad with his mate Mitch, pedal across the line.

Brad, you may have been inspired by Crawf but you now are a source of inspiration for people of all ages. Like you, hopefully they will now have the courage to follow and fulfil their dreams. Mitch would have loved every minute of the road trip and would be really proud of what your combined efforts are about to achieve for the desperately poor in Seraya.

Brad, you are a champion in every respect. Enjoy resuming a 'normal' life and thanks for the privilege of being part of the ride of a lifetime.

We're Coming Home!

In the blog written on May 16^th, I wrote about doubting if there were any prouder parents of their sons than Sue, Ken, Shane and I. Today, that level of pride is even more enhanced as Mitch and Brad ride the last 120 km of this epic journey. Likewise, there are no prouder sisters of their brothers than Tarli and Kristy. Mitch and Brad you are two amazing young men who are having such a profound impact on so many. Having completed this epic ride you are about to make a significant change to the lives of so many desperately poor people in Seraya. Brad and Mitch you have just completed the best road trip two mates could ever have. It is so easy to see why the two of you became  mates. Your strength of character, determination, easy going personalities and ability to inspire others is nothing short of incredible.

To our CEO's in Mitch and Keith, you never let us down once with the weather conditions. Okay, the headwinds for five days were definitely challenging but that certainly confirmed Brad's toughness. Today as we leave Northam, the conditions could not be better! We did enjoy the way you organised the spirited win by The Crows in Adelaide and last Saturday's victory by The Railways in Kalgoorlie! We loved your presence and looking at your smiling faces every day of the ride.

We salute you MOAM CEO's.

Highlights are plentiful. The spectacular scenery along the Nullarbor, particularly The Great Australian Bight, brilliant night skies and cloud formations during the day, stunning sunsets especially in Ceduna (awesome photos Ken),the warmth and glow of the campfires and Sue Mills. There have been many amazing people we have met along the way. Brad has been truly inspired by meeting Mitch's footy idols in Mark Ricciuto and Andrew McLeod who were both so genuine in their support of MOAM. Brian Taylor organising for Brad and Ken to sit in the commentary box for the Crows game against Collingwood joining football icons in Cameron Ling and Matthew LLoyd. Seeing Brad's face light up when Brian mentioned him and MOAM during the calling of a game whilst we overnighted in Border Village was definitely a highlight. Then there was Shane Crawford's call to Brad whilst we were in Ceduna. Crawf's phone call was so timely after a few big days out on the road. Brad was inspired by Crawf's ride last year so to speak to him and gain from his knowledge was invaluable. Libby Stone at Channel Nine, your passion and belief in this amazing story saw MOAM receive the media attention it so richly deserved. Featuring on Channel Nine News on the 15th May and the live cross to the 'Today Show' as Brad rode out of Adelaide was sensational. Thank you so much Libby! Our thanks also to Steve

Butler for the excellent article written in the West, Reece Homfray from The Adelaide Advertiser for bringing the MOAM story to Adelaide, Brett Sprigg for his well researched interview with Brad on Radio Grandstand and Adrian Barich and the Dead Set Legends on 94.5 for taking the time to have Brad on your Saturday morning radio show as we left Snowtown. Kalgoorlie Miner Newspaper your front page coverage of this amazing ride was fitting of the town loved by Mitch and where Mitch was admired and loved by so many.

As Brad and the support crew travel the final kilometres, there are some things we won't miss. For Brad the option of a wardrobe outside of lycra and the luxury of sitting on padded chairs must seem appealing! As a crew not having the sounds of thundering trains and trucks rushing past The Castle and The Shack at night will be luxury. Shower blocks built for pygmies and performing contortionist moves whilst trying to put shoes on without getting your feet wet definitely won't be missed!

It was wonderful to see a dozen of Brad's and Mitch's close mates ride out to the Kenwick Link to complete the final few kilometres with him. Awaiting at the bottom of our street was of course The Castle, The Shack and a team of passionate well-wishers so pleased to see the boys home. Brad and Mitch thank you for taking us on this amazing once in a lifetime experience.

4 Mitch

.

Two to Go!

No one in the crew had problems being awake at 6am, having had trains and trucks remind us that it is business as usual at all hours of the day and night! The only thing missing for Kristy was the blaring sounds of the police and ambulances which she has become immune to along Commercial Road in London! We may also have been 'slightly' under the influence of Lisa and Dave’s recommendation of the local BP’s bacon and egg burgers for breakfast!

O'Neill family waving Brad on.

With a burger in his belly, Brad was keen to get today’s kilometres underway. Mitch, Dave and Lisa’s son, was keen to go for a ride with Brad so he joined the official party at the end of his street! Brought back beautiful memories of Brad and I’m sure likewise for Sue and Ken of Mitch, at a similar age riding their first bikes with trainer wheels! Sorry Brad, red flags for the rear of your bike were not an accessory in those days. Thank you O’Neill’s you made our visit to Merredin even more memorable.

We are becoming very familiar with foggy starts to the day and today was no different. At 9:30 Brad was still riding through a heavy fog! I’m sure Brad would much rather ride through fog than heavy rain! Our CEO’s could not have done a better job in controlling the weather conditions for the entire ride. People we have spoken to along the way have told us about the terrible rain/storms they have driven through on previous days but none has reached us!

People often speak about 'signs' and several we saw today were quite pertinent. The

Merredin Shire are on to it!

people of Merredin were certainly aware of MOAM coming  by naming a road 'Mission' not far out of town. Later in the day another sign read, 'Leeming' obviously pointing us in the right direction for tomorrow!

With the day's ride complete, the team are very much looking forward to meeting up with Gracie, Tom, Verne  and Clay for a dinner at the Northam Hotel. 

I doubt if there will be any need for any alarms to be set tonight as tomorrow the boys bring the ride home!

Countdown!

Cloud of fog leaving Yellowdine.

For those who enjoyed their Foundation Day sleep in, spare a thought for Brad who started riding from Yellowdine when the temperature was a brisk three degrees! Not only did he have to contend with icy conditions but also a thick fog also presented its challenges. As the temperatures began to increase so did the traffic on the road. The communication between The Castle and The Shack was a constant. Traveling at the speed we have you certainly question how some people get their licence!

A brief stop was had at Southern Cross where Brad had a chat with Tom, a mate of Brad's and Mitch's. A nice surprise occurred at lunch when Mark and Tiana fortunately found us in a parking bay for a quick catch up. An elderly gentleman also came to speak with Brad and reached into his pocket and gave a donation which has been typical of the generous

Brad and Todd 

nature of people along the way. Our thanks also to the staff and students of Leeming Primary School, who dressed in bright, happy colours last Thursday and raised $221 for MOAM. Later in the day the three senior classes sported the MOAM sign at a 'SingFest' held at the Melville Civic Centre and sang the song, 'Happy.' We sincerely thank the Leeming school communities for their phenomenal support of MOAM.  

Brad has ridden through predominantly pastoral areas today. Fortunately the temperature has increased to a pleasant 19 degrees. Reading the sign after lunch 294 km to Perth would have been a welcomed sight having started the day at 401! The heavy traffic  on the road continued so arriving in Merredin was a welcomed relief.

As we sat down to eat our dinner, we were joined by Lisa, Dave, Mitch and Patrick O'Neill. Dave has previously taught at Leeming High. The boys kept us entertained particularly Mitch who along with Sue's help drew pictures on the latest 'coloured' version of a Magnadoodle! 

Our early starts for the day usually catch up with us by 7:30 particularly over the last week when the evenings have become quite, to very cool! Retiring to the heated Shack and Castle for our second last night on the road seemed like the best option.

We're Back!

What a way to start the day off in Kalgoorlie than to have Brad and Sue's photo on the front page of the Kalgoorlie Miner with a superb accompanying story! Feeling upbeat we all headed to the Coffee Club for a large, cooked breakfast before being lucky enough to have a Ken's tour of the Super Pit. Really doesn't matter how many times you visit the pit it's always impressive. The crew parted ways at this point with Brad enjoying the opportunity to enjoy a much deserved sleep followed by a long, relaxing massage by Gracie. Watching Gracie made us all feel very relaxed so can only begin to imagine how good it felt to Brad. 

In the evening we went and watched Railways (the team Mitch played for) play Mines Rovers. It was so easy to see why Mitch fitted in so well into the team with the tough, committed brand of footy played. Brad was asked to toss the coin to commence the game and that was the only win Mines Rovers had for the night! In the coach's pre game speech he asked the players to play with the determination Brad has had to ride across the Nullarbor. The players did not disappoint at all playing with the same spirit and commitment we always saw in Mitch. Railways produced a comprehensive 43 point win over their arch rivals to complete a truly memorable day in Kalgoorlie.

Alarms set we were all set and ready to get back on the road. I'm sure not long in to today's ride Mitch and Brad had a great chat about yesterday's events. Brad would have loved having meeting Mitch's  Railway's mates which he so frequently spoke about. Mitch would be rapt that Brad had included his Kalgoorlie mates in the ride as you would battle to meet a better group of guys. It is so easy to see how Mitch and his family fitted in so well into the Kalgoorlie community.

The 1st of the paparazzi!

Not long into our journey we were tracked down by two paparazzi cars. Jill and Gaye were returning to Mandurah after a weekend in Kal.  Minutes later along came Sue and Mark causing total uproar within The Castle and The Shack! Suffice to say Sue's method of taking photos was eye catching to say the least enough, so much so that Brad almost had his first spill in over 2000 km! The photo of the photographer has now become the official winner for the entire ride even outdoing Ken's prized sunset images!


It was with great sadness that Gracie had to leave the crew in the morning and return to Perth. It is difficult to understand how scheduled train services don't operate out of Merredin on a public holiday! Gracie, you have been amazing in support of Brad not only on this ride but also in the months of training leading up to it. Brad is so lucky to have you as his girlfriend. We now hope you enjoy resuming a normal social life as a couple. Once again, thank you Gracie! 

For a period of time we lost the spectacular Salmon Gums but gained a mob of emus and two oversized ore trays heading eas! Camp was set up in cosy Yellowdine. One part of the crew happy with their team's support, the other not! A campfire was soon cranking and once again we all enjoyed Gracie's Auntie's choc bananas recipe!

Rest Day!

Sorry to disappoint you but today is a scheduled rest day for all MOAM team members!

We will all be back on duty tomorrow!

Kal Here We Come!

With great sadness, we regret to share with readers the passing of Stuart ( The Castle's freeloader mouse) overnight. After traumatising predominantly the female crew members his days were numbered! On our arrival yesterday afternoon, MOAM bought every mouse trapping device available in Norseman! 'Little' did we know there are newer devices available, but would they do the job? Over dinner discussion centred on foods likely to attract Stuart. Peanut paste and Turkish Delight were the preferred options for our 'little' friend. A Stuart Cluedo Sweepstakes was then held, with crew members having to decide on the number of 'Little' victims and the method of despatch. The winners were Shane and Gracie who predicted Stuart was a loner and would be enticed to Turkish Delight on a traditional mousetrap!

RIP Stuart!

Once again we can't thank the CEO's enough for their influence on the weather conditions each day. As Brad finished his ride yesterday, down came the rain. Light drizzle was still falling as we left Norseman but now 65 km further north there are a few clouds around but lots of blue sky and the sun is drying up the road surface. Brad has also welcomed the shift in wind direction and is appreciating a little help from behind.

Morning tea is planned for Widgiemooltha (nightmare for spellcheck!) 'Widgie,' is famous for the 32kg Golden Eagle Nugget found in 1931. In the past few days Sue, Shane and I have collected coins dropped in rest bays so maybe we may get lucky here too! 

Today's ride finished in Coolgardie before a quick dash to Kalgoorlie to pick up our latest crew member. You can imagine the reunion was something special. Kristy certainly enjoyed giving Brad a big hug after his mammoth ride in getting to Kalgoorlie.

Once again we are very fortunate to have the luxury of a 'home' base in Kalgoorlie. Thank you very much to our hosts in Sandy and Greg for making their house available for us whilst in Kal. 

One happy Rider!

Having picked up Kristy, we made our way to Digger Dawes Oval for Brad and Sue to be interviewed Kalgoorlie Miner. Interview over, off to Maccas we went for Brad to have his well deserved 'junk' food fix! To say he enjoyed it is an understatement!

2000 km in the Legs!

Most roadhouses we have been pleased to move on from, but not 
lastnight's campsite at Fraser Range. A truly spectacular setting, with fantastic facilities and a welcoming atmosphere around the always cranking campfire. As we near home many people we meet are familiar with the MOAM ride and therefore are interested in knowing more about the journey thus far. Brad, rightfully so, is treated like a celebrity and is more than happy to share his adventure to all who are interested. People continue to be generous with their donations. It is lovely seeing young children coming up to Brad and handing over their contribution. Speaking of donations, whilst in Norseman we received notification of the amount raised today from the Uniform Free Day at Mitch and Brad's old primary school...a magnificent total of $623!!! A truly sensational effort and a massive thank you to the staff and students from Brad in particular, but also the whole MOAM team.

Thank you to WLPS.

Lake Cowan

The ride today has offered a distinct contrast in vegetation to the days crossing the Nullarbor. This stretch is heavily wooded with spectacular Salmon Gums all shedding their bark. The redness of the earth making the images even more stunning. We had a reminder that Kalgoorlie is just around the corner with Brad being interviewed on ABC's Regional Channel. As we left Norseman, an empty Lake Cowan was on both sides of the road providing another contrast to what we have become accustomed to. A large ore train has just tooted Brad as it passed.....the toots, waves and truck
winks are always greeted enthusiastically by the team.

A ride of this magnitude has milestones being achieved on an almost daily basis. Today was to be no different. Brad reached the 2000 km mark just north of Norseman. An incredible feat, by an equally incredible young guy. I'm sure Brad glanced down at his motivational message on his bike which reads 

 and a celebration of their own would have been had.

The MOAM team welcomes an extra member tomorrow, with Brad's sister Kristy joining us having flown in from London today to share in the final five days of her little bro's ride. Kristy will relish being a member of the team physically rather than by Viber hook ups as was the case when Brad left Adelaide Oval thirteen days ago! Mitch would be rapt to think that the families  and Gracie are all together for the final section of the ride.

www.matesonamissionroadhousereviews.com.au

The MOAM crew are now fully experienced with the ability to set up their own caravan park/roadhouse review web site having stayed in most across the Nullarbor! We are fully aware of the remoteness of some of these roadhouses but we have formed a short list of essential criteria to gain thumbs up from us. Here is a shortlist of the essentials:

1.    Clean showers and ablutions with hot water.

2.    Washing machine and if possible a dryer. Brad’s daily wash consists of 4 pairs of riding shorts, 2 jerseys, varying combinations of Skins, socks and headbands. Shane has ridden daily but his clothing requirement list is not quite as extensive. I’m sure you appreciate this is a considerable amount to hand wash…hence washing machines are a must.

3.    Charitable bosses who are capable of smiling.

4.    Good Flat White coffees.

5.    A fire pit

6.    Store selling mousetraps to elimininate the stress and fear in The Castle caused by the elusive Stuart and possibly other members of the Little Family!

Stuart, your days in The Castle are numbered!

7.    An onion (just one!)

Lastnight’s stay at the Balladonia Roadhouse received a thumbs up on Flat Whites and the fire pit! The Castle regularly looks like a laundry drying off the wash from the night but today is ridiculous. Poor Ken driving The Castle has riding gear hanging from every doorknob imaginable. For the ladies reading this blog, I’m sure you can relate to the importance of getting your clothes washed and dried! As teenagers Brad and Mitch always took pride in how they looked, so standards shouldn’t be compromised even at Balladonia!

For those in the education profession we often refer to pluses, minuses and knowledge gained! I have highlighted the minuses from Balladonia but there is a chance to gain a vital plus if their homemade sausage rolls are received favourably! A 'plus' has been added!

Brad was in a lot better shape going up this hill than the car on the left!

Meanwhile there is a bike ride going on! Today represents the 5^th day Brad has ridden into strong headwinds. Today's terrain has seen the long straight road disappear and be replaced by undulating stretches especially as we neared Fraser Ranges. Whilst many stats are being kept on Brad’s ride, dimensions of his quad and calf muscles haven’t but should have been! The toughness Brad is displaying is typical of what we were all privileged to see in Mitch when he donned a footy jumper. Mitch was always the one at the base of a pack, taking a battering for the team. You are champions, boys!

Fraser Range

Tonight we have camped at Fraser Range Caravan Park, a spectacular place to visit half way between Norseman and Balladonia. It was originally founded by the great explorers John and Alexander Forrest. Due to our tight schedule we won't have time to explore the hills and surrounding ranges where apparently kangaroos, rock wallabies and emus graze. Without a doubt Fraser Range gets a thumbs up from the MOAM crew and has been voted 'the' top stay across the Nullarbor.

Things We've Spotted Along the Way!!

 Let the photos tell the story!

All sorts of road signs

Signposts to help with the decision making process.

Essential information.

Heavy fog and a solitary tree!

Temptations!

Just released prisoners!

Large oversized trucks.

Speed signs with potholes.

'Rattler' with his horse and cart raising money for cancer research.

Unknown cyclist

Batman!

Moths the size of mobile phones!

Mobile homes.

Ale,x cycling from Perth to Sydney.

Rally cars

Classics

Ronald (66), a South Africa riding solo to Adelaide from Perth promoting being active as you age!

One Long, Straight Road!

Everyday on this ride has been dotted with highlights in all sorts of aspects. Today was to be no different. As we left Caiguna Roadhouse a prominent sign greeted us which read:

One long, straight road!

Brad declared that this was to be his distance for the day! After yesterday's battering by crippling headwinds, he was still able to set such a high bar. Another clear example of mental toughness.

The Castle's Memorabilia Board

Usually at 50 km, Brad takes a quick break in The Castle to refuel and have a chat with the crew. The atmosphere in The Castle is always very upbeat and a lot of good humour is often shared. Having Tarli and Gracie join the crew has added to the fun and antics of a cohesive traveling group. A tour tradition has been for crew members to take turns in illustrating the overnight destination to represent something that may have occurred during the day. For example, Adelaide had a set of goals drawn alongside of it. This tradition is becoming fiercely competitive within the team. Lunch is usually taken a further 50 km down the track and the buoyant mood is replicated.

Outdoor clothes dryer

Whilst the conditions were slightly better than yesterday the headwinds continued to be relentless. During the course of the day the usual road traffic passed along with a motor bike group and several cars that may have been competing in a 'Variety Bash' event.  Brad was very relieved to see the turn in the road at the 145.6 km mark indicating the end of the straightest, longest stretch in Australia. We elected to camp at Balladonia Roadhouse but to my dismay they do not have a laundry. Riding gear was hand washed and then placed by the campfire to dry. There is a distinct possibility a few marshmallows were consumed at the same time!

Brad has now ridden an amazing 1700 km with his mate urging and inspiring him along all the way.  Support for MOAM is constantly growing and we are aware and grateful to West Leeming  and Leeming Primary Schools who are having Uniform Free days on Thursday with the funds raised going to assist the impoverished families in Seraya. Thank you!

Into the Wind

One week on and Mondayitis may have reappeared for some but not for Brad. Today he will cycle 150 km from Madura to Caiguna. By way of interest, Madura was an area in the late 1800s that concentrated on breeding horses for the Indian Army.

The steepest and longest incline thus far greeted Brad first up this morning as we left the Madura Caravan Park. What a wake up call but in his usual style  Brad ground his way to the top with spectacular scenery across the escarpment being his reward for effort. The incline is called ‘Madura Pass.’ Pass would be the operative word had I been on my bike!

Brad comes across an eagle who had just lost its mate.

We have all frequently commented on the apparent lack of wildlife in the scrub or on the side of the road (dead or alive.) This soon changed approximately 25 km west of Madura. A mob of kangaroos huge in stature were racing across the ridge, obviously trying to keep up with Brad. Not long later Brad was greeted by a very large wedge tailed eagle on the side of the road that sadly had not long ago lost its mate. Such a close analogy can be drawn between Brad in the years since losing Mitch. 

Unfriendly headwinds of 40 km/hr.

Today's conditions have been the harshest to date. Headwinds consistently blowing at 40 km/hr have battered him Brad all day. There is no doubt he'll be looking for a good feed and an early night!

Sue showering Brad with Riccadonna on reaching $27000!!

Whilst the conditions have been particularly harsh, the MOAM team were buoyant on receiving notification that the ride tally had reached $27000! A huge thank you to staff and students at Leeming Senior High School who  have contributed $792 to this total. Mitch and Brad spent three fantastic years together at Leeming High so it is great to see their old school acknowledging MOAM in such a superb manner. Thank you!