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Ability Cycle Challenge = 454kms in 3 days

After months of training and fundraising we were finally on the road – cycling from Canberra to Mt  Kosciusko and return.  By the end of the first kilometre we were all saturated; as if the rain was not enough, riding in close formation we each endured a constant stream of water in the face off the rear wheel of the rider in front.  We were all miserable yet elated as the Hassall/ Vikings team had already raised over $4,000 for Hartley Lifecare. 

Hartley Lifecare provides support and services for people with severe physical disabilities in Canberra and the surrounding region.  Each November, Hartley hosts its biggest fundraising event, the Hartley Challenge, which this year attracted over 40 teams and 250 cyclists.  Our team was a mix of people, many of whom had never met but who all relished a worthwhile challenge and all loved cycling.  The team name reflected the generous financial support of our two biggest sponsors, Hassall & Associates and the Tuggeranong Vikings Cycling Club – whose support had helped boost our individual fundraising efforts. 

The highlight of Day One was reaching Jindabyne. We had been plagued by seven punctures but our spirits soared as we sped down the final hill with a bakery in our sights and hungry thoughts of pastries and coffee.  Sitting on a sunny terrace in Jindabyne we relived various high points of the day, talked bike talk and pondered nervously the day ahead.

On Day Two, we started our climb towards Mt Kosciusko, the highest mountain in Australia.  I am sure each of us privately felt much trepidation but collectively we joked and laughed – bunched tightly together, as we began our assault on the Mountain, feeling much like troops going into battle.  To try and take our mind off the task someone in the bunch started a game of geographical trivial pursuit – a career in development assistance equipped me well for such challenges – what is the capital of Burkina Faso?  No one could answer my question.

By the time we reached Charlotte Pass (the last resort before Mt Kosciusko) only four riders remained in our bunch from the twelve who had left Jindabyne. Low clouds had rolled in and the wind had picked up, visibility was poor and the temperature cold.  As we pushed upwards the conditions worsened, wind pushed us in all directions and at times left us feeling like we were at a standstill.  Eventually visibility was reduced to only a few metres so given these conditions the final leg; a climb to the top of Mt Kosciusko; was out of the question.  Needless to say, the descent into Jindabyne was exhilarating.

The final day and just 160 kilometres to Canberra and as if the conditions in the first two days were not testing enough, the weather on this day was even worse -  more rain and only 6 degrees.   We did however have a 15 knot tailwind to be grateful for and this helped us set a cracking pace.  Apart from the briefest of stops we continued to push onto Canberra, as with the previous days we rode as a well disciplined team; each of us taking turns at the front of the bunch; everyone looking out for weaker riders and keeping up a constant banter of humorous chatter to keep each other going.  After many weeks of training, mostly alone, it was a great feeling to be part of the team. 

Although we were all weary, as we approached Canberra the speed at which we moved continued to build, as we travelled down the final stretch the bunch entered into race mode with a constant roll over of leaders at the front.  This final burst of energy was really a signifier of the excitement and sense of achievement we all felt at having completed the challenge.  The team rolled into Canberra together as one tight bunch, slapping each other on the shoulders as we were applauded by onlookers and supporters.  

I am very proud to have participated in this event.   Against a fundraising target of $280,000 the combined teams had managed to raise over $350,000.

Simon Ernst

sernst@hassall.com.au