Journal of a bike ride
THIS JOURNAL,
OUR GIFT,
IS
DEDICATED TO, AND AS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF,
THE AMAZING TEENAGERS
WHO RODE THEIR BICYCLES
FROM SYDNEY TO BRAIDWOOD AND BACK
IN APRIL,1993.
A JOURNEY OF 500 KILOMETRES
(AND AS MANY LEARNINGS)
TO RAISE FUNDS FOR STUDENTS
IN
CHINA
With our heartfelt admiration and love,
from
Sandra, Gerald, Darryl, Johanna and Amy
With special thanks to Joshua Groom, without whom this bike ride would not have occurred.
30th April,1993.
(compiled from the diaries of Darryl Silver and Sandra Groom)
THE CAST:
RIDERS:
Joshua Silver, Rider 1. (age 15 1/2)
Has been anticipating this Bike Ride for a year, having enrolled on this ride during last year's ride! Early on, he is eager to demonstrate his riding ability. Days go by, he begins to take more responsibility for team and forgoes sibling rivalry. Has matured much since last year. Is willing to give up water breaks to help others, and is a quiet and effective "Boss". Revels in acknowledgement, and his sensitive nature is valued by the Team. Little Josh. With an enormous heart.
Joshua Groom, Rider 2. (age 16)
Big Josh. This is his third Bike Ride. Manhood breaking through adolescence. Responsibility and maturity light years in advance of last year. Articulate, direct, and a successful enroller. Great basketballer. Handles personal disappointment with maturity. Joshua's job is one of the hardest on the team - the "Rear Support Rider" who encourages, assists, cuddles and repairs bikes for the whole team. Raises $1700 in sponsorship. A real asset to the ride. A great guy with a great future. Unabashed leader.
Louise Moulding, Rider 3. (age 14 1/2)
Lou's second Bike Ride. She can descend into the abyss of righteousness as she can scale the alpine heights of benevolence. A blend of neediness and power. Communicates with courage and directness, and willing to be responsible for resolving conflict. A rider of skill and maturity, generous with support and love, and a fine example to the newer members of the team. A resourceful, responsible Boss who required little direction. Huge increase in maturity and responsibility since last year.
Georgia Lucas, Rider 5. (almost 16)
Energy plus! Loves perpetual motion. Earns herself the nick-name "Megaphone Mouth" for obvious reasons. Does high-kicks. Open to coaching and willing to discover new ways of being. Drama Queen ("I'm dying!" and "I'm dead!" are favoured expressions.) Loves Gerald. Lover of horses and dogs, defender of the underdog. Still discovering how to combine being female with being powerful. Likes attention and is easily distracted. Very affectionate Experienced rider. High—spirited and "fully" mad ….!
Ben Silver, Rider 6. (age 13 1/2)
Little Ben. The youngest team member who would like the privileges of the oldest - without the responsibilities. As the ride progresses, so does his understanding of what "team" is, and his willingness to contribute and be responsible develops rapidly. Helpful to Sandra. Coaches Gerald. Always first in line for everything. A "fang" for food! Very competitive with his brother Joshua. Loves his bike with a passion, yet generously shares it with others.
Rodney Manning, Rider 8. (age 16)
Began the ride with an alarming cowboy attitude, and little consideration for others. Learns fast! Underneath the brash exterior lies a sensitive, caring, helpful human being who blossoms with responsibility and enjoys the acknowledgements of the team. Rodney is voted "Rider Who Has Changed The Most" on the Ride. He has non—existent table manners, uncertain personal hygiene, and a team—created dread—lock undercut hairdo, yet the Team loved him. Rodney accepts who he is. This ride has opened possibilities for him. Teaches team to ride downstairs. The Team adopt him as a favoured mascot.
Amanda Harris, Rider 9. (age 16 1/2)
The first rider to "hit the road" (literally). Her courage and lack of drama sets the tone for every subsequent fall by the team. Amanda gets on with life, not fussed nor fussy, is reliable and consistent, and generous in her acknowledgements of others. She enjoys herself and adds sensible strength to the team. Her initial shyness belies her strong determination. Her physical abilities increase with velocity. At ease with herself. The Quiet Achiever.
Serena Rix, Rider 10. (almost 17)
Gracious, dark—haired Madonna. Sensible and centred, she gives much and demands little. She is thoughtful and contemplative in an insightful way. Puts aside personal goals for the benefit of the team. Courageous and uncomplaining. Faces challenges daily (being with so many in so small a place), and a clear communicator. Gentle. Great masseur. Has enormous breakthroughs physically. Mature, and provides a sense of calm gravity around which the rest of the team can orbit.
Steven Doig, Rider 11. (age 16 1/2)
Physically competent, he absorbs the mechanics of the Ride with ease. His ‘cool’ demeanour disguises bewilderment. Startled by a dimension of life he is just becoming aware of, and how rapidly he is advancing in it — the jolts and surprises it contains and how come he hasn't explored this territory before now? Captain of the Blacks Basketball Team. A tough competitor. His total honesty and willingness to expand serve him well and he makes a real contribution to the development of the team. Voted “Sex on a Stick" by Louise, a cry quickly taken up by the rest of the female team.
Miriam David, Rider 12. (age 19)
A loving, generous, flexible and affectionate person. A joy! Goes "off with the Pixies" regularly. Able to express herself with skill, and acknowledges others constantly. Loves being part of the team, and is a real asset. Has daily breakthroughs with her physical abilities. Her determination is awesome. She lives "big" and shares her love of life with laughter and fun, creativity and spontaneity. Entertains the troops by talking about her family whilst riding and encourages everybody.
Tamzyn Chapman, Rider 14. (age 14 1/2)
An unscheduled visit to the turf even before we leave Campbelltown. Tamzyn has the most falls on the Bike Ride! This is a real challenge for her, a dance between fear and bravery. She confronts herself and who she is being, courageously doings things completely out of character. Initially unwilling to join the team, she allowed others to contribute to her, and was willing to learn to contribute to others, and joins the team. She rides 15 kms the first day, and 86, 88, and 83 kms respectively on the last three days! Organises chocolate bars for sponsorship, and seller extraordinaire! Tamzyn climbs high enough to glimpse new horizons!
Sheena Larsen—jury, Rider 15. (almost 14)
Simmering emotion mixed with competence. She has a resolve not to be stopped in life despite a tendency to linger in the slough of despond. A sweet and sensitive soul, always willing to contribute to any member of the team — a kind dispenser of hugs. Open to coaching and willing to experiment with new ways of communication, and to take personal risks. “Gets off" things generously and makes new friends quickly. Sheena is often held back physically by mental obstacles. Acknowledges others warmly and freely. A resourceful and creative Boss who did the job with a minimum of fuss and produced excellent results.
Ben Edwards, Rider 16. (age 18 1/2)
Big Ben. The old wise man of the ride. Observant and philosophical. Generous in his willingness to support every team member. He does his job competently, without fuss or haste. Life on the road, in uninhibited community, presents a challenge which he both rises to, and resists. His bag and personal effects remain the model of order and his private domain until the end. Voted "Sex on a Stick" by the female team members. Asks for coaching. Accepts coaching even when he doesn't ask! Brave when injured. Very valuable team member.
Olivia Rattray, Rider 17. (age 13 1/2)
Cheerful, loving, and with no restraints in her self—expression. Once Olivia begins to speak, it is difficult to stop her. She exhibits the certainty of early adolescence. Her world holds no mystery, her path is absolutely charted. Despite her constant effervescence, she curiously absorbs more energy than she generates. Olivia is thoughtful and the only one to always acknowledge Jo and Amy for every meal. The team wait for her at the end of every water stop. She gives support to the adults and is eager for responsibility. Enjoys her role as Boss. A determined rider, she dispenses hugs, smiles and encouragement to all.
Rebecca James, Rider 18. (almost 17)
Joined our Bike Ride 13 days before we left and raised over $900 in the first week! An athlete to the core. She sparkles with freshness. Direct, focussed and unfussed, she gives out clear messages. Her requests are not easy to decline. Mature, responsible, and an integral part of the team. What an example! Introduces Big Josh to Homer Hudson Chocolate Chip Ice—Cream, between them they break records (Guiness Book) for mega— consumption. A delightful addition to our Ride. Responsible for developing our "Team Scream" at the 11th hour.
NUTRITIONISTS:
Johanna Caffrey. (age 44)
Gracious mystery and the High Priestess of Nutrition. Her ability to create marvellous meals in conditions diverse and fractious. This is but one facet of her and hints at a depth and fullness - mighty when seen completely. This is Johanna's second Ride, and she has her on—stage debut. Loves her Toyota Seca. Picks up keys, delivers goods, cleans halls, manages money, liases with choirs and garden clubs, and organises her kitchen with skill and flair. Cooking for 20 different people is not easy, yet Johanna manages nutrition with no drama, and is flexible in the face of logistical chaos. Understanding, very supportive, and has a great listening for teenagers.
Amy Caffrey. (age 16)
What a cool customer! Just so level. Amy has a sense of balance that allows her to be a queen of organisation, police— woman and reveller - all rolled into one. A real asset on this ride — so imminently and quietly capable. Likes cold showers. Amy's ability as a Nutritionist is supreme — often overlooked simply because there is never any drama or fuss with Amy. (This is Amy's third ride — one as a rider, and two in the Nutrition Team.) A very mature and responsible team member and loved by all.
SUPPORT TEAM:
Chris White. (age - very young …..! )
Chris was “Headquarters" for our Bike Ride, and hers was the voice your family heard when they called for an updated bulletin on the Ride. Chris bought an answering phone especially to do this job! Chris is the mother of Bianka, who rode to Melbourne with us last year. To illustrate Chris's commitment to teenagers: as a surprise last year, she flew to Melbourne and met our team as we arrived on the steps of Parliament House, holding six dozen balloons and streamers! Chris has supported Sandra in many unseen ways with her quiet effectiveness, her stand for excellence, and her generous, kind and loving heart. Chris is someone who understands what it is to be a partner, and what it is to serve the community. I always want her on my team!
Darryl Silver. (age 39)
Driver of the front vehicle, Sandra alongside of him. This is Darryl's second Bike Ride, and his ability to integrate and be enthusiastically involved with the team grows with each ride. Willing to be "coach" for the teens and the Support Team when necessary and is assertive and direct with "touchy" issues. Darryl quietly goes about the day providing what is missing, cleaning, and being of service in a hundred unseen ways. Outstandingly generous. Never, ever gets "on it”. Willing to be responsible and participates eagerly in team meetings. A skilled bike rider himself, he understands firsthand the need for safety on the road, and drives with consistent, meticulous awareness of this. Is nicknamed Mega Mung Bean (although this year he is hardly a Mung Bean at all!) Donates his diary for the compilation of this journal. Wise. The of the Bike Ride.
Gerald Groom. (age 45)
Gerald donates his wife, his son, his phone and his home to the organisation of the bike ride for 3 months prior to departure. (and two months after …!) Driver of the rear vehicle. He takes the weight of having the logistics handled. Relentless in the cause of responsibility and safety, he is willing to sacrifice his own popularity to achieve this. He is straight and will stop the ride in pursuit of safety. He has a real commitment to being clear and direct in his living. No fuss, hard worker. This is Gerald's second ride. He is the strong man of the ride. Able to motivate and align the teens compassionately and powerfully, (the words “ruthless compassion" come to mind). "One hell of a guy”.
Sandra Groom. (age 43)
The organiser of the Bike Ride, this is her second ride. She is the one who is ultimately responsible and accountable. She stands for making a difference each and every day — and lives with an integrity miles deep. A clever little disguiser at making life look easy, one must draw back the curtain and look behind the scenes to appreciate the grinding hard work she routinely does to get a sense of how big she is in life. Her commitment to excellence and impeccability makes the success of this bike ride no chance outcome. Mother/doctor/ fundraiser/movie—ticket/enroller/organiser and embarrassing user of the megaphone. Ugh boot wearer. Hot water bottle user. Falls in love with teenagers and they with her. Cries when we part.
Chalker. Our Mascot and Teddy Bear
Sandra and Darryl are co—authors of this journal.
JOURNAL, SYDNEY TO BRAIDWOOD AND BACK BIKE RIDE, APRIL, 1993.
Day. 1. Saturday, 10th April, 1993.
Where: Campbell town to Picton. 30 kms.
Depart: 10.50 a.m. Arrive: 1.15 p.m.
Weather: Cool, overcast, dry.
Venue: Scout Hall, Downing Street (nr. Hume Oval)
Rating: Great kitchen, showers, and hall. One of the best venues
Menu: Lasagna, crispy skinned potatoes, salad
Vegetarian sausages (ugh!) for the vegos
Fresh fruit salad and ice cream
The Boss: Sandra and Gerald Groom (today)
Joshua Silver (tomorrow)
Award: Amanda Harris "First Fall! Courageous Hero!"
Joshua Groom “Support/Kindness/Not Hassled/Helpful"
ASPHALT AND GRAVEL
Rodney does not arrive! (Unknown to us, Chris at Headquarters is frantically calling to give us this information, except in the excitement we have forgotten to switch our phones on! (Learning Number One!) Rodney's Dad has lost his car keys, and Rodney joins us at our lunch stop along the way.
Great excitement in Koshigaya. Our three brand new Toyota vehicles sparkle with our World Youth Foundation logos, there are parents, teenagers, bicycles and equipment everywhere. Cameras abound. Peg Thatcher from The Hunger Project comes to donate t—shirts, and gives us our official send—off, cutting through a wide band of silver paper with a pair of ribboned scissors. Our first exercises as a team. Police come to talk to us, speeches, last minute instructions, Moms cry, Dad's puff up their chests, Gerald packs the U—Haul, Clare collects money, Sandra uses the megaphone, and with a police escort, we sweep out of Koshigaya Park not knowing that Gerald at the rear of the team is 1) not even in his vehicle, and 2) has the U—Haul door wide open. We stop to align. (Learning Number 2
The team rides well and at the turn—off the police leave us. Although it is only 30 kms to Picton, it is far enough to learn lessons for the day. We have several stops. The Buddy System is in disarray. The road is busier and narrower than we recall. Cars are inconsiderate and do dumb things. Joshua Groom, who is new to the role of Rear Support Rider, does an outstanding job.
We stop for lunch (egg and lettuce sandwiches show their initial popularity with the team) and Rodney arrives. Rodney is not aligned at all with the team, and shows off, inconsiderate of the team. We arrive in Picton, and metres from our destination, Amanda takes a heavy fall. She is hurt and shocked, yet accepts Gerald's request that she get back on, and ride to the Hall. Brave girl, she creates a breakthrough for everybody.
Mick Bulmer (Scout Master of last year) meets us. Fireman's Line In action for the first time, and then in batches, Gerald and Mick ferry us to Thirlmere Lakes, a beautiful spot, with freezing, dark water, around which the boys display their manhood by racing in — the girls gradually descend into the water. Shrieking and laughter. Back in batches to the Hall (Gerald never gets a rest) — and the team take on the locals at basketball and thrash them soundly. Big Ben reveals his maturity by accepting a request not to wear his earphones even though he disagrees with the adult edict regarding this.
A long and revealing team meeting, our first, establishing the groundwork for this ride and this team. Individual eccentricities become apparent. Most of the group head next door to a marvellously trusting lady, who (as she did last year) is going out, but is willing to donate her house and her TV set to our unknown teens! They promise, (and do) leave it immaculate after watching moronic TV as the expected basketball game is not on. Hilarity with kittens and happiness at finding the "lost" one. Michael and his children, Warren and Tania, have joined us for dinner, and are still here. Sandra has to ask them to leave so we can go to bed. Relief. The team agree his kids are irritating in the extreme. Bed at 9.30 p.m.
First impressions of team: diverse, mature, responsive, direct.
Day 2. Sunday, 11th April, 1993. Easter Sunday
Where: Picton to Bowral. 49 kms
Depart: 7.50 a.m. Arrive: 1.05 p.m.
Weather: Fog bound morning resolves into an autumn day, slanting shadows, sun, sharp breeze, vivid greens
Venue: Scout Hall, end of Sherwood Avenue
Rating: Dirty hall and kitchen, one cold shower, loos with cobwebs, broken windows, BBQ, overgrown field.
Menu: Chicken Sates, Fried Rice, Salad, Apple Crumble and Cream
The Boss: Olivia Rattray
Award: Sheena Larsen—Jury "Grace/Happy Disposition"
Tamzyn Chapman "Courageous Risk Taker"
Chalker: Tamzyn Chapman
OF MOUNTAINS, MEN AND WOMEN
The Easter Bunny has visited us overnight, and excitement peaks! Little Josh is a good leader and has everybody up early and packed with a minimum of fuss and repairs Lou’s puncture before we leave. The team is beginning to gather cohesiveness and riding is generally focussed. Heartbreak Hill (Chalker Hill) has not changed its character. Tamzyn gets off her bike, and lies on the ground, feeling faint, before we commence Chalker - and gets into the van. This is an intimidating hill. Photos celebrate the top. Exhilaration downhill. Miriam negotiates a right-hand bend at the base of Chalker on sheer determination and shoe rubber. Steven is tenacious and fit, and riding skills improve fast.
Big Ben and Rebbeca are great examples of how a buddy system can be and reach the top of Chalker first. Big Josh continues to support and encourage, bringing the slower riders finally to the top. Olivia tries hard. Lou's gigantic increase in skill since last year is apparent. Miriam beams affection and love to all. Serena is quiet and gentle, cautious and concerned. Rodney is less of a cowboy today. Little Ben grows in responsibility (no feelings show, yet he is gentle) and seems to be enjoying himself. Amanda a cheerful, determined and conscientious soul, a no fuss rider. Sheena and Georgia (Megaphone Mouth) are surprisingly cuddly and caring to all, and Georgia is displaying lots more focus and responsibility today — she and Little Ben are a good buddy system. Amy is mature, loving, goofs off appropriately, and enjoys her responsibility. Johanna is a Trojan, reliable, creates great food, dependable. Gerald demands much in the way of safety, discipline, co—operation and teamwork from the teens, he is tough, yet straight, and very compassionate in a teenage crisis. Darryl is a tower of strength, listening to all the riders demands for “faster”, “slower", “when do we stop?", "don't stop now!” etc. with calm grace, and effortless skill behind the wheel, never once impatient.
The road is narrow, busy in parts, and in poor condition. reach Bowral, which is full of Yuppies for Easter. The teens rage in the hall, and then disappear into Downtown Bowral, and peace descends for a while. Darryl reads a book. Mrs. Coombe from the Empire Cinema is coaxed - and enrolled - by Sandra, into providing free movie tickets for the team. "Reckless Kelly" it is voted The Worst Movie I Have Ever Seen by the (ungrateful) team
Gerald drives Sandra to Nowra, an hour each way, and an hour on the table of one Michael Barwick, an Osteopath (with the hands of God) to repair painful damage to Sandra's back. Darryl barbies the chicken sate's that Jo and Amy have slaved over, and the teens sit around the fire, cuddling and talking.
A good team meeting, and a breakthrough with Tamzyn, who felt she wanted to leave the Ride, and wasn’t part of the team. She was very willing to be coached, and courageous in her speech, and received the generous and loving accolades of the team.
Darryl kindly swaps beds with Sandra (she has the ultimate in blow up lilos, which "kill" her back). Darryl has a no-frills foam sheet. God Bless Darryl. Sandra goes to bed at 8 p.m. with two hot water bottles, and 15 of the team go to the (No Academy Awards) "Reckless Kelly” film. Rebecca, Olivia, Louise, Little Josh S, and Miriam return from visiting the Rev. Ian Diamond's church, with the hot news that we may use his hall on our return journey on Friday and not return to this spartan place — as there is an unscheduled meeting planned, so it sounds like a good idea.
People crash in after the movie, giggling and loud stage whispers.
Gerald, Darryl and Johanna have envied Sandra's early night, "Reckless Kelly" and 16 teenagers in Bowral is not normal. Lights out about 11 p.m.
Day 3. Monday, 12th April, 1993.
Where: Bowral to Gou1burn 91 kms
Depart: 7.40 a.m. Arrive: 3.00 p.m.
Weather: Perfect, clear, blue, and cool — great for riding — got hot towards the end
Venue: 1st Goulburn Scout Hall, cnr. Bourke and Addison Streets
Rating: Large and warm (gas fire). No fridge, no stove, no showers, one power point. Sgt. Terry Murphy is a darling and has keys for showers in the Games Complex. Gerald must ferry us in batches. One loo for each sex!
Menu: Tacos, salad, ice cream and hot chocolate sauce
The Boss: Ben Silver
Awards: Rebecca James "Support/Friendship/No Fuss"
Miriam David "Going ALL the Way! "
Chalker: Sheena Larsen—jury
THE GRIND AND THE GLORY
First section of road was picturesque, gentle undulating tarmac, and a bit narrow. A few mad hoons on the road, but largely people are very courteous of our cortege. Spirits are high, and team and buddy system working well. Tamzyn is right in the middle of the pack: she is vital, happy, and making good time. All is right with the team! Tamzyn's breakthrough of joining the team comes to an abrupt and painful halt on the gravel. Luckily little damage! — she is tearful, yet cheerful, and somewhat mollified by the team reaction and the delay. Coaching and medical attention abound, but she gets in the van and stays. Kathy Harris’s Rescue Drops increase in popularity daily. Morning tea at Exeter, where the girls perform an impromptu song and dance routine, "There's a Queue for the Loon (yeah! yeah!)), and from Miriam, "Hallelujah Brothers!" receives laughter and applause. Many water stops, and lunch at "our" Anglican Church at Tallong, and "Jesus is Risen" is proclaimed on the board. Gerald reads the Riot Act to the troops following a lapse in focus and gets the result he seeks.
Georgia has pulled a tendon and is definitely “dying” (again). Amanda sensitive, quiet, and close to tears several times today, is still recovering from her injuries. Miriam surprises us all with her ever increasing fitness. Serena quiet and sometimes withdrawn, obviously overcoming lots internally (no time nor space alone), and shares with me the reason she is doing the Bike Ride is something she recalled when she participated in the Discovery programme - "If you can't, you must!" Rodney is settling into a considerate and valued team member. Ben S. pedals non—stop and vies with Josh S. for Front Support Rider. Josh G. continues his sterling contribution in support of the slower riders - and of Gerald - in handling "crises" efficiently and competently. Rodney is more talkative and friendly, Big Ben a reliable and safe rider, focussed, and very supportive of others. Olivia as The Boss is bright, cheerful, helpful, riding well, encourages others, willing to take coaching, a very good soul. Sheena being a trooper, right until 20 kms outside Goulburn - she rode 70 kms today! - when a dead cat brings on memories of Wilbur (her recently deceased cat) And sadly some tears. Serena gets in the van, exhausted — and bounds out again 15 kms later, ready to go!
We stopped the team at the turn—off onto the Hume Highway. I asked for silence, whilst they listened to the roar of the traffic we were about to encounter. Danger. Faces paled – and a couple get into the van. Thirty gruelling kilometres, on a very fast road, littered with dead anima1s, broken glass, and ripped tyres. Fear is present. Frequent stops, the road seemed endless. The team performed as athletes, co—ordinated, determined, and focussed.
We finally arrive at our (barren) destination. So many lessons to learn — so many adjustments to make — so much support to give! Big Ben asks Sandra if her job is to "press the buttons" of the teens. It seems there are many buttons being pressed! The police come to see us — they have been searching for us on the road to give us an escort — where have we been? (Where have we been indeed?) Gerald ferries the team in batches for showers. Tom Richardson (“Tom, Tom, The Water Man") telephones, and is excitedly and happily expecting us in Braidwood tomorrow. At every destination, there is bountiful evidence of Tom's presence in the form of large bottles of clear, clean, High-Country water. What a kind man he is! We leave the empties with Max at the Shell Service Station for Tom to collect next week. Sheena has an upset — and is willing to talk, be coached and loved.
Good meeting. Steven comes to tell me how amazing it is that so many diverse people can come together and form such an aligned and happy team in such a short time, and how much fun this is! Big Ben tells me how much he is learning and that he is very pleased he came.
Sandra refills her hot water bottles (they accompany her in the support car to relieve her back) and its lights out at 9.45 p.m.
Nobody protests
Day 4. Tuesday 13th April, 1993.
Where: Gou1burn to Braidwood. 86 kms
Depart: 7.50 a.m. Arrive: 1.40 p.m.
Weather: Cool and sunny, a wind at our backs
Venue: Braidwood Central School
Rating: HEAVEN ON EARTH! Huge hall, clean, heaters, vast kitchens, separate showers and toilets, catering style kitchen, a stage, basketball courts, and TOM!
Menu: Spaghetti Bolognaise, salad, and garlic bread, fresh fruit
The Boss: Rodney Manning
Awards: Rodney Manning "Maturity/ Responsibility/ Friendship/ Support"
Josh Silver "Best Mechanic/Generous/Gives up Breaks to Help Others/Supports/Loves/Smiles"
Serena Rix "Grace/Never Gives Up/Calm/Supportive/ Goes The Whole Way"
Chalker: Rodney Manning (who is reported to the R.S.P.C.A. regarding his treatment of dumb animals!)
HALF-WAY DAY
Great riding, teamwork, and co—operation — everyone aligned and focussed. We leave with a Police Escort in the form of Sgt. Greg Blythe, who gives us a safety talk prior to departure. Very pretty back roads, and very busy and narrow, so single file riding prevails. Broken edges make the road quite dangerous, and many trucks heading to a mine demand rigorous teamwork. We make excellent time, covering 40 kms before 9.30 a.m.! Vintage cars stream past, tooting in a friendly fashion, partners in adventure. Tamzyn has a puncture, and gets in van for 15 kms, but has ridden 70 kms today! Josh S. repairs punctures skilfully.
We could actually have reached Braidwood earlier, despite testing traffic conditions, but rumours regarding our reception in Braidwood abound, and we are expected at 2 p.m. Will it be a civic reception? A banquet? Cheering Chinese lining the streets? The Mayor handing us the keys to the city, God illuminating our presence and path with a golden light?
The reality in the form of Tom Richardson (“Tom, Tom, The Water Man") exceeds all expectations. He has everything under control.
No problems. You name it, you got it. BBQ? Easy! Meat? Follow me! (to the local butcher, who provide us with a mountain of free meat) Showers? Water's heating up now! Food? Here is a carton of apples from my own orchard just picked! Over enthusiastic locals? A word of authority from Tom calms the waters. Air pump? Give me an hour! What a guy! Thank you Tom!
The teens cheer, the adults grin, Johanna surveys the kitchen with a satisfied eye, and a cute dog outside piddles against the post. High in spirits, the 'young ladies' spring into song and dance, the piano receives a pounding from aspiring pianists who give way to the talents of Miram and later, to our surprise, a sunset melody from the hands and soul of Rodney. Big Josh and Steve, clutching the basketball, head towards the court, and Josh S. and Rodney teach the girls to ride their bikes downstairs. (A valuable life skill.) Tamzyn sleeps propped up against the bags, and the remaining mob swarm the food table, and fall, satiated, into a heap on the floor, content and quietly pleased to pass the time in mutual relatedness. God is in his Heaven and all is well with the world.
Typically, the adults have sussed out "the" corner of the hall to set up in. This is where the considerable collection of CB radios, telephones, megaphones, and camera equipment is nightly recharged, and where we stake our claim for the night. The adults organise their beds early! And organise their baggage. Three hours later, the mountain of teenage bedding and baggage remains where it was dropped, centre hall. Life is instant, pressing, present and lived without care for tomorrow! (The responsibilities of adulthood will arrive soon enough
Georgia has had an upset with the locals. Steven has made friends with the locals and plays rugby. Darryl tells Sandra she looks like a Queen holding "court”, sat at a table, writing her notes and taking nominations for tonight's awards. Sandra has a great talk at different times with Steven, Serena, Miriam, Sheena and Olivia.
She loves them. She loves being around them. Rodney has had enormous challenges, and such significantly increased maturity and responsibility — he is open, loved acknowledgement, and cuddles. Every person in the team comes, at different times, to tell Sandra this.
Serious rehearsals happening for the famous Talent Show to be held tomorrow night, amidst giggles, loud music, and demands for the boom box from every rehearsing act. Tom and Emma make an official presentation of the most beautiful navy-blue sweatshirts, emblazoned with "High Country, Natural Spring Water" and "World Youth International, 1993, Sydney — Braidwood" with image of a bike rider on the reverse side. Everybody loves them, and Tom and Emma are sweetly acknowledged for their generosity.
The evening meeting: acknowledgement, a conversation about grace and generosity. The power of acknowledgement, of speaking people big, is revealed in full force tonight. The team is closely knit, bonded, committed to each other, and willing to take personal risks, with honesty and clarity. Breakthroughs for everyone present. special and extra—ordinary spirit of oneness breathes with a life of its own. The dynamic of synergy resonates in the room. Sandra facilitates with her accustomed clarity and skill. The epitome of leadership, generosity, and intention.
Lights out at 11 p.m.
Day 5. Wednesday, 14th April 1993. REST DAY!
Where: Braidwood — all day!
Weather: Cool start, warms up, freezing after lunch.
Menu: Bacon, eggs, tomatoes and toast for brekky. Sausages, tomato sauce, and bread at the water hole for lunch
BBQ chops and salads for dinner
The Boss: Sheena Larsen—jury
Awards: Darryl Silver "Great driving and Support"
Johanna and Amy Caffrey "Better Food Than Mum Makes!”
Chalker: Steven Doig
RELAXATION, RECREATION, RESOLUTION, AND RAISING THE ROOF!
We sleep in till almost 8 a.m., awakened by the aroma of frying bacon, in a darkened, warm hall, of twenty bodies and forty smelly socks. We have had rain overnight, and the day is clear, Dazza has been walking and picking apples.
Gerald and Daz fill the vehicles with fuel, Gerry repairs the pump with lashings of araldite, the press (Cheryl) arrives with camera, and we pose for photographs and huddle around her to tell our story. The teens mooch into town, and deplete the entire stock of Homer Hudson Ice Cream, coke and chips. Tom arrives, (Miracle Man) with a 20 seater bus, into which we pile, and head off to the river (where the filming of "The Year My Voice Broke" took place) — a magnificent body of clear, pure, mountain water. Some brave souls (Josh S, Rodney, Big Ben, Amy, and Serena) immerse themselves, cheered on by the sensible masses clustered on a nearly rocky pinnacle. Josh and Rebecca devour their second tub of Homer Hudson (Chocolate Chip). Tom bubbles and dispenses bonhomie, and he and Gerald cook a BBQ of sausages, accompanied by bread and tomato sauce, Aussie style, finishing with trays and trays of honest—to—goodness junk food cakes, kindly donated by Robert,Tom's son).
Back on to the bus to the yabby pond, a unique experience. By now leaden skies and a keen wind has turned the great outdoors into an environment appreciated only by the hardy. We huddle in a tight group by unspoken agreement, gaze wistfully at the disappearing bus, (“See you in an hour!” Tom cheerfully shouts!) and watch with admiration as Tom, barefoot and ankle deep in water, tied lines, caught yabbies and flicked them triumphantly ashore. Yabby fights in the bucket brought fire to Rodney's eyes and exclamations of protest from the throats of the vegos. Miriam, Serena, and Josh S. join in with spirit, and success. The bus returns. The adults have never seen teenagers so eager to get on a bus - a veritable sprint to the shelter it offers.
Dazza's particular memories of that day:
Georgia looking cool and tough as she blasts down the steps on Rodneys bike;
Josh G. and Rebecca gazing into a tub of Homer Hudson, eyes aglow (is this love blooming?) and mouths ringed brown;
Big Ben, thoughtful and ‘real team’, enjoys discussion.
Back to our Home, the school, and hot cups of tea. Animated and vigorous rehearsals for the Talent Show continue. Excitement and anticipation of the Big Basketball Game running high. Tom cooks yabbies.
The Big Basketball Game: Tensions erupt right on 4 p.m. (the starting time) and the Adult Support Team postpone the game for a meeting instead. Issues need to be addressed. An inevitable balance to the harmony of yesterday. Small issues and incidents become interpreted as significant, meaningful, and major. Rebecca has fallen on the court during practice, and everyone is ‘on it’!
The meeting: heated discussions, accusations, and upsets pour out. Lou is unhappy with Steve, Amanda too, Olivia is upset that Amanda and Lou are upset, Steven is supremely OK in this midst. Intense questioning and coaching followed by volatile interjections, tears, and "misery masses”. Should we cancel the game? Should we change the teams? (Josh G. and Steven head the White and the Black Teams). All is revealed. Much is resolved. Johanna is official scorer complete with pad and pen, Sandra is a (poor) timekeeper, Darryl is the camera—man, and Gerald is the referee, complete with whistle.
The match commences. Fierce competition prevails. Josh (The White) and Steve (The Black) have trained their teams well. Injuries occur thick and fast (far more than actual bike riding…) Both Josh and Steven are fit, athletic and skilled. Josh is a virtuoso with the ball, and the score shows it, 20 vs 1 by half time. Everyone gives 100% on the court, injuries continue to occur as rapidly as points. Johanna appeals against the light; Sandra is critical of the referee and offers the observation "The size of the whistle doesn't make a difference”.
Team is fast and reckless. Miriam scores her first goal – ever - in life! Sheena does the same! Celebrate! Lou is skilled, hard, and fast. Amy focussed, hard, and uses her body as a weapon! Big Ben skins his leg nastily and continues to play. Rebecca, injured and impatient, cheers at the sidelines. The adult support team show no favouritism and cheer wildly. The Blacks make a comeback when Josh generously leaves the court, and substitutes himself with John, a dear young local, rosy-cheeked and overweight Billy Bunter. Amanda, Serena, Tamzyn and Olivia do their bit. Steven single mindedly going for a win, and the score lifts to 24 - 18. Rodney is injured and plays on. Ben S. dashes. Georgia shouts. Tensions mount. Josh returns to the court, hard play continues. Steven swears when he’s sent off, and the Ref calls game and declares a draw. Wow! It all hangs out! The game serves as a vent — unconcealing who we are being and allowing a release through activity and sweat. What will this bring up???
In our "proper" meeting, the game is animatedly discussed at length.
Steven apologises with maturity. All is well and ready for the Glittering Talent Show
THE GREATEST TALENT SHOW THAT BRAIDWOOD HAS EVER SEEN!
A fanfare of trumpets — and ……… Ladies and Gentlemen!
Tamzyn is Master of Ceremonies, and what a good one she is — clever, theatrical, alive, and sparkles in the face of cameras and the crowds. Tom adjudicates (not an easy task!). What a talented bunch of people we are! The team fall about in delighted disgust at Rodney's Fuzzy Wuzzy Bears, three volunteers with their mouths filled with Violet Crumbles, dribbling and spitting freely …! A rap routine rigorously rehearsed and rapturously received by Big Josh, Steven, Georgia, Rebecca and Louise gains first prize. Third prize shared between Little Josh ("I get by with a little help from my Friends“) on his guitar, and Serena and Miriam in a duet, a variation on the Christmas song "The 12 Days of Christmas " (The Eight Days of the Bike Ride) — which is witty and clever. Both wear a single crazy slipper.
Sandra and Gerald delight the teens with an entertaining version of Tina Turner and her Hunk, Gerald flexes his muscles and lifts balloons effortlessly, whilst Sandra flaunts a very padded 43" chest, singing "You’re the Best!” aimed at the team. The Slightly Aggressive Bear has us in stitches, with Big Ben as a somewhat demented schoolmarm, and Little Ben as a (very) Slightly Aggressive Bear. Dazza and his “8 Treasures” has the entire audience participating. Sheena, Olivia, Tamzyn, and Amanda are funny and entertaining, and Jo and Amy deliver an unusual magic show, upset by unco—operative members of the audience
The whole night was supremely entertaining. We laughed at ourselves, (and were willing to include two unexpected guests, Tom's sons and among ourselves. Rodney’s reaction to the show was worthy of a solo on stage. We finished with a team circle, singing John Lennon's "Imagine”. Sandra gets teary.
WORLD YOUTH FOUNDATION, SYDNEY TO BRAIDWOOD AND BACK BIKE RIDE APRIL 1993.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE GREATEST TALENT SHOW THAT BRAIDWOOD HAS EVER SEEN! 14th April 1993.
Our compere for the evening is Miss Tamzyn Chapman, recently of Sydney, specially imported to Braidwood for this illustrious event, this glittering Night of Nights
CAST, IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE, FOR YOUR PLEASURE AND ENTERTAINMENT:
1) Rodney and his — "Fuzzy Wuzzy Bunnies”.
2) Sheena and Olivia - “Us”.
3) Big Josh, Steve, Lou, Georgia and Rebecca — in a big number entitled "D. J. Original Gangster Posse”.
4) Little Ben, Big Ben, Serena, Miriam, Emma and Tamzyn - “Time”.
5) Louise, Rebecca and Amy – “The Girls“.
6) Serena and Miriam — "The Seven Days of the Bike Ride".
7) Little Josh — "Guitar Solo".
8) Johanna and Amy — a magical interlude — "Sim Sala Bim".
9) Dazza Kabazza and the "Mung Bean Show".
10) The B Team, (Big Josh and Little Josh), Emma Richardson, Serena, and Miriam — "Chalker, The Slightly Aggressive Bear”.
11) Sandra and Gerald — "The Best of the Grooms".
12) Amanda, Olivia, Louse, Amy, Rebecca and Sheena — "Differences”.
Our Honoured Judge for this evening's events is Mr. Tom Richardson (known as "Tom, Tom, The Water Man" by the team).
Prizes: First Prize to Big Josh, Steven, Louise, Georgia and Rebecca for their rousing rendition of "D. J. Original Gangster Posse".
Second Prize to Mr. Rodney Manning for his sensitive, thought-provoking portrayal of "Fuzzy, Wuzzy Bunnies".
Third Prize to that accomplished soloist, Joshua Silver and shared with Serena and Miriam "The 7 Days of the Bike Ride".
A SURPRISE EVENT, AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TOM, TOM, THE WATER MAN, IS SUNG BY THE TEENS WITH GREAT GUSTO. (please see attached sheet for song )
Doctor Sandra’s Surgery reopens for on—going medical attention. Tom and the Gang are having such a good time, Sandra must ask them to go home. Lights out at 10 p.m. — we have a big day tomorrow. During the night, after a visit to the loo, Sandra is confused in the darkness and inadvertently attempts to get into Jo's sleeping bag. Jo is in it and is naturally bewildered at this attempted and unwanted nocturnal visit. Laughter.
Day 6. Thursday, 15th April, 1993.
Where: Braidwood to Goulburn. 86 kms.
Depart: 7.50 a.m. Arrive: 1.40 p.m.
Weather: Perfect day for cycling
Venue: Back to the 1st Goulburn Scout Hall, cnr. Bourke and
Addison Streets.
Rating: Well, they haven’t renovated since we were here on Monday.
Menu: Hamburgers, chips, salad, and ice-cream and hot chocolate
Sauce – Voted A Top Meal by All
The Boss: Louise Moulding
Awards: Steven Doig “Friendship/Honesty/Consistency/Support/
Getting ‘Off it’/No Whinges”
Olivia Rattray: ”Kind/Friendly/Happy/Supportive/
Optimistic/Cheerful/Determined”
Ben Edwards: “Calm/Considerate/Brave When Injured/
Supportive/No Fuss/No Dramas”
Chalker: Amy Caffrey
THE DAY AFTER
Sheena wakes us up at 6 a.m. with a rousing rap song and no—one complains. (Talk about resourceful — Go, Sheena!)
The Hall is a wall—to—wall mess after a day and a half of twenty people living life to the full. Big cleaning job commences, and every single person lifts a broom, a mop, a duster, or a bin, and we leave the hall impeccably at 7.30 a.m. Miracles do happen! Sandra discovers a mouse under her pillow whilst making her bed and provides amusement for the team whilst she gives in to a small display of female hysteria. The mouse was very alive
Our now—established morning routine goes without a hitch — cleaning, packing, exercises, and pep talk by Gerald. Tom and family are here to see us off, and Tom is quite emotional. The teens think he is tops. Emma has put her name down for the bike ride in three years time when she is 13! They warn us of the "lemmings" on the road (people who work in Canberra and drive there as if they own the road without concern for any other road user….) The teens are exuberant, excitable, and loud — a further pep talk ensues, and much changing of buddy systems, front and rear support riders, etc. Finally, Gerald is satisfied with team, and off we set, at a cracking pace! by 8.50 a.m. we have covered 20 kms, by 9.50, 40 kms! and lunch occurs only 10kms outside of Gou1burn.
We see Tom and Emma en route, waving and taking photos as we pass. The best cycling day so far — no dramas, perfect teamwork, total focus. Takes Darryl and Sandra quite some time to find a suitable lunch spot (trees, grass, not on a hill, not at bottom of a hill, not on a corner, safety, safety, safety and teens are growing impatient…. Gerald always requests that the front vehicle find a babbling brook, lush grass, spreading trees, and Devonshire Cream teas served on a linen cloth. We are a great disappointment to Joshua Silver rides his bike up mountains of gravel at lunch time. A small dog from a local farm provides entertainment, and Georgia wants to take him with us. (Thankfully she does not suggest this with the cows and horses we encounter.) reluctantly leave the dog. An interesting conversation ensues, with each of us sharing what it is that we miss the most, and what we are looking forward to the most. Responses like bubble bath, bed, my Mom, my boyfriend, etc.
We hit trying traffic conditions, with a paint truck, support vehicles, and an army convoy, and witness some unbelievably bad driving. We arrive at "our" Scout Hall at 2 p.m., very satisfied with a great day's riding. Many of the teens are exclaiming at "how easy" this all is now compared to the small distances we were covering at the beginning of the ride. Olivia wants to keep riding. Miriam is thrilled at her level of fitness. Amanda takes it all in her stride, Tamzyn keeps going, Lou and Rebecca continue to inspire, Big Ben and Steven stoic and strong, Little Ben and Rodney displaying consistency and mastery, Josh S. assumes a responsible position, Serena keeps going, Georgia stops "dying", Sheena presses on, and Josh G. is nothing short of outstanding in his support and his partnership with Gerald. What a team!
The Lady Lord Mayor, Pat Fairall, comes to visit us, with the media and a photographer in tow, to present us with badges of Goulburn, and a cheque for $100. Wow! The Police and dear Sgt. Terry Murphy, come visiting. We are celebrities in a frenzy of exposure and congratulations! Josh G. suggests a night at the movies, so Sandra and a posse head into town to enrol the Manager of the Lavender Cinema, Mr. Bill Fawkes, a kind man, who gives us 18 tickets for our entertainment. Life looks great! Gerald chauffeurs bodies to and from the showers eet freshness! After dinner, we take a brisk walk to the cinema — leaving Johanna behind with a headache, and Gerald who promises her a cappuccino. Downtown Goulburn on a Thursday night is like a mixture of Playschool, Lightening Ridge, and Ward Nine. We bumble along regardless, bright—eyed and eager. "Toys" with Robyn Williams, was voted the Second Worst Movie Of All Time by the teens — surrealistic, fantasy, the classic contest between good and bad. Sandra falls asleep and buys a coke to wake her up. Everybody pigs out on Homer Hudson and popcorn. (Dazza wonders: "How do they eat it all?”)
A brisk walk home, (it is only 9.00 p.m.) through darkened streets, floodlit churches, and starry skies, it is cold! Bored young locals circling the block in beat—up Datsuns raise no interest. Our meeting starts at 9.30 p.m. — the completion ritual is not neglected, one of the many certainties of this extraordinary week in April. Louise acknowledges Steven and votes him "Sex On A Stick" (A high honour, indeed). Breakthrough for Steven and Louise. Congratulations!
Lights out at 10 p.m.
Day 7. Friday, 16th April 1993.
Where: Goulburn to Bowral. 91 kms
Depart: 7.45 a.m. Arrive: 2.40 p.m.
Weather: Clear and cool
Venue: Rev. Ian Diamond's Uniting Church
Rating: Tiny room, one shower, kitchen we can only use intermittently, a hall we cannot use at all, loos a long walk away and one must negotiate the Garden Club, begonias and pumpkins en route, hallway can be used for storage, office can be used as surgery/office/therapists room. Very intimate
Menu: Chicken, Salad, and a divine peach kuchen
The Boss: Joshua Groom
Awards: Louise Moulding: "Outstanding Rider/ Friend/Support/Cheerful/Willing to be Coached/Mature/Responsible"
Ben Silver: "Supportive/Tries Hard/Willing to be Coached"
Georgia Lucas: "Exceptional Support/Trier/Friend/Huge Change in Attitude/ Energy "
Chalker: Louise Moulding: (Chalker requires resuscitation next morning)
THE BEST AND THE WORST
The troops start out with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. Doctor's surgery has been popular, with bruises, scabs, sore backs, ankles, knees, headaches, the runs, and period pains. An echo of the day occurred when Dazza turned into a rest area, happily came to rest beneath the spreading arms of a distant gum tree only to see of the team sail merrily down the freeway, halted only by frantic waves and yelling from Sandra. We have covered 20 kms in an hour.
In the spirit of the picnic atmosphere of the venue (tables and bbq's scattered about) this break evolved into a banquet of biscuits, cakes, and bananas. Sweet in the mouth, bitter in the tummy. Focus and team disappeared — next break, Gerald pronounced the edict — no eating, water only! - a decision not received with popular acclaim. The wind was cold, the skies overcast, and the troops were not happy. Josh G. cast sidelong glances full of ice, Georgia was going to die, Olivia thought she was dead, and bum—bag supplies of chocolate became instant contraband. So, times were tough, the road was rough, and life became a fight and a march. Mutiny was nigh.
Lunch at Exeter was fallen upon with an unaccustomed measure of severity and resulted in a repeat of the lassitude which afflicted us earlier in the day. Slow, difficult, torturous riding with frequent stopping for the back team, big gaps between riders, non—existent buddy system, and heavy traffic for 31 kms out of Goulburn. Narrow roads, and an alternative route to Mittagong and Bowral that missed the big hill but gave lots of traffic. Everyone is tired, exhausted, fed up, in pain, sick or sore
Amanda informs Sandra she is astonished at how easy the Highway was. It was a great relief to get to Bowral, and we were expecting the Hilton — not quite separate rooms with ensuites but heading in that direction. Gerald became suspicious the moment he saw Johanna's face — trouble! Dazza thought the consternation was due to the fact the teens had charged into Rev. Diamond's Domain, irreverently riding their bikes directly in the hall (a la Scout Hall). No. The hall was indeed salubrious and the surroundings plush. The technicality was that we could not use it, in deference to the Garden Club and the 130 gardeners arriving at 7 p.m. for a meeting. Not only that, the kitchen had to be vacated by 6.30p.m. - and also by 7.30 a.m. in the morning. The space we do have to ourselves has just enough room to sleep all of us, sardine fashion, on the floor. Actually, we adapted so well to the circumstances, there was no suffering at all. After seven days on the road, nothing was going to be a problem!
A brief meeting to organise the afternoon and evening, the teens disappear into town, leaving relative peace and harmony behind them. Tom and Emma arrived to share dinner and show us some photographs of Braidwood. And WHAT a great dinner Amy and Jo have prepared! — we eat at tables! — cafeteria style.
Despite the fact we are to be quiet and let the Gardeners get on with their gardenias, the teens are hyper - wild, shouting, and jumping around. The meeting restores some calm. Lots to say and share. One more "crisis" to handle. Friday night is significant in that basketball games of the major leagues are televised. Tonight, the Sydney Kings play an important match. Josh G. and Steven are avid followers of this team and have an understandable desire to watch this match live on TV, beginning at 8.30 p.m. and ending around 10.30/11 p.m. So the request has gone out to Gerald, (Head Honcho). Dilemma of Dilemmas. Anyone else and the decision would be quick, easy and clean. But this is parent/sibling territory, and what father can deny his son any good thing? Josh performs with the negotiating skills of a consummate bush lawyer and gains an agreement that Gerald keep an open mind, even in the face of the initial "No!" What is at stake is the notion of "team", the sense of which has a large influence on the outcome of these eight days. Tonight is our last night together, a completion, a cornerstone in the building that ties together these twenty unique individuals into a whole where each has regard for the other.
Gerald is unwilling to have this spirit fractured, and the adults support his stand. The collision of wills is not comfortable, and the tension is eventually released in the public forum of our evening meeting. Joshua states his case and despite his advocacy is left with nowhere to direct his gaze but down the barrel of a prohibition. Later that evening, he reveals the extent to which he has grown in life. He has handled his disappointment, got ‘off it’, and got his life and self expression back. He participates whole—heartedly in the night's events. Funny how breakthroughs perch on the shoulders of breakdowns. Lots of lovely massages after the meeting, doctor’s surgery remains open late. Lights out at 10 p.m.
Sleep does not descend at once. Sleeping sardine like, every cough, fart, nose blow, and re—arrangement of blankets has a domino effect. Night trippers to the loo unwittingly create pain and laughter follows. Sandra and Jo have sore throats. Some need the doors open. Others need them closed. Gerald
snores loudly. So does Sandra. Johanna stops when thumped. Sweet sleep
Day 8. Saturday, 17th April, 1993.
Where: Bowral to Campbe11 town. 83 kms.
Depart: 7.40 a.m. Arrive: 3.05 p.m.
Weather: Early fog, sunny, warm, perfect day
Venue: HOME!
Rating: *****
Menu: Mum's Home Cooking
The Boss: Who is this?
Award: EVERYBODY for Getting The Job Done With Excellence
KOSHIGAYA, HERE WE COME!
Up at 5.45 a.m. (the earliest yet, and Olivia, who informed us all on Day 1 that she would NEVER be able to get up that early, is one of the first up.) As we said - many learnings available! We leave Bowral via a gigantic hill, in thick fog, shortly followed by a light drizzle. The road is slippery and the team respond well to coaching and to teamwork. We make good progress over several hills, and what we had anticipated as a difficult day, turns out to be one of the easiest. A testimony to the change that has occurred in all of us and in our ability to get from A to B easily and without fuss. Even the requirement to be out of the kitchen by 7.30 a.m. is no problem and we clear the deadline with time to spare. Serena is in the van, bless her sweet heart, as her knee is very sore, and she is aware that being stubborn is holding up the team. Tamzyn joins her. Gerald and Dazza select a new route in order to avoid some hills and amuse themselves on the two—way by having endless conversations about the map, which road is which. Dazza thinks we are here. Gerald thinks we are there. They agree to go down "that" road, until Sandra calmly observes the words "Bridge Closed" are written next to it. A dull silence, then a resigned shrug. "Ah well, I guess we won't go that way then…”
We stop to retrieve the IBM shower proof jackets from the van, un—needed till now, and looking like an Olympic team ready to sail, we set off again, very posh, and keeping dry. We stop under a shop awning for morning tea, the troops bemoaning the lack of “real" food ("This is a fruit and water stop only.. ") Take photos, smell roses, and press on. Next stop is at the side of the road to use a small service station's loo ... and all queue up - another rendition of "A queue for the loo" resounds. We wait again, for Olivia. Cakes and biscuits consumed, amidst grumbling when a “food limit" is set ….. (“How many have you had? " etc.)
Sandra's back is much improved, her hot water bottles still in evidence. She observes that whilst this may look on the surface like a Bike Ride, it is actually a slice of life, our lives, how we live them, how we face challenges, how we deal with failure and success.
There is a feeling of ambivalence among the riders. On the one hand, the excitement of this being the last day, destination in sight, and on the other, regret that the carnival is over. The fun, the freedom, the challenges have been stimulating, one of those formative experiences of life, long remembered - and unwillingly relinquished. In contrast, the "hum—drum" existence of family and school appears drab — certainly not something to pedal towards.
We plan to stop at Menangle Park — where Jo and Amy await us. However, Dazza and Sandra miss the turning. It’s on the opposite side of the highway and we keep heading straight, hoping to find a suitable turning spot. Safely turning a moving body as long and as unwieldy as ours is not easy. We decide against it for safety reasons. Mutinous mutterings recur, much disagreements, and Sandra is sharp in response.
So, lunch is on a small side road, with a field and a (sick) horse close by. Georgia and Johanna go to the house to do the humanitarian thing and disclose to the owners the condition of their ill horse. The horse "snots" on Miriam. Someone remembers that (well known!) Chinese proverb "Horse Snot On You, Very Lucky Day" – much merriment. Georgia returns and sprays the horse with Aerogard. Much discussion concerning his distended testicles.
Our lunch break is extended — two hours long — we are so speedy now that we have to stretch out our time so that we don't get to Campbelltown too early! Appetites satisfied. Johanna declines the offer of an egg and lettuce sandwich (one of the most popular items on the menu.) Does she know something we don't? Appetites satisfied, the grassy knoll takes on the appearance of a family of orangutans. Bodies strewn in comfortable intimacy in all directions and all over each other. Adjacent humans tending each other to remove fleas, squeeze pimples, comb hair and massage muscles. Age is of no consequence in this team. Everybody loves everybody else. All attempts to devise a "new" team scream fall on deaf ears (the troops have decided they HATE "Oh, What a Feeling!"), (Toyota’s Ad) and they are unwilling to discuss a way we can happily complete the ride at Koshigaya. Will we sing? Dance? Everything the adults suggest is "too ooey”. They think they might ride around Koshigaya Park and ignore the welcome party. Eventually, after several hilarious and inappropriate suggestions, a decision is reached.
Getting them back on their bikes for the last 7 kms is no easy matter, they are in very high spirits, laughing, easily distracted, and excited. They vehemently deny this accusation. We finally leave lunch at 2.40 p.m. and head towards Koshigaya. After Tamzyn's (final) fall this morning, she is back on her bike, as is Sheena. We stop a kilometre from Koshigaya so that Serena can join the team for the triumphant ride in. We can tell we are in Sydney — speeding, ungiving traffic. Closer, and closer, and closer
Finally, we stop at the traffic lights, and to our right we can see something we had not anticipated — not at this level anyway! Crowds of people! Flags galore! Banners and streamers, happy faces, shouting families and a ribbon to break through, our final grand parade to the park! Cheers, excitement, laughter, tears and that indescribable feeling ("Oh, What a Feeling.
WE DID IT! Twenty people safely returned to their families. Different, bigger people than those who set out on this adventure. A flood of emotion to which Sandra grants expression, and Darryl “manfully" holds back. All is well in the world! Thank God!
In team spirit, we leave the bicycles and vehicles abandoned and quickly form a circle on the grass where Rebecca's newly created Team Scream is given full expression. We then shout questions at each other "Who rode all the way? "WE DID!”. "Who fell off their bikes- “WE DID!”, "Who wants to go back to Braidwood?” - “WE DO!”
Laughter, great excitement, Lots of emotion
The excellence of preparation reveals itself in a most satisfying fashion in this hour of completion. AIL the parents have done a magnificent job! Enough food to satisfy even these appetites!
Go for it, team! Eat as much as you like! Sugar? Eat up! Coca Cola galore, cameras and smiles and laughter and RELIEF - and banners: every Mum and every Dad and guest has given this Welcome Party a special part of themselves, and their love and pride is moving.
Hugs, kisses, speeches, and presentations. Kathy makes a wonderful speech and acknowledges the teens with golden medals, and the adults with long stemmed, fragrant red roses, scrolls, and bottles of wine (the fabled glass of red is not too far away now ….!) Sandra makes her speech and presents each teenager with their certificate and acknowledges the team. Mums cry with pride and love. Dads disguise emotion. Cameras whir and click. The sun shines, medals glint, and certificates wave in the breeze. "Well Done!" and "Bravo!” fills the air. We form a circle and sing "That's What Friends Are For”, and do the Acknowledgement Walk, face to face. Sandra’s heart threatens to bust through her chest.
Joshua G, the Boss for the day, has us form a Fireman's Line and we give a graphic display of the prowess we have developed in having our luggage handled.
Lingering, emotional farewells mark the reluctance with which we leave behind an experience in which the magic of life was constantly present.
The park empties. Silence descends. Sandra is crying. It’s over.
1st May, 1993. By Darryl Silver and Sandra Groom
LAST WORDS FROM THE SUPPORT TEAM:
JOHANNA:
“The Bike Ride affirmed for me that a small group of individuals can and do make a difference in the world and that the doing of the ride makes a difference to those on it. Our ways of being were expanded with the challenges and risks each of us faced.
Seeing your response to some big challenges reminds me of a quote by Emerson: "No bird can soar too high with his own wings.” Endless possibilities exist within us, if we have the belief we can "do it”. And you did it. With excellence. Congratulations! — you are all Legends!"
AMY:
"This year's ride provided a T.E.A.M. situation where excellence took place. The friendships I have formed with the riders are special and will always be remembered. I saw how when you go 100% for a goal, everything and anything is achievable. WELL DONE EVERYONE!"
DARRYL:
"How to capture the essence of this experience for me?
ere something in these words, written by T. S. Elliot, which expresses it:
"We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time”.
GERALD:
"Once again; I am truly blown away at how amazing teenagers are. A team is formed with a common goal, even if that goal seems impossible. Everyone plays their part and confronts the challenges of the day. Before long, friends are made, the goal is achieved, and satisfaction is gained. The Bike Ride is a microcosm of life itself.
Just do it! LET'S GO!"
SANDRA:
"All teenagers are special. This group of teenagers are simply extra—ordinary. Thank you for sharing yourselves so generously and teaching me so much. Profound thanks to your parents for trusting me to love and support you. Thank YOU for trusting me. I am humbled, was humbled, by who you are, and who you were willing to be.
This Bike Ride, and each one of you, have been a gift. I feel very emotional. I came to love you so much! I am proud and honoured to have been a part of your life, your truly wondrous humanity, and I will never forget you.
Thank you."
CONGRATULATIONS!