I am passionate about raising funds for and public awareness of mental health and I have accepted the challenge of riding over 17,800km around Australia. My goal is to raise $40,000 plus. To date I have raised in excess of that! One kind benefactor has promised an additional $1,000 for each state or territory once passed through (so a pledge of $8, 000 overall.)
I am a sixty two year old retired teacher/librarian, an experienced ex-triathlete, current lifesaver and an outback cyclist who rode 2,000km to Birdsville in 2006 with two others carrying all our food, water and camping equipment.
My bike is my transport so I ride most days with a few longer, latte rides during the week mixing up the pace between 30 to 60kms. Combine that with my usual activities of yoga, pilates, swimming and kayaking will make a good base for the Great Australian Bike Ride.
The emphasis in all my activities is enjoyment and usually sharing them with my friends. I wish I was riding now as I am looking forward to meeting fellow cyclists, helping them and meeting people along the way as I really loved each day of my last outback ride.