Ride of a life time
I know that Sparky and Mike will both be doing posts so will keep this short and sweet ….. Forbesy loved his “long ride” – a very emotional day – he saw it as a huge milestone. He went out just with his mates for a ride! I will let the boys tell the full story b/c truth be known I was just chatting to the girls and minding the BBQ while the boys were doing all the hard work but all I will say was that the way I saw it……………. there were a whole lot of guys bludging off Mike’s wheel as they came in to Elwood!
Seriously though – as one of the guys with us at Elwood said when we saw them riding along the path to the ride finish “it just gives you goose bumps”. Thankyou to so, so, so many people – Peter and Sparky for organising the ride and their mates to do it (although I am not sure how popular Sparky is after setting the course to include a 15km climb with a 1km vertical climb to finish on day 1 and then having a training course overseas so he couldn’t actually do day 1!!). To Sparky for jumping straight off an overnight flight and on to his bike to ride as far as he could with the boys. To Fi for driving half-way around Melbourne to help Sparky do that. Obviously to all the boys who rode the full distance – you are truly amazing and an inspiration to us. It was incredibly humbling. To Peter’s aunt and uncle and Kent’s girlfriend who travelled with the boys to make sure they were safe and all together and had enough water and supplies. To Rob and Jack without whom there would have been no food or beverage at Elwood Park. To Chris, Marlin and Adam who literally picked Mike and his bike up and threw him in the car to take him to Port Melb. To Jules for the kit which is awesome – the boys looked spectacular riding in a group in the kit. And thankyou to everyone who came down to meet the boys at Elwood – it was great to see you all there, even if we didn’t manage to get around to everyone and have a chat. I will have forgotten to thank any number of people individually but thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. Oh, and to Cam – thanks for coming down on your birthday and slaving away over a hot BBQ!
Collectively the boys raised enough money for Mike to stay in the U.S. at Project Walk for an extra 2 weeks which is just amazing- thankyou so much. I know Mike is going to do a post where he will let you all know what he hopes to get from his time at Project Walk but for now just a quick post to let everyone know that the boys made it safely to Elwood and Mike can now be entrusted to his mates whenever they want him (guys, every Saturday or Sunday works for me!).
January 19th, 2009 on 12:01 pm
amazing!!! well done to everyone! I am so sorry I missed it. See you soon for the welcome home party!!
January 19th, 2009 on 12:13 pm
Congratulations to all, I have spoken with Cycling Australia who asked what has happened we have been flooded with donations, I will let you all know the total when it becomes available.
I propose that next year we add a second tour “half the man that Forbes is” we all meet at the same place, a support team drives me the first 90klms, then I will have a crack at 90klms each day. (at my pace)
I wish I could have stayed to see everyone arrive at Elwood, but kids sleep duty called.
… Thanks Mike and Mon, the inspiration you provide continues to amaze.
January 19th, 2009 on 1:09 pm
OMIGOD – you are amazing Mike. Good luck with Project Walk – I can only imagine what miracles may be performed there.
January 19th, 2009 on 2:32 pm
Along with that photo comes tears – Mike your determination is truly amazing, you are a real inspiration – I’m so proud to know you and can only begin to imagine how all your family and friends much feel!
January 19th, 2009 on 3:18 pm
Such fortitude and indeed guts, let alone amazing will power is being rewarded for you both.
Congratulations Mike, and best wishes for the longer Project Walk ahead.
Trusting the people at Project walk can keep up with you both!!!!
The Congdon Family
January 19th, 2009 on 3:27 pm
All the “Responses” say it all – God Bless
January 19th, 2009 on 4:04 pm
Congratultions Moni and Mike. I am in complete awe of you both. Must have been an amazing feeling to know “Go Humpty” will be chalked on footpaths and roadside’s again. Love lots Sally, Mike, El and Teg xxx
January 19th, 2009 on 5:53 pm
Absolute inspiration Mike!
January 19th, 2009 on 6:50 pm
Well done to all!!! This news has seriously made my day!
January 20th, 2009 on 12:24 pm
Wow! That is amazing, well done to all! All of you are an absolute inspiration! All the best for Project Walk!
January 20th, 2009 on 12:30 pm
WOW!!! Great to see you back on your bike again
All the best for the “Project Walk”.
Penny
January 20th, 2009 on 1:30 pm
amazing milestone … well done
January 20th, 2009 on 9:33 pm
What a fabulous achievement Mike, Mon and Ash. You all just keep raising the bar – such an inspiration to us all. All the very best for your trip to the US. We will be thinking of you all and anxiously waiting for news from the amazing Forbes team. Love and best wishes, Marcia
January 21st, 2009 on 8:52 am
Mike
I heard about you indirectly through relations of yours in Sydney, when I was there for Christmas. I also incurred a spinal injury from a cycling accident. I was taking part in L’Etape du Tour in 2003. Long story short I ruptured my c5/6 vertebrae and have a complete injury below that level.
reading your website and looking at the photos certainly bring back some memories! It is obvious that you have two great assets to help you get through namely an extremely supportive family and network of friends (where would we be without them?) And secondly the right attitude.
Your progress so far has been immense, and there will be much more to come. Keep it up!
Cormac
January 21st, 2009 on 10:33 am
Thinking of you all, especially today as you make the transition from Talbot to home seven days a week. We know you will be busier than ever getting ready for the big trip. Keep well and get some sleep, Mon.
Love Mum and Dad Forbes
January 23rd, 2009 on 7:39 am
Well done Mike and Mon from Quambatook. Are you now at home full time? That is a really great feeling!!
January 23rd, 2009 on 8:06 pm
So good to catch up with the 3 of you in Melbourne, all the best for San Diego, love Sally and Richard
January 26th, 2009 on 8:58 am
Mike & Mon, you are such inspirations to us all. Great to see Mike back on a bike. Our thoughts are will you always. All the best for Project Walk America.
Steve & Shirlee
January 27th, 2009 on 2:06 pm
Fabulous to see the photo of you heading the group in your recent bike ride Mike. Such a wonderful achievement for you (and your support team) that you are back out and riding again. Congratulations! I wish you so, so much success with Project Walk in the US – my best wishes to you and your family.
Inge Webster