Pushing well and truly past his limits, the brave Executive Manager of Community Engagement for Western Australia Police and Neighbourhood Watch Australasia’s President, Bernie Durkin is quickly learning how to survive ‘out bush’ and cycling in unprecedented heat.
Bernie is putting his body on the line, cycling from Perth to Sydney, encouraging people to connect with their local communities and get online using the ‘NHWConnect application’. The app allows residents interested in safeguarding their communities to join local closed Neighbourhood Watch groups to exchange ideas and information.
Bernie is currently pedalling through Day Five of his journey to the east coast of Australia. He set out on his journey from Scarborough Beach in Perth on Saturday 25 February, farewelled by a massive crowd of supporters, friends, family and Neighbourhood Watch community members. The excitement from the crowd filled Bernie with adrenaline and delight, pushing himself well past his paces up the 100km rigorous hill into Northam for his first nights stop.
Met by another hot and gruelling 40+ degree celsius day on the road, Bernie’s spirit is far from deterred. Supported by friends he continues onto Cunderdin, Kellerberrin, Bodallin, Southern Cross, and as of this writing onto Boorabbin. The journey to date hasn’t been without it’s hiccups along the way, namely mechanical troubles with his bike. On day two he even managed to snap his bike chain! A big thank you to the team at Midland Cycles for their assistance. Bernie’s tinkering skills are sure to fix any and all maintenance troubles along the way.
So far Bernie has experienced more than he could have imagined throughout the long ride from Scarborough to Boorabbin. Sleeping in a swag under the stars, negotiating roads with road trains, sweltering heat, and flies, flies and more flies! But he is still all smiles as he meets friendly locals from communities far and wide.
As he paces himself day-by-day, we are watching Bernie’s progress closely via his GPS Tracking Spot. You can see his progress here and follow along with Bernie via the NHWA Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter – share stories with #journeywithbernie #ridetoconnect2017 #nhwkeepingyousafe
