Update on Preparation
People have been stopping me asking “so how are you going with the prep”, “well done on the fund raising” so I thought I’d give you a little update.
Firstly, I’d like to thank all who have donated to the Black Dog Institute through my fund raising drive. I set a personal goal of $3000 and with all you wonderful people, my tally is sitting at $2600 at the moment. Hopefully with 7 weeks to go, I’ll hit the goal.
How’s everything else going, pretty good!! I’m finally back in the saddle for short stints and as you do, pushing the boundaries. Fingers crossed my fitness continues to improve.
The trip home from Glen Helen Resort was finalised today….YAY!!! I have to thank a few people for their input and guidance on this one though – Paul, Mick, Jeff, Dad & John.
Now I’m in the process of booking the accomodation for the home trip. The funny bit is ringing some of these places and chatting to them. Some places are in the back of no where and the blokes that answer the phone well are…..(use your imagination). The phrase “how ya goin’ darl”, “na love”, “we gotta a bed in the room & if ya lucky ya might ‘ave a shower” all in that aussie drawl have been my favourites to chuckle at after I hang up. So with a bit of luck and more google research that’ll be nutted out in a week or so.
Will work on some maps so y’all can see where I’m going and can relate as the journey grows while I’m on the road.
That’s it for now.
Preparing for the Black Dog Ride
WOW, I have been waiting since September 2011 for the details of this ride to be available. Can’t believe time has gone so quickly but unfortunately it hasn’t been uneventful.
Too many losses have occurred during this time and two of them in particularly have torn my heart to pieces. One of these losses inspired me to seek out details of the Black Dog Institute to see how I can help. To my surprise there is a dedicated ride, which was started by a guy 3 years ago to bring awareness to depression and bipolar disease – hence The Black Dog Ride to the Red Centre was born.
This year I am going!! I’m excited and sad but hopefully I might find the reason why people make the ultimate decision to not be here anymore.
So the preparation for this mammoth ride is underway. Itinery is out, accommodation is booked for the various overnight stays for the journey to Alice and OMG there is just so much to do.
So let’s get a check list going and let’s hope I get it all ticked off:
- accommodation to Alice – check
- Official Black Dog Ride shirt ordered – check
- Winston – check
- luggage system – check
- packing list
- first aid, break down, ancillary tools, fire extinguisher and other must have stuff – check
- road readiness Angel
- book accommodation Home
Today I figured out the tie-down system for my soft panniers and stitched all the clips and straps in place. Fitted to Angel – awesome!! Just one little snag, they’re not big enough to take the kitchen sink (no seriously) for this trip they are not gonna cut it. So plan B will be instated – borrow Birdy’s hard luggage system. Birdy for those of you who don’t know is Karl’s Blackbird and Birdy has kindly offered them to me for this adventure – thanks Birdy 