DAY 15 – PORTLAND TO LAVERS HILL – 215KM – WILLY’S WAITED ON LIKE A KING WHILE THE MODERATOR’S CHECKED INTO REHAB…

The photograph is random and of a small town in SA en route to Tarlee. It’s accurate though, accurate in that at times this ride erodes all that was once vibrance and colour to leave behind little other than a whitewash fading ever so slowly. It would be no secret to the group that at the moment the wheels have fallen very much off. 80km today, every one of which was questioned. So easy it should have been to withdraw in Adelaide, yet I find myself in Murray Bridge, looking ever deeper inside for whatever it is that keeps one going forward. It is something shared though, shared by riders past and present, by starters and finishers alike. It is truly wonderful to watch Colin’s amazing ride, to marvel also at the tenacity of Willy, Caveman and B’juice, always smiling, sharing their ride so openly with others. Jimbo’s stoic progression and those further back than even I, two up, KP, Scotty and Derek, searching for and still finding that which keeps them moving forward. The reluctant withdrawals of Danny and Oompie, the latter I watched pedal standing up for three days straight and still outride me. Such courage and resilience is often only read about. I saw it and still struggle to comprehend it. So for now these thoughts are my companions. Not dark, just honest. There is no ego now, a fact which would no doubt please any Buddhist philosopher! It is time for tea. Thankyou all for allowing a space to share my thoughts. Tomorrow is indeed a new day.