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Gulf 2 Gulf Ride - In Memory of Grace

By Johanna English

My Activity Tracking

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Raised

$15,271

My Goal

$10,000

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My Updates

2022 Gulf 2 gulf Riders

Monday 18th Jul

Finished the Gulf 2 Gulf Ride

Monday 18th Jul
22 riders set out from Karumba on June 14. 2 more joined us in Birdsville. All 24 made it safely to Port Augusta yesterday with no serious injuries. We shared our last meal together in Quorn on Tuesday night at the Transcontinental Hotel then returned at 8 am the following morning for a group photo to commemorate our transcontinental bike ride. Climbing for the first 10 km helped warm us up after yet another frosty start to our day. After battling headwinds for almost the entire trip we were rewarded with a ripper 31 km descent to Port Augusta before the winds built up. We arrived at 10.15 am. Front tyres were dipped into the waters of the Spencer Gulf, photos taken, bikes boxed and luggage packed, goodbyes said then it was on the buses to head to Adelaide. Observant ones may notice it was a different bike I dipped into the waters - as my bike suffered a major issue with its rear suspension when on the Birdsville Track. Fortunately there was a spare bike available which allowed me to complete the ride.

1250km completed

Tuesday 28th Jun
We arrived in Birdsville this afternoon and have now completed 1250km. Today was a challenging day for all due to the almost constant strong winds. No respite at all. By early afternoon we were battling gusts up to 30 km/hr. 
We are all looking forward to a rest day tomorrow then we start on the Birdsville Track. Unfortunately the strong winds are predicted to continue. 

Bush Camping for the next 3 nights

Wednesday 22nd Jun
Tomorrow is 100km to a bush camp. We will bush camp for the next 3 nights. We will all look and smell a bit unpleasant by the time we roll into the park at Boulia. 

Week 1 is completed!

Wednesday 22nd Jun
Yesterday was our longest day - 120km from Cloncurry to Mt Isa. 
Fortunately being Sunday we didn't have the usual number of road trains to contend with and the headwinds abated. For a short time we even had a tailwind.

Not long until the gulf 2 gulf begins

Friday 27th May

Gulf 2 Gulf Route

Monday 23rd May
This is the Gulf to Gulf route taking 105hrs. Given the amount of rain lately there will be some detours around flooded roads and rivers so it may be more than the original 2,200km.
Friday 29th Apr

In June/July this year I’m participating in a small, supported bike ride across Australia, starting in Karumba and finishing 4 weeks later in Port Augusta.  The ride is called the Gulf 2 Gulf Ride as it starts with dipping the back tyre of our bikes in the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria and is completed when we dip the front tyre in the waters of the Spencer Gulf at Port Augusta.  Basically, the ride is divided into 4 sections – week 1 cycling through the dry tropics of the Gulf Country until we reach Mt Isa for a rest day.  Week 2 is through the Channel Country, heading from Mt Isa to Dajarra, Boulia, Bedourie to reach Birdsville.  Week 3 is spent cycling the Birdsville Track to Maree and from there week 4 takes us through the beautiful Flinders Ranges to finish in Port Augusta.

 

The ride is also known as the Bike n Wheels Expedition.  I did this ride in 2019 starting at Port Augusta cycling north to Karumba.

 

Apart from appreciating the countryside from the slower form of self-propelled travel, I must confess I loved the serenity and solitude of sleeping in a tent for just over 4 weeks.

 

Plans I had for long rides have been thwarted by COVID these past 2 years, but when this ride was offered again, I was keen to ride it in the opposite direction – I’m sure the countryside will look so different with the waters which have been travelling through the channel country to reach Lake Eyre and I’m keen to see the changes in vegetation and birdlife.

 

I decided I would dedicate this ride to Grace Lawrence, our beautiful receptionist from Golden Beach General Practice, a wonderful person with whom I had the privilege of working for more than 20 years.  Grace was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 and died at Dove Cottage in January 2022.

 

As a GP I’ve always appreciated Dove Cottage and the Palliative Medicine services we have on the Sunshine Coast to assist with the care of our patients in the terminal phase of their lives. 

 

Spending time with Grace whilst she was in Dove Cottage I came to appreciate this facility through the eyes of family and friends as they visit their loved ones.  This is a very special place.  I would like to raise some money to support the ongoing work of the Dove Cottage.

The June Canavan Foundation will match fundraising up to a total of $5,000, effectively doubling your donations.

I'm dedicating this ride to Grace Lawrence

Tuesday 5th Apr
I decided I would dedicate this ride to Grace Lawrence. Golden Beach General Practice was privileged to have Grace as one of our receptionists for more than 20 years. She was Grace by name and by nature. Grace was professional, genuine, fun loving, compassionate, selfless and a loyal friend to all. Grace was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 and died at Dove Cottage in January 2022. It was during the times I spent with Grace whilst she was at Dove Cottage that I got to appreciate this facility through the eyes of family and friends as they visit their loved ones. This is a very special place. I would like to raise some money to support the ongoing work of the Dove Cottage.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$1.11k

Ochre Easter Raffle

$1,000

X-ray & Imaging

We're honored to support you as you embark on your journey and raise awareness and funds for a meaningful cause. Safe travels from X-Ray & Imaging.

$1,000

Patricia Pease

Best wishes Jo. Hope you have a fabulous trip. I would love to have joined you except for the collywobbles regarding the scale of the trip. I will be with you in spirit. In memory of our beloved Gracie.

$900

Anonymous

$900

Gulf 2 Gulf Riders

What a ride!!!

$615

Amalia Salmucci, Miriam Rohl And Anna Mcdonnell

In loving memory of our beautiful daughter and sister 💓 a great big heartfelt thank you to you Jo for your dedication and love for our Gracie 💕 we love you 💓

$500

Anne Gripper

$470

Jane Fisher

Thanks for all the compassion and medical advice on Gulf to Gulf

$316.50

Ochre Health

An amazing effort for a very worthy cause!

$263.75

Grahame Gordon

Hi Johanna Awesome ride, awesome cause. Well done Cheers Grahame

$261

Carol Kidu

Jo, as always you are amazing. This small donation from me is on behalf of all my family and your family and friends at Tutu Beach Retreat in Papua New Guinea. Putting the face to the name I remember Grace for the beautiful person that she was and much loved by our late mother., Dorothy Millwater.

$250

Tim Mcnamara

Enjoy the scenery

$250

Patricia Gimpel

With you in spirit Jo. Hope all goes well.

$250

Carmel Mahoney

I know you are riding in memory of Grace, remember, regardless of the conditions you encounter, be graceful [and keep warm]

$250

Anne G

Hey ho, let's go (the Ramones)

$211

Damien Klarwein

What an amazing feat, Jo and for such a good cause.

$211

Geoffrey Byrne

Best wishes Jo. Well done.

$211

Jo & Max Maundrell

A wonderful effort Jo well done! Grace was the most beautiful person, too young. Having lost 3 friends from Pancreatic cancer more recently what you have done for Dove Cottage is amazing in Grace’s memory. Bless.

$211

Matz

Well done!

$200

Elvio Salmucci

$200

Patricia English

$200

Patricia Pease

Best wishes Jo.. Stay safe..

$158.25

Fiona Yates

Go Jo !!!

$105.50

Carolyn Wilson

A HUGE achievement Jo! Well done!!

$105.50

Keron And Lawrie Mocker

Jo, you are doing an amazing feat in memory of a beautiful person. We wish you all the very best for a wonderful journey and thank you 🙏

$105.50

Norrie Mo9rris

Thank you Joh for your kind efforts!

$105.50

Jacinta Walker

You go girl! Hopefully it will be easier going down hill this time. Suzanne wishes she was with you! Stay safe, Jacinta and Suzanne

$105.50

Ralph & Alison Mcconaghy

You made it!!

$105.50

Graeme Geldard

$105.50

Maureen Darcey

Brave Lady. Go safe.

$105.50

Dermot

Well done Jo - super achievement and a true show of courage and resilience 👍👍

$105.50

Brooke & Felicity

👏

$105.50

Tessa

$104.40

Marg Pont

Go well, Jo!

$104.40

Rosalie Symons

Good luck Jo. What a special dedication to beautiful Grace..

$104.40

Goode/capper Family

Best wishes for a great, safe and enjoyable ride

$104.40

Marlene Clout

Wow What an amazing ride. Pancreatic cancer has taken the lives of 3 of my friends .It will be a fitting dedication to Grace ,a beautiful lady.

$104.40

Gaye Bates

Hi Jo all the very best for such a long ride. What a wonderful way to honour Grace. She was certainly a beautiful lady, always ready to help others.

$104.40

Maureen Cummings

Go you good thing!

$104.40

Gail Waterhouse

Go Jo! Grace would be so honored by your efforts!

$100

Nanette Cribbes

$100

Craig And Fleur

Awesome effort… enjoy the ride

$100

Anonymous

$100

Lisa Jane Buckley

Such an important cause, stay safe out there.

$100

Cittamani Hospice Staff

$100

Vicky Mccabe

$100

Tony Bunting

For our beautiful Gracie

$100

Bev Ham

$100

Greg Brittain

$65

Anonymous

$52.75

Danielle Briese

Best wishes for a safe trip Jo.💕

$52.75

Lynda Miller

Cheering you on Dr English. Best way to honour beautiful Grace. I remember the first time I met Grace, a beautiful person and that is why we named our daughter after her ❤️ Love from lynda Darhyn Grace and Leyla Miller

$52.75

Clodagh

Thanks for what you are doing Jo

$52.75

Hayden Family

Well done Doc Jo! Grace will be so proud

$52.75

Robyn Schey

An incredible effort. Well done.

$52.75

Kathleen Escott

What an achievement Jo, knew you could do it!!

$52.75

Ramona Woods

$52.75

Katie Holgate

Well done Jo, it was so lovely riding with you!

$52.75

Gail Brooks

Keep peddling Jo. Well done.

$52.20

Crockett Family

So saddened to hear of Grace’s passing. She was truly one of the most beautiful, kind and caring people we have ever met. We knew Grace from the Golden Beach Medical Centre. We now live in Mount Isa so feel free to look us up if you have time or need anything. This is a wonderful tribute to Grace

$52.20

Chris Mcnabb

All the best for your upcoming adventure. Travel safe

$52.20

Jo Keylar

Go well Jo

$52.20

Jan Hubner

An epic trip in memory of the lovely Grace!

$52.20

Christine Fawcett

Hello Jo, That's a big ride you have planned! Hope you have a comfy bike seat. Dove provides a wonderful service to our community - great cause.

$52.20

Roberta Cunningham

Good luck Jo! safe travels and Enjoy!

$52.20

Anonymous

Wishing you safe travels. Thank you for raising both funds and awareness of such a wonderful cause.

$52.20

Patti Molineux

In honour of my beautiful son who was also looked after at Dove Cottage

$52.20

Stella Teece

Hi Jo, a great challenge you have set yourself. I knew Grace, a lovely person who was so kind to me. Stella

$52.20

Ulla Heikkila

$52.20

Peter Cochrane

Great work Jo! What a great way to contribute to a great cause.

$52.20

Wendy Tonks

Best wishes on this amazing ride, Jo. A wonderful tribute to Grace - such a caring, compassionate person.

$50

Patricia Pease

Well done Jo. A great cause to support.

$50

Nola Perrett

Safe Ride Jo.

$50

Greg Hocking

No burnouts please!

$50

Robert & Eileen Lachmund

$50

Cherry Thomas

$50

Susan Mcguin

$50

Rosemary Marcolin

$50

Scott Masters

Enjoy the ride Jo and thankyou for your efforts for Grace's memory

$50

Marjorie Boland

$50

Beverley Wilson

Such fond memories of Grace and her contagious beauty and kindness. may the wind always be with you Jo on this special journey

$50

Anonymous

Well done Jo.

$50

Hazel Rita Palmer

Well done Jo. We loved Grace. Good you are doing this in her memory and to support Dove House

$50

Fay Pedley

$50

Fran Johnson

In memory of Grace. Well done Jo.

$50

Thora Pease

Well done Jo. Ride safely.

$40

Mark Singleton

Go Jo! Best wishes.

$31.65

Carolyn Kerridge

$26.38

Trisha Hyde

Thinking of you as you travel along

$26.38

Naomi Fraser

Gracie was always so caring and kind to our family every time we visited Golden Beach practice. You are amazing lady Jo x

$26.10

Joan And Athol Trustum

A lovely tribute to a wonderful lady. We both knew Grace for the many years attending the Golden Beach Practice.

$26.10

Anonymous

‘Angels on Your Body’ … a Bikers Blessing

$26.10

Kara

All the best for your journey! Thanks so much for raising money for this excellent facility we are all fortunate to have on the Sunshine Coast. June Canavan always loved an adventure for good causes so she will no doubt be joining you in spirit!

$26.10

Kate Ashby

Go Jo, don't forget to stretch those calves :)

$26.10

Yvonne King

I will be thinking of you and your amazing journey. It’s a wonderful thing to do in the memory of Grace who was such a lovely lady.

$25

Kaye I Rodden

Jo, all the best with your ride, in memory of Amazing Grace, a beautiful person who touched our lives.

$25

Dolina Somerville

Fantastico Driving through that country last year was scary enough. Watch out for the camels 🐪 lol

$25

Libby Sos

I love that you are dedicating this ride to Grace. Enjoy the ride.

$25

Jaimie Watson

Best of luck on your journey!

$25

Anonymous

What a awesome way to remember your friend and support other people in times of need.

$25

Sheryl Fellows

$25

Linda Shore-perez

A great cause all the best on your ride Kind Regards Linda

$25

Cedric Gowlett

$21.10

Brenda Herbert

$21.10

Joanna Dellit

Thank you so much for supporting the work of Dove Cottage by this amazing ride you're going to do. Safe journey, keeping you in my prayers.

$20.88

Georgina Nielsen

$20.88

Anonymous

$20

Merle Rowe

Well done Jo..

$20

Di Minuskin

$20

Cathy Olm

$20

Kim Moreland

$20

May Gowlett

$20

Marcia Thorburn

$20

Yui Taniguchi

$20

Ron And Ann Barry

$10.55

Elaine Chugg

Good luck Jo. A great cause.

$10.44

Andrew Trafford

Well done Jo!

$10

Rodney Davidson

$1

Anonymous

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