Andrew Tong | Triathlon coaching

Day 2 ended with a meal (yes we like to eat) and a chance to hear a story from Cathy’s Story who was helped by the Salvos during the drought. This is where the funds are going, to local communities helping people who really need it. Keep the donations coming in, it is great to finish a ride each day and see that I have received more donations thanks.

Day 3 was billed as an easy day cycling from Goulburn to Canberra, a total of 117k and 913m of climbing. Ok it was a shorter but some nice rolling hills towards the end. For most of the day we did have a tail wind to push us along. Along the way our coffee van greeted us at Tarago for a coffee break and then onto Bungendore for lunch, before rolling onto Canberra. Compared to yesterday it was easier and in Canberra we cycled around Parliament House and had a group photo shoot.

Tomorrow will be a later start as we are attending a Red Shield lunch in Canberra before a ride to Cooma, the current weather forecast looks a little grim, so we hope the forecast is wrong and the weather stays nice. #RedShieldRide #RedShieldAppeal

Day 1 ended with a nice group meal and guest speakers from local supporters of The Salvation Army Illawarra region educating us on the work the Salvos do in the local area and why the funds are needed. So keep digging deep friends (or foe) and help me exceed my target, I am now over $4,000 raised but want to get to above $5,000 before Melbourne in eight days time.

Day 2 started with some trepidation or excitement we were about to take on Jamberoo Pass which is about 600m of elevation and very steep and then on to Robertson to the famous pie shop. I would go back to the Pie shop again, seriously the climb was tough but worth the hard work with great views over the region. There is always a great sense of achievement in concurring such a climb. With the majority of the hard work over in the first 35k it was then onto Goulburn just a mere 115k away with plenty of rolling hills and country side. It was lovely to be out in the fresh air doing what something many people don’t get the chance to do.  The days stats were 153.6k and 2,178m of climbing. Many weary bodies rolled in Goulburn glad for a rest.

One of the benefits of a group ride is we have our own coffee van meeting us at various points. We were met by the Coffee van at the Jamberoo lookout. I wish I had a personal coffee van for every ride.

Thanks for the continued support, looking forward to day 3 an easier day riding to Canberra. #RedShieldRide #RedShieldAppeal

The journey has begun. After a nice breakfast with family and supporters at the SCG, we said our farewells, completed a few laps of the SCG and then started our ride. Spirits were high and plenty of smiles and enthusiasm. The weather was perfect too.

It was very stop start through Sydney with all the traffic lights and we were glad to enter the National Park at Audley south of Sydney. We were also very lucky as there was back burning in progressing and fortunately the smoke was blowing away from us. It is always a marvellous view at Stanwell Tops and today did not disappoint and riding over scenic bridge is just as spectacular. We arrived at Wollongong for a well earned lunch and coffee and then then made the final journey to Kiama.

Today’s ride was 130k with 1,400m of climbing. Thanks for the donations and keep them coming in, I am getting closer to my fundraiser goal, please help me achieve my goal before I get to Melbourne.

A great first day, time to recover and get ready for day 2. #RedShieldRide #RedShieldAppeal

I am privileged to be riding from Sydney to Melbourne starting on Monday 29th April 2019. I use the word privileged as this word aptly describes why I am doing it. I am raising funds for The Salvation Army who support so many in our community who do not share the same privileges as me. You can donate to my ride here.  I am going to try really hard to post a daily update on this page of my progress. If you know me this will be a challenge in itself.

This is our ride itinerary. I look forward to the journey, cycling through this beautiful country that we live in, meeting fellow cyclists, the sore legs and backside. Thanks to everyone who has supported me. #RedShieldRide #RedShieldAppeal

RSR 2019 Itinerary