~260km Bikepacking Trip

Welcome to my fundraising page!

Hello all!

I am doing a roughly 260km bike packing journey to raise much needed funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation! The ACRF are at the forefront of cancer research and hold the technology and know how to keep pushing the envelope, and to save many many more lives!

This is going to be a massive challenge for me as I am so so out of my depth with absolutely 0 experience or knowledge, and no one to show me the ropes! Just a will and a map way! This trip is very special to me and my family as it is inspired directly from my beautiful, amazing, strong mother who recently battled a rare incurable lymphoma and made it to the other side. 35 years ago mum and her friend Katzy rode their bikes through China, an incredible feat for anyone, especially way back in those days!! They chose a wild adventure and route with nothing but gear and no fear!!!

Mum is so amazing with how she goes about life - full of joy, positivity and an unshakeable goer attitude, never afraid to have a crack and push herself, all while having fun!

Time to follow in her footsteps and do her proud, in a special way, by doing something that she has loved throughout her life. This trip will take me through the beautiful, raw terrain of the 12 Apostles Marine National Park and the Great Otway National Park. Exposed and rugged coastline and rainforest hinterland that can muster up any weather, from sunny 'no weather days' to Antarctic 'polar blasts', anything could happen on this journey and it's safe to say that forecasted rain and wind will be upping the challenge level!!! On top of that, this is my first big ride in years, and especially since a long and gnarly back/ hip injury that I have been dealing with for a few years. Only in the past month or so have I been feeling better after it flared back up earlier in the year. I am grateful to be able to set off on this journey with a feeling of steadiness in my body and am keen and ready to push it through this long slog!

Can't wait to get out there - I am so so grateful for any support that people can give! Anything will make a difference and there is lots of ways to support this great cause that doesn't involve money like volunteering for organisations/ at cancer centres, sharing my fundraiser to family and friends or by doing your own.

Before I set off, I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands this journey passes through: the Djargurd Wurrung, Girai Wurrung, Gadubanud, and Gulidjan Peoples.

As I ride, I acknowledge and pay my deep respect to the Elders—past, present, and emerging—who have cared for these forests, coastlines, and waters for tens of thousands of years.

I recognise their continuing connection to the Country and commit to travelling through this beautiful place with a sense of responsibility and respect for its natural and cultural heritage.

Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land. 

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I will be donating 20c for every dollar raised over $1000, 25c for every dollar over $2000 and 30c for every dollar over $2500. This money will be split evenly between two First Nations organisations: 

Seed is an Indigenous youth-led climate network, empowering Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people to protect Country, culture and communities from the ever growing problem of climate change. Our Story - Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) who's expansive primary healthcare network spans more than 550 sites, providing over 3.1 million episodes of care each year to 410,000 people, including vital healthcare services in remote regions. NACCHO is dedicated to supporting culturally informed, community-led healthcare. www.naccho.org.au/aboriginal-community-controlled-health/

Thank you again!

Lots of love from Lachie ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️