Well I arrived home on Thursday afternoon at 5:30pm (a bit later than I had expected), with some 7229.4 kays travelled in the 13 days (average 556.1 kays per day).
I could’ve ridden for more to be honest. When an event finishes and you start to head home it does seem to take ages, but the last day….knowing you will be home that day, something changes how you feel and while I could’ve ridden more, I didn’t want to.
The Black Dog cause is one that has touched my heart deeply and had Darani not sort help through them I wouldn’t have known about the wonderful Institute. Over 500 riders took part in the event with over 200 of them (me included) going ALL THE WAY to the Red Centre-Alice Springs. As of the 30th August the Black Dog Ride 2012 has raised a whopping $234,000 for the Institute – well done! My personal fund raising effort has reached $7150.00 (the 6th overall highest individual fund raiser) which is all THANKS to YOU!!! for backing me in something that I truly believe in.
As you have read in my blog which has now gone nationwide, there were high’s and lows to this journey / adventure / experience of a lifetime. I don’t think it would have had the same impact if it were on a different date range. The 18th & 19th of August (our first 2 days) were of significant meaning to me. The 18th was the last day I saw and held Darani, the 19th, well she was gone. Those days were particularly difficult and had it not been for some wonderful people I’ve met I don’t know how I could’ve continued. So thank you to Phil, Kim, Audrey, Noel & Brian for lending a shoulder, your hearts and your compassion as I proceeded to crumble at times – you guys are the best.
Solitude on the road is a wonderful place but also one that can be treacherous as it allows your mind to drift. In saying that, I had a moment on the road to The Barkly Homestead where I had to pull into a rest area and dry my face. It’s here I met a couple, travelling nomads they are from WA. They saw the dog on the back and thought it was real…lol (that did happen quite a bit). Anyway they asked the question “what’s it about?” so I proceeded to explain. The husband said “I wish I’d met you or known about the Black Dog Institute after the war, so I know what you are doing is admirable”. His wife then comes back with a hand full of gold coins and gives it to me and said “go save someone sweetheart”. I gave them both a hug and the details if they need them, to the institute before heading on the road again. Meeting people like these folk along the way and spreading the word made me feel extremely proud to be a part of the ride.
Angel performed beautifully and I can only thank her for looking after me while we travelled around the country. However, her shoes are as square as a house brick (to be expected though) due to all the straight road riding we did. Was an exciting moment though when we encountered a bend or even better when we actually got a corner. So Friday I spent most of the day giving her a well deserved bubble bath and service (the oil was yuk!) Angel is looking beautiful again and ready for the next trip.
Now luggage. If you are going to attend something like this IMO, a hard luggage setup is the go. It’s easy to clip on and off and is waterproof and 99% dust proof. A little tip is to get or make some bag liners to put your gear in, inside the luggage, much more easier to open the pannier and take out a bag rather than take everything off…….so I’ll be looking to make some liners for Karl’s luggage which I borrowed.
There are so many people to thank so here goes;
Mum & Dad for raising me in the way you have and for being proud of my achievements, no matter how large or small.
The Gaffs (extended family) for being there through the trauma that the passing of a dear friend has left.
My workplace and boss, who have given me latitude to pursue this journey and supported me in a way I have not ever known a workplace to do before.
To Sam, Jessica and Lindsey, I cannot even put into words how much you mean to me. I’m sorry our efforts could not save your beautiful wife, mother and my best friend. Your unconditional welcoming of me into your family some 21 years ago is something I just don’t know how to thank you for.
Finally, but by no means least, Karl. Karl you are my tower, my heart and my love and without your unconditional love and support there is NO WAY I could’ve gotten through the last 12 months let alone been able to partake on this journey. You have seen me at my best and my worst, warts, tears and all and been there to sop up every emotional eruption that has permeated from me. I hope I did you proud as I am as proud of you. I love you xxx
If the journey we riders and pillions have just embarked on has made one difference in one persons decision about life, then we have achieved a goal. Don’t feel you are alone or have to deal with things on your own, you don’t have too!! Reach out, it’s hard but doable, you will be surprised at the response.
In closing, Darani, what can I say. I’m sorry we could not save you from the decision that you felt you must make. You are/were an inspiration to so many people (it’s a shame you couldn’t see it). I am such a better person for having had you in my life. You taught me about friendship, something I didn’t really have until I met you, (amongst other things). You are and will continue to be dearly missed my friend.
This ride was in the loving memory of my best friend Darani Jacqueline Salanitro, may you now rest in peace xxx
