The Challenge

"Hey Roscoe, were going to do something special for the 10th anniversary of the 'the Ride' in 2010", was how Barry Walton opened up the phone call.

Which he followed up with a clipped "Ya interested?"

"Sure" I confidently responded. "Where to mate?".
"The Barossa back to Tamworth over three weeks, you wanna come?"

"Oh you bet!" was how I got myself into the challenge.

1700 kilometers in 21 days on a mountain bike, about a third of the distance across Australia, on the dirt back roads fundraising for the New England North West Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

I had completed four of the previous nine rides whilst residing in Armidale, originally becoming involved through the calculated provocation of ABC Local Radio New England North West's David Evans.

With the initial excited and impetuous response to Barry a distant memory, now residing in 'Our Nation's Capital', Canberra and having missed the last four rides, not to mention the middle age spread gathering bulk around my waist,  I have bravely committed to raise funds, get fit and complete the ride.


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