The planning for the Australia West Coast Bike Ride is in its final stages of preparation. John Nelson and Ted Lowe have taken delivery of their Tri-Sled HPV cycles and Rotarian Terry White and wife, Lois, have offered to be the support team and have supplied the support vehicle for the entire trip.

John was interviewed on ABC radio and they have requested to be kept informed every three days of the ride to keep listeners informed of the progress.

A news article, with photograph, has appeared in Rotary Down Under and we have received responses from Rotarians to join the ride in Gippsland.

John and Ted have received sponsorship from Patties Pies and a number of donations from individuals, friends and Rotary Clubs reaching a total of $6,000.00.

The team will be given a farewell at a ceremony to be held at the rotunda in the Main Street of Bairnsdale by the Mayor, District Governor and State Member of Parliament, Hon Craig Ingram on Wednesday 26th May 2004. Terry and Lois will leave immediately, so that they can reach Darwin on 4th June and John and Ted are expected to fly to Darwin on Tuesday 3rd June.

John has penned the following poem -
"To ride a bike from Darwin,
right down the coastal west.
To find the strength to ride each
day, your food must be the best.
And so when people ask you,
it comes as no surprise.
The energy food we can't go past,
of course is Patties Pies."

Clubs who have indicated their willingness to host the team, can expect the team to arrive on the date indicated in previous correspondence. There has been a change of route from Warrnambool to Geelong in Victoria.
All Clubs will be contacted by Lois ( Support Team ) a few days before arrival.
The team has received support with a satellite phone and lap top computer for the entire ride.

It is important to note that donations over $2.00 are tax deductible and receipts will be issued during the bike ride. The final ride from Sale to Bairnsdale will be very special as all riders will be required to donate $100.00 for the privilege to ride with Ted and John.
John Nelson's previous Club, Langwarrin, has arranging a special jazz evening on his arrival in late October.

Please feel free to contact me, John Butler, ajejbutler@ozemail.com.au or 03 5156 9342.

For information on the Australia West Coast Bike Ride, please check the web page- www.mrrc.org.au/bikeride