A GROUP of four people, four horses and four dogs will stop over in Gunnedah next week, as part of an epic 3000km ride from Queensland to Tasmania to raise money for vital medical services.
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The Long Ride 4 Life team set off on July 16, and involves doctor and cancer survivor, Andrew Gibson, his wife Terrill, and her stockman father Harold Riley, as well as Dutch architectural technician and horsewoman, Anna Hoogeboom.
They started the 100-day journey on horseback from the Australian Stockman’s Halls of Fame at Longreach and have been travelling through central western Queensland via stock routes.
This week the team is riding through outback NSW, stopping in Gunnedah on Monday night, September 1, where they will host a barbecue at the PCYC to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
“So far, throughout the 35 days in Queensland, we have faced very hard yakka with plenty of challenges and the usual ‘behind the scene’ developments that beset any major adventure - poor or no internet or phone connection; equipment failure including torn shredded trailer tyres, a fatigued disintegrated trailer wheel rim; and a separating trailer wheel guard, gastro, a bucking bronco horse and now it’s raining,” Terrill said.
“There’s a lot of happy farmers, but not so many happy horse riders. Just like the metal we’ve been suffering fatigue, breakdowns and blowouts as well.”
The journey is expected to take 100 days to complete, with the team riding on through Victoria before arriving at Ulverstone in Tasmania on November 1.
Along the way, the group said it has experienced great community support, including from Rotary clubs.
“The heart and soul of our time in Queensland has been the amazing local people we’ve met who have overwhelmed us with their generosity and support.We’re proud to say we’ve reached 10 per cent of our $250,000 target.”
The Gunnedah community is being urged to support the Leukaemia Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service by attending the fundraiser barbecue at the PCYC, hosted by the Rotary Club, on Monday at 6.30pm.
People can also support the cause by visiting the Long Ride 4 Life Facebook page or the website www.longride4life.com where you can donate.
