Tuesday 15 January 2013

Day 14 HOBART!!!!!

Oatlands to Hobart 80 km

We rode from Oatlands heading home to Hobart. We were in cruise- mode. Getting a bit of a sleep-in after 13 days of getting up at 0430 and being on the road by 0600. We rode in memory of Kerrie Stokes - Jenelle's (Tinka's wife) mum. It was a privilege to ride for her into Hobart, her story is very moving  and inspirational. The ride through the northern suburbs of Hobart was great fun, we were led into the city by Glenorchy 1:1 Fire Appliance and we had goosebumps all the way in.
We stopped by the Glenorchy Bendigo Bank and got a very excited welcome and then headed to the Hobart Bendigo Branch in Murray St. It was AMAZING to arrive  there, Lou, Kerri and Amy and the team welcomed us with a big banner and lots of emotional hugs.  Thank you so much Bendigo - we love you guys.

Then we rode behind the truck with our support crews in vehicles behind us up Argyle street in a big line across the road and into the Hobart Fire Brigade engine bay. There were so many people there to meet us - family, friends, colleagues and sponsors. It was awesome!! Thank you everyone for being there, it was so wonderful!!

We made it!!  We rode 2239 km from Brisbane to Hobart in 14 days!! I'm stuck for words to describe the feeling. I don't think it has sunk in yet. We achieved an incredible thing!

We met some amazing people: Firies, members of the communities we rode through, Bendigo Bank employees. The generosity of everyone was unbelievable and we can't thank you enough. We are all so privileged to have meet you all.

I'm so proud to be a firefighter. Every firie we met was like a brother or sister - firefighters Australia- wide are like one big family. We would all do anything for one another.  We swamped many local fire stations when we rocked into their town and they couldn't do enough for us. They led us in behind their trucks, found somewhere for us to sleep and fed us - amazing hospitality and generosity.

A massive thank you to the firies at: Brisbane Roma Street, Byron Bay, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks, Port Macquarie, Forster, Newcastle, Karingal, Sydney City, Picton, Moss Vale, Yass, Wagga-Wagga, Turvey Park, Albury, Wodonga, Glenorchy and Hobart.

The Headin' South team - WOW!! A group of tough, inspirational people - both riders and support crew! We helped each other when the going got tough, we encouraged each other, motivated each other, looked after each other. We worked well as a team. We had our moments, highs and lows, but we got through it together, all in one piece, all as friends. We have shared an experience of a lifetime - one we will never forget. Thank you riders for being on the road with me: Tink,  Jase, Flash, J-Bone, Megs, Polly, Ace, Nads - you guys are seriously amazing!! Thank you support crew for looking after us so well, feeding us, keeping us safe on the road, washing our bike gear, for being there for us whenever we needed anything, we couldn't have done it without you: Andy, Kathy and Ellen, Karen, Elsie and Jai, and Wal and Barry! We can't think you enough.

Thank you to our sponsors - you made our ride possible: Bendigo Bank, Sultan Holdings, McBain Cycles, 4Shaw, Aussie Butt Cream, Adidas Eyewear, Art Poster - Imagetec, Tinelli, Cripps, Tassal, Robbies, Southern Cross Care, 7HOfm, Tony Hill Dental.

We were so happy to be riding to raise money for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation - theyare a brilliant charity. Our final fundraising total is not in yet,  and online donations can still be made on the website for the next couple of weeks. We still have some awesome calendars for sale, you can get them from any of the riders or from any Bendigo Bank. All profits from the calendars go to Headin' South and the ACRF.

THANK YOU!!!

Em

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