Milestone Day!

A huge milestone was celebrated today with the halfway mark being achieved 10 km west of Mundrabilla. The crew traveling with Brad are in total awe of the manner in which he goes about each leg of his daily ride. For a guy who has cycled 1460 km you would expect and accept some cracks in his armour. He is phenomenal in both physical and mental strength. Conditions have been challenging ever since leaving Adelaide in particular the prevailing headwinds. Brad regularly comments on the quality of the road surface and the impact that it has on his ability to maintain speed and rhythm. It is very evident that Brad is on the road trip of his life with his best mate Mitch right by his side.

The bra tree raising awareness of breast cancer.

Today’s highlights included Brad riding past two eagles as they took flight from a feast of roadkill. It was mentioned that these eagles were having a win unlike lastnight’s version against Collingwood! Obviously traveling at a slower speed than usual across the Nullarbor, things come to your attention. We noticed a tree laden in bras with a sign attached enlightening people tothe ongoing battle towards breast cancer.  

The support crew is always on red alert for any threats to Brad whilst riding. Vehicles were always going to represent the greatest threat. Since leaving Adelaide we have witnessed three irresponsible drivers who have failed to take due caution to the warning beacons and signs.

MOAM crew gathered around the campfire.

Today’s ride saw Brad complete 120 km from Mundrabilla to Madura. The caravan park has fire pits scattered around so the crew set to in gathering wood. There are few better nights to be had than sitting around an open fire in a remote setting. Gracie shared then put into action a recipe where bananas are split then packed with chocolate and placed on an open fire grill. A quick dash was made to the kiosk to buy some icecream because being thoughtful support crew we know how important it is for Brad to refuel after a long ride! To say the least, yumo!!

As we close for the night we are all relieved to be back on WA time!

Time Zones, Quarantine and Police Checks!

Departing Border Village this morning the MOAM crew were well and truly confused. There was mass uncertainty as to what was the correct time. The roadhouse has on display three clocks depicting the time in Western Australia, Adelaide and local time. We were keen to get across the border so that we could all set our watches and phones correctly.

I have nothing to declare.

Within 200m of leaving Border Village Caravan Park our first highlight for the day unfolded….passing through the quarantine station. The officers on duty were great sports  'frisking' Brad as he rode through.

Can't quite remember my last beer, sir!

Eucla was the scheduled stop for morning tea. A quick opportunity was taken to have a glimpse of the ocean. Five kilometres out of Eucla a full police roadblock had been set up. Every driver was being breathalysed, licence and vehicle checks were also being done. 

Crossing the border meant we gained 45 minutes meaning an earlier finish to the day and an ideal opportunity to catch up on some chores. On arrival a man came over to Shane and enquired about MOAM. After a brief explanation, he reached into his wallet and produced a $200 donation! His generosity, like so many others along the way has been overwhelming. During the day, Brad had commented that his gears weren’t changing smoothly so bike mechanic Shane began to search for the problem. After some considerable time it was discovered that the gear cable had frayed inside the shift lever which certainly sounds complex and is exactly that, to repair. To make matters worse we had no coverage at all on our phones so we had to revert to the satellite phone to consult a guru (Matt) back in Perth. With Matt’s guidance and Shane’s ability to fix almost anything, Brad’s bike was up and going again.

While the bike repair drama was unfolding, we welcomed Tarli and Gracie into the traveling crew who had been driven out from Kalgoorlie to Mundrabilla by Ross. Thanks Ross, your generosity in getting the girls out has certainly added some youth to the team! Brad is not only going to enjoy the girl's company but certainly benefit from now having his own personal physic (just like Crawf!)

An action packed day without a doubt. The day's events were recapped around the bbq and the girls updated us on all the news from Perth.

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