I am very proud of ‘seniors’ that inspire a generation half their age – a reminder that life is for living and age is no barrier. My parents just upped the ante!
You may have already read up on my DNA that helped maketh me, but let me tell you more about my unstoppable parents. I’d like to shine some light on an epic journey these adorably mad 77 year olds are about to undertake.
After picking up cycling as a hobby in their 70’s (yes, aged 70’s not 1970s) Del and Cindy Henley are about to complete their wild vision to complete the circumnavigation of Australia, via push bike. With no support, they will tow a meager trailer behind each bike containing essentials (water, sleeping bag, roll mat, dried food, first aid kit, repair kit) from Cairns to Perth. 7000km, cycling 50-120km per day depending on terrain and weather, PER DAY (in case that didn’t quite resonate) to achieve their goal.
Just this cycle ride alone will take around 4 months.
Exhausted just reading it? Continue.
Since hitting their 70’s they’ve made several ‘smaller’ journeys in Australia, which in themselves are also epic 3,000km cycles. Perth to Adelaide – across the Nullarbor Plains; Adelaide to Gold Coast; and Adelaide to Darwin. This last stretch Cairns to Perth completes their vision.
Why are they conquering Australia by bike?
Because they can; because they refuse to let their senior years stop a challenge and their youthful vigour; because they squeeze every ounce of living they can, while they can.
Being married 54 years and counting, this was only ever to be a shared adventure.
Both have had parents who have suffered neurological issues: dementia, alzheimers – both brutal disorders that have had momentous effects on their lives and families. It is no surprise that their charity of choice, and in fact official fundraisers for, the Neurological Foundation of NZ.
More about their Cairns to Perth cycle adventure
‘Unsupported’ means just that. There is no road crew, no courtesy vans, no comfy hotel rooms at the end of each day, no sponsors. A typical stay could include a roadhouse if they are lucky, a cabin in a camp site for a bit of luxury, but mostly red dirt on which to pitch their tent under the stars. Water is heavy. Their cargo trailers each carry 30-35kg and that includes all living essentials.
At times in their upcoming ride, their journey is so remote that there is no mobile coverage for days, no road stops for something as simple as a bottle of water. Puncture repairs are fixed on the run, meals can often be as basic as tinned sardines and creamed rice: and yes, while it may sound like a squeamish menu they are chosen for protein and carbohydrates and eaten cold straight from the can.
Cindy takes photos and blogs from her mobile, uploading them daily – battery and mobile coverage willing. Their day will begin at the crack of dawn (earlier actually) so they can do the majority of their kilometers before the extreme outback temperatures sap their energy. By nightfall they are exhausted: time to pitch their tent under a tree (if they are lucky enough to find shade) unfurl their roll mats, and collapse!
They leave in just two weeks!
Why am I sharing this?
I am so very proud. They are such an inspiration to me and my siblings who share my sentiments. If you feel inspired please share their journey with your friends and family too. It will be an amazing adventure fraught with challenges but if life is for living, these two surely get a gold star.
You can follow their daily blog or via social channels:
- Blog: www.cairnstoperthcycle.blogspot.com
- Facebook: /CainstoPerthCycle
- Instagram: #cairnstoperthcycle
Their cycle adventure does have a purpose beyond their personal achievement: raising funds for Neurological Foundation of NZ (Brain Research). Any support you may be able to give via their Give-A-Little page would make them feel so very chuffed.
If you have any queries, please do ask. I’ll be in touch with them one-way-or-other on a regular basis throughout their adventure.
