Fixin' Poverty - Fri 30 Sept

The 'night-shift' was 6 x 2 hr rotations shared between 3 riders. A few navigational points: Head East to Cobar, North to Bourke, East towards Walgett. Teamwork got them through.

Meanwhile the night-crew shot ahead to a camp spot about 40km east of Bourke (we're no longer in the Back of Bourke!!), to a campsite on the Bogan River. We were still experiencing strong wind gusts at midnight, so we ditched the gazebos and just slept on stretchers under the stars - absolutely magic! We awoke to the message that the riders had gone past, so after a few photos of the sunrise (who knew that the Bogan River could be so pretty?), we were packed up and chasing the riders down.

The drama of the morning (though not a major issue), was that the ute 'home base' got a flat tyre. They were able to change it and get the original repaired in Walgett, while the rest of the crew waited a cute little cafe and gift store. Caffeine quantities (and quality) have increased as we've travelled further east - I am looking forward to a proper sit-down coffee when we return to Brisbane.

I think fatigue levels are causing us all to be a bit flat today. There's a limited amount of time you can run on the adrenaline/excitement, I can't speak for everyone, but I think I've probably reached that point. Fortunately the end is very much in sight. We can almost smell Queensland :-) I reckon the excitement of the final 24 hours will keep us going.

We're making plans for the finish line (keep an eye on Facebook for the updates). The final route into Thornlands is still a work in progress. It's awesome to see everyone's skills and experiences come into play as we optioneer the final day of this event. The team has been brilliant, such a great crew to spend the week with. Many of us came into this event knowing only 1 or 2 people. Over the course of this week, we've bonded over hardship, sleep deprivation, wonderful meals, coffee and a mutual love of warm showers (for the girls anyway). It's with mixed feelings that I head I to the final 24 hours...

HAPPY that we'll soon be home, that the brain can slow down a bit and we'll be back in warm beds, away from killer mozzies and flies, but 
Semi-SAD that it will all be over.

It's been a totally different lifestyle living this nomadic, hectic way for a week. It's been fun, challenging, insightful and very rewarding. Knowing that we can use our skills and passions to help assist others and make a difference to the students at Eagles Wings is what has kept me going (and I've loved hanging out with these guys). The difference that Eagles Wings makes cannot be understated - the quality of education they receive is first class and the dedication, passion and professionalism of the staff is a testament to the strong in-country leadership. You can partner with us and support this work through prayer and financial support. 

You can also get involved physically, by joining us for the NZ Challenge 2016. We fly out of Australia on Thursday 1st December to cycle 7 days (Fri-Fri), 1200km from Christchurch to Milford Sound, finishing in Queenstown on Saturday 10 December. There's still time to get yourself a bike and start training for this event - we still have spots in Team 20 and 27. My training will step up, once I return home from this event. Will you join us? Go on - challenge yourself!

- Nat.