This morning we left Canberra in the best possible, and emotional, way. The group left for a couple of loops of Parliament House to then proceed to the War Memorial, where the Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, together with Keith Bleechmore, the President of Legacy South Australia, Geoff Banks and other dignitaries, bid farewell to the riders, officially starting the Tour de Legacy.
"Already they've raised some $60,000 by riding from Melbourne to Adelaide in 2013" Sir Peter said.
"Now it seems that 1,000 or so kilometres wasn't enough"
"As part of this, there's even a short ride, a mere 388 kilometres where a second group of , I think, saner riders will join the main bunch in Mildura and continue on with them to Adelaide".
After that, Sir Peter Cosgrove handed over a very special and precious cargo: a memorial death plaque of Private Stanley Thomas Brealey, a farmer from Naracoorte, in South Australia, who enlisted in 1916 at age 18, only to died in battle in France, on the 30th August 1918, less than 3 months before World War I finished.
This plaque, or Dead Man's Penny, as they were commonly known, will travel with the group, each rider taking turns in carrying it, making the journey more significant.
The Dead Man's Penny will be handed over to the South Australian Governor, His Excellency Hieu Van Le, on arrival to Adelaide on the eve of ANZAC Day.
It is certainly an honour to carry this plaque. Private Brealey will get the recognition he deserves, almost 100 years on, he represents all those who have been killed in action, no matter which war, he represents those widows, those children who have grown without that parent, those parents who have lost that child, those who have returned a different person, after seeing the horrors of war. Private Brealey will make us remember that there are still many brave service men and women who are still looking after our country's interests.
After that emotional send off, the riders made their way to Yass, about 60 kilometres from Canberra. It was a beautiful ride, with the weather Gods smiling upon them. Today was an easy warm up ride, in preparation for the next few days, when they will have long ride days and several hard rides, with challenging hills, but that's why they do it, because they love the challenge, and with this Tour, because they are driven to raise much needed funds for the incredible charity that is Legacy.
Today, the fundraising effort through the Tour de Legacy page stands at over $92,000, what a fantastic effort.
A special mention has to go to one of our riders, Stuart O'Grady, who graciously accepted the challenge to ride from Canberra to Adelaide, and who has been more than generous with his time doing interviews and helping raise not only the Tour de Legacy's profile, but that of Legacy itself.
Tomorrow the group leaves for Cootamundra, 105 kilometres of both straight roads and serious climbs.
Looking forward to the ride.
Here are some photos of today's events.
Sir Peter Cosgrove welcoming the Riders
Andrew Bahr, our spokesperson, thanking everyone for their support
From left to right: Andrew Bahr, David Bendo, David Raschella, Enio Rossi, Andrew Rossi, Eric Rossi and Peter Beyer
Our group wearing that fantastic riding kit
Andrew Bahr receiving the Death Plaque
Private Brealey's Death Plaque
The riders making their way to Yass
That's all for today. I hope you enjoy this blog.
Tomorrow, Cootamundra.
Until then,
Cheers
What a great day .. once in a lifetime..
ReplyDeleteIndeed an emotional send off. Travel well, Private Brealey, you're in good hands.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you all at the Adelaide Airport on your departure. You all look great on the road in your good looking kit. This is the best day, being day 1. Great send off now foot to the pedals and enjoy this emotional and exciting experience. All the best in your continued fund raising efforts.
ReplyDeleteI drove past you on Northbourne Ave as you were heading out of Canberra. You looked fantastic, and as a fellow cyclist I wanted to give you a shout out as I passed but didn't want you to think I was hassling you! So I gave you a wide berth instead. Have a great ride it's a fantastic thing you're all doing.
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