There were tired bodies and sore heads all around this morning as the RideWest team and crew re-grouped one last time over a magnificent breakfast hosted by NAB’s Longreach team. Spirits were still riding high as the group reflected on experiences from the past week and shared some laughs and banter.
Last night’s final celebration dinner was the culmination of a week of achievement and months of planning, organisation and fundraising. As Les and Shelley Hancock humbly received a standing ovation from riders and crew, the spirit of RideWest shone. This is an event that brings out the best in people and personifies the power of teamwork and true Australian camaraderie.
While leader Wade James was awarded the prize for the highest fundraiser (continuing to give more on the night in recognition of the crew!) and Brendan Wright was recognised for his contribution in leading the Peloton, the powerful meaning such an event can have on the lives of individuals was brought home by Tyson Murray from Mates4Mates. Confirming that this was the toughest experience of his life (besides being at war for our country in Afghanistan), Tyson reflected on the simple cycling gesture of placing one’s hand across the back of a struggling fellow cyclist as the ultimate symbol of what RideWest is about. The power of giving.
Congratulations to every member of the team for giving what you gave this week – to yourself, your teammates and ultimately to the recipients of RFDS’s much needed mental health programs and services in remote Queensland. An outstanding achievement.
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