In the blog written on May 16th,
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.
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
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| 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.
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| 4 Mitch |
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