A CRUSADING cyclist slipped out of town on Sunday after a few restful days in Mount Isa.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Will Ashley, 19, a gap year student, was overdue for the break, resting an injured knee.
The Mount Isa stop was part of his journey from the Daly Waters Pub in the Northern Territory (where he has been working for five months during his gap year), home to Coffs Harbour.
The 3200-kilometre trip is expected to take 25 days.
During this journey Mr Ashley will attempt to make an impact on the lives of adolescents living in rural communities.
He will show a short documentary he is producing of the Murray River kayak trip he completed, alongside motivational speaking, at schools he passes to try to motivate other teenagers to life healthy lives to the full, without being dependent on drugs and alcohol to have a good time.
Another goal of the trip is to raise $10,000 for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, which Mr Ashley has previously raised money for.
So far he has raised a little more than $8200.
“I’ve always been one to take the challenging path as opposed to the easy one, because I love both pushing myself to the limit and the feeling gained when one overcomes adversity,’’ he said.
‘‘The reason I raise money is so those less fortunate - ie in this case with cancer - can hopefully be given the same opportunities I’ve been given and are able to live their own lives to the full.’’
So why is Mr Ashley doing what he’s doing?
“While I have not been personally affected by cancer myself, my mother had breast cancer when I was two years old [she has since recovered],’’ he said.
‘‘As a result of this, my family has grown up participating in various charitable events such as the Relay For Life.
“I am really enjoying my time in Mount Isa, despite the fact I have had to have a few days off due to a knee injury.
‘‘I have been given free accommodation at the Discovery Caravan Park, which is fantastic and I really appreciate.
‘‘It’s so nice to see the generosity of strangers when doing a trip like this.”
Mr Ashley has been humbled by the generosity of people and for the help and support he has received.
He was forced to get a lift with a truckie across the Barkly Tablelands because of the knee injury, but thanks to physio James Anderson at Mount Isa Physiotherapy, he left town confident of completing his adventure.
“I take this opportunity to thank sponsors of the trip - Banana Coast Credit Union, Ortlieb Panniers Allegro Bikes and Kauri Sports Apparel,” he said.
For more information visit Mr Ashley’s website www.cycleforacure.weebly.com or search for Cycle For A Cure on Facebook.