As night turns to day once more, Bernie sets off on his final leg into Sydney. After visiting relatives in Mittagong, NSW and Bowral, the home of Cricket Legend Sir Donald Bradman, Bernie is beginning to feel the excitement and anticipation that awaits him in Sydney. For over five weeks now, Bernie and his bike have been travelling across our sunburnt country, starting in Scarborough Beach, WA and making the journey to Bondi Beach, NSW. There have been many ‘bumps in the road’ to overcome, cold nights sleeping rough, and the mental challenge of continuing to push on against all odds.
“When considering the stature of an athlete or for that matter any person, I set great store in certain qualities which I believe to be essential in addition to skill. They are that the person conducts his or her life with dignity, with integrity, courage, and perhaps most of all, with modesty. These virtues are totally compatible with pride, ambition, and competitiveness.” – Sir Donald Bradman
Bernie is currently making his decent from the Great Dividing Range into the surrounding suburbs of Sydney, into Chester Hill where he will stay with family until the official welcoming ceremony into Bondi Beach. Not only will this last leg test Bernie physically after being on the bike for five weeks. It will test him mentally also. This is it. The final leg. What all of these kilometres have stacked up to. Now it is all coming to a close.
Bernie has achieved a tremendous feat, connecting rural communities through Neighbourhood Watch, promoting the NHW Connect online app, and acting as an ambassador for Neighbourhood Watch Australasia and their community level organisations. “It is quite a surreal feeling,” he recently commented to his support crew. “I feel like I’ve achieved something amazing!”
As Bernie continues his ride to Bondi Beach he grows more and more dedicated to connect communities, meet new people, share stories, and celebrate in the Australian spirit. Show Bernie your support no matter where you are in Australia or overseas! Follow along with Bernie via the NHWA Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter – share stories with #journeywithbernie #ridetoconnect2017 #nhwkeepingyousafe
Will you be at Bondi Beach to welcome Bernie onto the sand? Bernie will be surprised by some of his welcoming crew! 10am outside the Bondi Pavilion Tuesday 4th April, Bondi Beach, Sydney.
