Kidney to Melbourne
21 Oct 09 21:03 PM
posted by Ahmad Sowaid
It first started as a challenge - a couple of mates, their bikes and one long and hilly road.
Fast forward a couple of months and I was recovering from surgery having my right kidney removed after a shock cancer diagnosis.
After being truly inspired by the care and support offered by The Peter Mac Cancer Centre and wanting to give something back in return, the Kidney to Melbourne ride became the perfect opportunity to raise some money and do just that.
So the boys and I are in training, and come Boxing Day (and with our Christmas carb loading!!) we will depart from Centennial Park in Sydney and follow the coastal road for 9 days and approximately 1100kms to Melbourne.
Make sure you give us a toot if you happen to be anywhere on the road between Sydney & Melbourne over Christmas.
Around The Bay in a Day
21 Oct 09 20:21 PM
posted by Ahmad Sowaid
Sunday I faced the first HUGE challenge since starting my training. 250kms in a day!
I started the day with 2,000 other keen (or crazy) cyclists before sunrise at 5.30am. The trip down to Geelong and Queenscliff was fast averaging 35km/hr however we did face crosswinds. Jay and I arrived at the Queenscliff ferry somewhat lighter after chowing down most of our days food before 11.30am!
After attempting to steal a sandwich from one of the volunteers, we boarded the ferry for the 45min trip to Sorrento (just enough time for a quick nap).
The major hill climb on the way home took us up Mount Martha and was very humbling. It was amazing to see the variety of riders including a guy with one leg powering up the climb....a true inspiration.
I rode home feeling surprisingly strong and finally finished after 11 1/2 hours with a massive sense of pride.
Ahmad
|
