Across the Nullarbor

MOAM farewelled the Nullarbor Roadhouse in high spirits having celebrated several milestones yesterday. Obviously Brad’s birthday and having passed the 1000 km mark of the ride. An enjoyable meal was had at the Roadhouse with a lot of laughter and great stories being shared. Mitch would be rapt with how the ride is transpiring.

A heavy fog and cool outside temperatures welcomed Brad for the first part of his ride. The bragging rites for the best photo taken continues between Sue and Ken. We welcome two new adjudicators to the team tomorrow in Tarli (Mitch’s sister) and Gracie (Brad’s girlfriend). The quality of the photos that have been posted on Facebook and the Blog have been nothing short of sensational. Hopefully in time you’ll get a glimpse of the many other impressive photos taken.

Being Friday, footy tips were soon cast. The hospitality offered in Adelaide has obviously had an impact as loyalty has definitely swung the Crows way. ‘Go the Crows!’

Brad getting in full birthday party mode.

Magnificent photo opportunities presented at our morning tea stop with the stunning cliffs of The Great Australian Bight forming the backdrop. Giant bikes should be disappointed they didn’t offer any sponsorship towards Brad’s bike. Having enjoyed lunch at another impressive lookout along the Great Australian Bight it was time for Ken to don the riding gear and join the boys for a ride. A very special moment indeed which Mitch would have loved.

Doesn't get much better

Conditions on the Nullarbor were favourable in the morning but deteriorated later in the day with strong crosswinds again prevailing. From a spectator’s point of view, conditions have been very pleasant to warm in the car with shorts and t-shirts the order of the day. We are now nearing the end of our visit to SA.

Riding off into the heavy fog.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAD!

Brad has had birthday parties at home, Maccas, HJ's, Rolloways and Indoor Cricket and soccer venues, but none will be quite as memorable as today's as he cycles from Nundroo to the Nullarbor Roadhouse via Yalata! When planning the route he gave himself a 'light' day on the bike, 140km!

As we have done for the past seven days, breakfast was ready, waiting and enjoyed in The Castle. Fortunately Sue and I had found Myers in Nundroo open yesterday afternoon so we were able to purchase a few gifts for Brad! There's a class back at West Leeming that will like one of the presents he received!

Conditions on the road were a lot kinder than yesterday. At times the clouds have looked threatening but thanks to our CEO's and their organising powers, there was only a brief shower for Brad and Shane to negotiate.

Today's highlights include Brad having to dismount from his bike in order to cross a cattle grid, potentially a disaster had he not seen it. Later in the day Brad came across Alex, a fellow cyclist riding from Perth to Sydney! Alex had a very relevant logo displayed on his support vehicle which read, 'Be Something More.' In the photos attached you will see Brad chatting with Ronald a South African,  cycling from Perth to Adelaide without a support vehicle!

Now camped at Nullarbor Roadhouse, we are all looking forward to dining out at the restaurant to celebrate Brad's birthday.

Couldn't buy a bike so next best thing, a basket!

It's official, Brad is now traveling across the Nullarbor.

An awkward cattle grid to negotiate.

Brad having a chat with Alex who is riding from Perth to Sydney.

Brad meeting Ronald, a 66 year old South African riding from Perth to Adelaide minus a support crew.

That's What I'm Talking About!

After another solid day on the bike, Brad cruised into Ceduna Foreshore Caravan Park. To those who have stayed at the park you'll know how beautiful it is to have an overnighter here. Our touring apprentice photographer (Ken), took some spectacular photos of the sunset.The usual rituals take place in setting up camp, quickly followed by a long shower and Mum's on a Mission get in to action in the laundry!

On arrival at a camp site Brad is quick into his stretching regime followed by a massage and then relishes the opportunity to stand for an indefinite period of time under a hot shower. Yesterday was no different except whilst trying to reload on his carbs, Ken received a phone call and passed the phone onto Brad telling him it was 'Shane someone!' 'Shane' someone happened to be the legendary Shane Crawford. Whilst initially surprised and again with cameras in his face, Brad settled in to having an amazing conversation with Crawf that would easily have lasted 20 minutes. Obviously Crawf and Brad share an experience that few ever will. Butt soreness was certainly discussed plus useful tips for Brad as he continues on his journey. Shane Crawford, thank you so much for taking the time out to call Brad and make him realise what an amazing thing he is doing. One champion saluting another is very special.

Ceduna Foreshore Caravan Park will obviously hold lasting memories for the MOAM team. Several people gave generously to the ride and were full of enthusiasm for what is being achieved. During the afternoon I received a photo from Anne Foster's Class of year 7's at West Leeming Primary. The class had been photographed holding up the letters to make a sign which read 'Mates on A Mission Go Brad.' S3 your ongoing support of a Mates on a Mission is greatly appreciated by the team and one we will never forget.

Whilst riding out of Ceduna this morning I'm sure the boys are more than happy to have added the Crawf to their list of celebs met on this amazing mission. We wonder who the next one may be!

Wednesday is always considered 'Over the hump day,' and Brad certainly climbed over a number of these today. Conditions continue to be a warm 25C, however strong cross winds have prevailed for most of the day. Thunderstorms have been forecast but fortunately our CEO's have kept them at bay.

Tomorrow is sure to be a big day for Brad.....he turns 24!!! I doubt many guys celebrate their birthday riding from Nundroo to the Nullarbor Roadhouse! We're hoping it will be a day when many people may choose to get right behind this cause and make a donation.

Only one decision to make here!

Yr 7's at West Leeming with their message of support

Meet The MOAM Team

A blog with a difference. I'm sure many of you would like to meet the team and see photos of them fulfilling their roles. Enjoy!

Chief Executive Officers, Mitch and Keith

Brad, the media man.

Sue, in charge of 'Kitty.'

'The Bike'

Sue, the window cleaner

Ken, communication's manager

Motivation before the day's event

Wardrobe coordinators

Hey Brad before you head off, have you brushed your teeth?

Shane the masseur

Logistics coordinators

Sue, control centre.

Wendy, hat, glasses, water, phone, camera check.

Brad with Channel Nine Adelaide.

Ken's Castle and Shane's Shack

Chief Mechanic and Apprentice

Brad the rider

Big Day Out

In days gone by, both Mitch and Brad would of ventured off to 'Big Day Out' concerts at Claremont Football Oval. Today, they were venturing off on their own version of a 'Big Day Out!'

For all of you who had an attack of Mondayitis, spare a thought for Brad. He had every right after three solid days in the saddle, to suffer from the same affliction but no, he went about his usual routine before setting off on a 173km journey. His ride today takes him from Kimba, which is the centre of a large wheat growing area. It is a delightful old town dotted with lots of historical memorabilia. 

Brad hadn't been on the road  for long before coming across the first highlight of the day....a horse drawn cart traveling in the opposite direction! I'm sure the boys were having a huge chuckle as seeing this probably wasn't on the list of things to be expected! For several hours, Brad had to contend with some annoying rain and the not so appreciated showers of spray from trucks whizzing by.

Aussie Amish

I ride 173km and the caravan park is closed!

The Chief Executive Officers of MOAM (Mitch and Keith) soon pulled the right strings and the rain vanished. Brad settled into his ride principally through wheat growing regions which probably had welcomed the small amount of rain. Shane joined him for the middle section of the ride and made the comment as soon as he got off his bike that Brad was in unbelievable rhythm. At the same point having ridden 153km Brad's comment was, 'That was awesome!' After a change in water bottle, back on the bike he went for the final 20km. It really is a privilege to watch the mates going about their work together. Without a doubt the real highlight of the day was after riding 173km we turned and followed the symbol indicating where the Poochera Caravan Park was to find a sign out the front saying, 'Closed for reno's!' Sue, being the enterprising person that she is walked across to the bowling club met the greenskeeper  Clem who immediately offered the side of the bowling club as our camp site.

Whilst there were some similarities in "Big Day Outs,' this one was unique in so many aspects. Superb riding Brad, you absolutely powered along and clearly enjoyed the biggest day out on the bike with your mate. No better way to finish and recap the day than with a lamb roast for dinner.

Port Augusta to the Kimba (centre point of Aust. East - West)

Please excuse how brief this blog is but we are in Kimba, famous for being situated half way between the east and west coast of Australia. Reception here is limited and consequently we are unable to upload photos. However, I will provide you with a brief run down of the day's events.

Today Brad shared the road with a truck load of swimming pools at Iron Knob and an oversized John Deere tractor at White Knob.....all true.

For the first time on the mission Brad was clocked at 5km over the speed limit.....roadworks in progress!

Brad thought he'd come across the last remaining Swagman but found out he'd just been released from Whyalla Prison!

Brad drew inspiration from a car load of young people calling out, 'Go Brad!' PR must be working.

Sue and Ken happy Docker campers....especially since we camped alongside some Geelong supporters!

Day finished perfectly Brad having ridden 156km, awesome dinner cooked by Lynne and Banana Choc Chip muffins fresh out of the Castle's oven.

Photos to follow when we have better coverage.

Are where there yet?

Nothing Left Behind

Last night we camped at the infamous Snowtown. For those who are unaware 11 murders were committed  by John Bunting in this town between 1992 and 1999. The bodies were disposed of in barrels and stored in a vault at the local bank. Hence, the title of today's post. MOAM looked out for each other at all times, pooled our coins together and made sure that there was no need to go to the bank!

On the road at 7:30 (lucky Sue & Ken had set their alarm as the rest of the crew hadn't) with Brad being the only one jumping on the scales for a weigh in! The remainder of the crew quite happy to busy themselves so as to not have 'time' to do the same.

Driving behind Brad today, I have taken the opportunity to look at images and signs along the road. Most visibly is the prominent and beautiful image of Mitch on the left and rear of Brad's riding jersey.  There is no doubt the boys are definitely pedalling together on this mission. Nowhere nearly as significant are signs displaying distances between towns. I'm sure Brad is pleased to see the number of km decreasing between them. I was amused when I saw Brad cast his eyes at a group of signs advertising pies, pasties and sausage rolls at a local shop. I was waiting for him to call up and say, 'What's for lunch mum?'

MOAM really got their act together today communication wise. Everyone is feeling a lot happier about the information and updates being shared. Had a laugh a minute ago as a young girl was on the same channel and was asking Brad if he read! I resisted responding to her question! 

Morning tea was taken near Crystal Brook so that Brad could be interviewed on 94.5FM  Legend's' radio show. Brad did well again with the media even though the Optus line dropped out twice but a Telstra one came to the rescue. Later in the day we thought the paparazzi were following him as a young guy hung out from his 'Wicked' van and photographed Brad. 

After lunch Shane donned the lycra and joined Brad on the 50km ride into Port Augusta. What a proud moment for Shane to ride side by side (correction Shane in Brad's slipstream) with his son.

You reckon you can keep up with me!