25000spins

Have a look at how the world spends money. It definitely reflects certain priorities. What about us personally? How does our spending compare?

(Source: The state of human development, United Nations Human Development Report  from http://www.globalissues.org/issue/235/consumption-and-consumerism

Global Priority	$U.S. Billions
Cosmetics in the United States	8
Ice cream in Europe	11
Perfumes in Europe and the US	12
Pet Foods in Europe and the US	17
Military spending in the world	780

 

Global Priority	$U.S. Billions
Basic eduction for all	6
Water and sanitation for all	9
Reproductive health for all woman	12
Basic health and nutrition	13

It is with a mixed measure of relief and sadness that I report the completion of the Great Ocean Road charity ride for 2012. In total we rode almost 300kms, consumed almost 300 bananas and held up well over 300 cars. With 32 riders coming from around Australia including Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, we bonded quickly as we puffed and sweated our way from Geelong to Warrnambool.

 

The ride began on a wet and cold and dark Sunday morning, the rain bucketing down as we rode from Geelong. Fortunately the rain died away after an hour or so and we felt no further rain for the duration of the ride. The sun came out, our shoes dried out, and we settled in for 3 days of cruising through the undulating hills and by the majestic coastline of the Great Ocean Road.

 

 

One rider suffered 6 flat tires himself! (Found out along the way later that a small piece of glass had embedded in the tyre, piercing each tube he inflated).

In total we raised over $66,000 towards our three charites: ADRA, Compassion and the Botswana Orphan Project. With the government matching donations to ADRA, this equated to over $100,000. A great effort. Matthew Siliga of ADRA has said that he will let us know exactly what our money has achieved, so I will forward this information on to you when I have received it.

 

 

There will also be a few more formal photos coming through as well. I have learnt many things through this experience. Here are a few:

 

1. The smell of roadkill is much worse when you are struggling for air up a hill on a bicycle.
2. The rider with the flashiest bike isn't always the flashiest rider
3. Likewise, don't assume you can keep up with the dodgiest bike.
4. Don't underestimate the old blokes
5. Riding for charity really unifies a team
6. When you are cold and wet and darkness surrounds you, the sun will eventually come out
7. It pays to ask... there are generous people who are willing to support a good cause
8. Spending time with the Father-in-Law can be a great experience
9. After a difficult climb, there is a tremendous down-hill run
10. Home is never more comfortable, nor my wife more beautiful, nor my kids more treasured than when I am slogging it alone hundreds of miles away.
11. Every hour in training is worth it
12. As one person I can't change the world, but I can change the world for one person.

Thankyou for your support. Through hard work and generosity we've made a positive impact in the lives of many. Randall (Roo)

 

Over the past couple of months I’ve been looking back at my visit to Haiti and Dominican Republic with Compassion Australia in April 2008. That visit is the main reason I’m passionate about taking park in the 25000 Spins Great Ocean Road Challenge. Next month I’ll be riding 290 kilometres in three days and I need your support. By sponsoring my efforts on the challenge you’ll be releasing children from poverty. You’ll be giving children a real chance at life.

Please visit my fundraising page and make a contribution. Maybe you can afford to sponsor me for a dollar a kilometre, maybe 50 cents a kilometre, or perhaps you’d just like to donate $10, $20, $50 or any other amount. Check out his blog.

 

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I just had to share the below email from a friend of mine who was set to do the Swiss trip but missed out due to border control people. His route was slightly different from the "Official" Swiss trip and incorporated a few extra mountains. He also didn't have the luxury of food, water on tap and a support vehicle catering to your every need and carrying all your bags. His email had me in stitches.

 

 

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Hey Craig,

 

My update on the Swiss cycle trip,

 

So I arrive in Geneva around lunchtime on Saturday and the bike hire guy gives me the bike, I take one look at it and I say "where are the panniers?, I'm sure I booked panniers" and he goes "panniers are €25 per day extra" - my heart sinks as I realise I'm going to have to carry all my stuff on my back! (Didn't really have a choice as it just wasn't possible in the budget) But I took your advice and emptied just about everything that wasn't essential for survival - but still half way up the mountain it feels like you're carrying a lead fridge.

 

Day one was actually ok, made good time into Vevay, bit sore but feeling somewhat capable and pleased with myself, relatively drama free.

 

Day Two aka Day from Hell! The local hostel owner gives me pathologically understated descriptions of the intensity of the hills..... I only found out after I got back that asking the locals perhaps isn't always the best thing.

 

I took the Chair lift thing from Vevay to Chatel St Denis - about 10 mins and 5 Euros. A few Day 2 highlights;

Switzerland is one of those places that photos fail to capture. The dramatic scenery is awesome.

 

 

 

Day 4 is not for the faint hearted. Mountain biking in St Moritz is wow.com.

 

 

“I've always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives.” Billy Connolly

The final day begins with perhaps abit more stiffness but alot more excitement then the first day. Paris is less than 110 km away.

 

 

4 days and approx 360 km and we crest the final hill with a stunning view of the Eiffel tower. Arriving into Paris is a sweet feeling.

 

The 2011 group at the finish line. An excellent team of people raising over 13,000 pounds for ADRA and UNICEF.

 

Watching the end of the Tour de France on the following day is an excellent way to wrap up our cycle to Paris. Being an Australian and having Cadel Evans win the Tour de France an even better ending. Ozzie ozzie.

The promise of amazing pizza and the stunning town of Rouen kept the cyclists motivated in the mixed weather conditions of day 2. I love the French countryside. France is made for cycling.

I am on my way now to the start point of the London to Paris ride. Its a little cool today which should be good. :) Bring it on.