Day 6 Shepparton to Echuca/Moama

A short ride today, 98 km to Moama. We started a bit later today seeing that the ride wasn't going to be long. So 10 am was the time of departure, but before we left, there was a very special moment when one of our Riders, Wayne Cullinan, recited In Flanders Fields, a beautiful and poignant poem by John McCrae.
I will post it in here, because we believe it is so fitting to our cause. He finished with the Last Post, and that in turn, left most of us with tears in our eyes.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields. 


We left the rain behind, but some mean winds were coming from the side, making the ride difficult in places. Still, we made good time and got to Moama with plenty of time to look after the bikes, shower and relax for a while, before going to have dinner at the local RSL Club.

When we got to our accommodation, a couple of Legacy members, Susan and John Ryan from Legacy Bendigo, were waiting for us, and we had a lovely conversation with them. We showed them the Penny and explained to them what the Penny was and for whom it was. They were quite emotional and taken aback, as they didn't know about it. More and more people are getting to know Private Brealey and what he represents.

The Riders who take him for each section of the ride, feel a connection with it. His is certainly a powerful, albeit common story.

Here are some photos from today's ride:

Wayne Cullinan, ready to carry the Penny, after reciting the poignant In Flanders Fields

It was a bit wet in Shepparton first thing in the morning

Shepparton has cows, lots of them.

Our first pitstop...yes, it was wet

Wayne, passing the penny to Sarah McEachern

Impressive group. Very hard not to spot them.

Mr & Mrs Ryan, from Legacy Bendigo, holding the Penny

Tomorrow we are off to Swan Hill. It is going to be a long one, 160 km. Hoping for the weather Gods to be kind to us.

Please have a look at the video of the day on this link.

Day 6 Tour de Legacy

We'll see what tomorrow will bring.

Until then, 

Cheers