520kms Murray to Moyne Bike Ride

It's time to be honest and make some changes. That's a lighter and happier version of me riding my new bike in the picture above. I've almost always struggled with my weight and due to chronic injuries (from 24 years of working in public hospitals and a charity boxing event) I'm currently topping the scales at 142kg, the heaviest I've ever been. Something needs to change if I want to avoid the pine box. For me this event ticks all the boxes. Cycling is one of a few exercises I can actually do without causing more injury but more importantly, will raise money for a worthy cause. Those who know me know I'm a stubborn bastard when it comes to doing anything for myself, so luckily there's the great people at C-Collective to support. I befriended both Brad and Neal years ago when they were working at a youth residential service in St. Albans and saw their enthusiasm in caring for young people firsthand. In my current role as a FaPMI (Families where A Parent has a Mental Illness) Coordinator, working within the community with youth services, I often see a short fall in services for young adults (18-25) which is where C-Collective are targeting their efforts to provide practical support and make a positive impact in people's lives. I'm usually not one to hassle for fundraising, but this is definitely a cause worthy of your coin and with less than 3 month's until the event we best get cracking. $20k is the groups target, this will ensure C-Collective's running costs will be covered for at least a year, which is huge for a not-for-profit and will allow them to focus on their programs to help young people get a foothold in their own business. Also important to note that it will cost C- Collective approximately $4k to support riders participating (ie accom & support vehicles).  My training for this event starts today, 520kms from Echuca to Port Fairy is daunting to say the least, my Achilles and lower back are screaming from a short walk around Highpoint yesterday, that's the yard stick there. But my bike's back from repair and there's a gym nearby so let the journey begin. This is gonna hurt!

Please check out the C-Collective and Murray to Moyne websites for more info. My $100 registration fee has already directly gone to support rural hospitals. 

www.c-collective.org.au 

www.murraytomoyne.com.au