Using a borrowed bike from a mate, a 23-year-old landscaper recently completed a 24 hour charity ride to raise money for the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, headspace.
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Simon Rickeard of Wentworth Falls completed the cycling challenge "because of all the things that have been going on recently with COVID affecting people's lives, especially their mental health, so headspace is a perfect charity for that as they deal with early intervention mental health services for 12-25 year olds".
He started his ride on March 6 at 7am on his mate's bike (because his was getting fixed) finishing the same time the following day. Rickeard only took two short half hour breaks for meals and a few other short breaks for respite.
"I ride every day, plus have been on many bike adventures, which helped with the endurance factor required for this 24-hour ride."
"I recovered by having a few hours of sleep, going swimming and a cool down hour ride."
He has raised several hundred dollars.
"It all worked with my Dad and a few friends being pit crew. They followed me where they could with supplies and encouragement to keep going."
He has recovered well and said he only needed a new pair of gloves, because he wore the other pair out.
His journey took in the villages of Wentworth Falls, Katoomba, Blackheath, Mt Wilson, Bilpin and Penrith and Hawkesbury Heights.
Debra Mainwaring, the Senior Youth Access Team Clinician at headspace Katoomba thanked him for his efforts.
"Simon is a wonderful young man."
