Testimonials
"I'm certainly no athlete, but this was an athletic experience that I absolutely loved. For me, it was not so much about the physical challenge but the mental challenge. I tested how much I could stand and I showed myself and my team that I could stand a lot more than I thought I could. We grew individually and together as a result. One of the best things I've ever done."
Alex Harper
Rider, Uluru to Brisbane 2010
"19 amazing sunrises, 19 amazing sunsets, riding across stunning Australian landscapes, camping on the side of the road at night, what an unbelievable experience! I can't wait to do it again."
Scott Griffin
Rider, Uluru to Brisbane 2010
"I was amazed at how easy it was for me to get involved and motivated to join the Red Heart Ride in 2010. It was certainly a life changing experience. Like all adventure pursuits, it's hard to transfer what you learn about yourself and life on the ride into every day life, but what I did learn is that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. When you're hurting and tired, you think to yourself, I can either stop, and not finish this, or knuckle down and get through it. I never seriously considered the option of just stopping, you want to finish the whole thing regardless of what it costs you physically and mentally. I feel mentally stronger having completed the epic ride, and physically I felt so great and wanted to do it all over again. I can't wait for the Rock to the Reef in April, 2011!"
David Bull
Rider, Uluru to Brisbane 2010
"A typical day on the Red Heart Ride support crew would start early. Really early. Half an hour before dawn, it’s cold, it’s pitch-black, the cyclists slumber on, and it’s time to get up and start boiling the water for breakfast. After breakfast, the cyclists would head off, and we would hang behind to pack up the campsite before driving on ahead to meet them. Those early mornings on the road were the best. Dawn in the Territory is beautiful to behold – as the sun rises, the earth slowly starts to take on its characteristic red glow. We and the occasional grazing roo were the only ones around to behold it. Definitely made the early rises worthwhile."
Jill Carman
Support Crew, 2010
"My first task was to make dozens of high energy snacks. These were brought out at roadside breaks scheduled roughly each 30km, when water bottles were filled and bikes checked. The riders peddled long kms each day, but the breaks and support crew assistance kept their physical energy levels up, and their mental alertness got better each day as their team spirit grew.
We worked hard to support the riders, from early morning breakfasts, snacks, water and lunches on the road, to dinners and tent set up at the end of the day. We worked hard, but the riders worked harder. Around the camp fire each night we massaged tired legs and backs and talked about frustrating road conditions, physical exhaustion and exhilaration scenery.
The Northern Territory and outback Queensland make for an amazing experience. Each day there were new and wonderful panoramas, with glowing pink sunrises and blood red western sunsets. It was a great adventure to be part of. We managed the hard times and enjoyed the great moments. Thanks for sharing it all with me. I look forward to Red Heart Ride 2011."
Georgie Bull
Support Crew, 2010
"Being a member of the support crew for Red Heart Ride was like being part of an expedition. Everyone was working towards a very challenging goal and you would feel the anticipation. Because everyone had a single cause there was great camaraderie, especially under the stars and around a camp fire. It was also hard work, rising very early and constantly being on the move preparing food and other supports for the riders. Supporting the ride also meant seeing some great open country in remote parts of Queensland. Reaching the goal was an enormous achievement and everyone shared in that achievement because the riders and support crew all knew the important part each of us had played."
Catherine Harper
Support Crew, 2010
;)
;)
;)