RSL Remembrance Ride
In May, the RSL Remembrance Ride successfully
completed a 920km ride across the iconic Mawson Trail in South Australia
In May a group of committed veteran cyclists successfully completed the RSL Remembrance Ride. Lead by Geoff Stokes (President of RSL Cooma-Monaro Sub-branch and Invictus Games coach), the group undertook a 15-day ride across the iconic 920km Mawson Trail in South Australia.
The trail traversed Flinders Range (South Australia’s largest mountain range), providing spectacular scenery and at times some very rugged terrain. Each day the group rode between 40km to 90 km and by night they camped in transit towns along the trail.
At each destination, the Last Post service was performed at local memorials, cenotaphs and RSLs, enabling the group to foster meaningful connections in remote communities. The hospitality and support provided to the riders was a true demonstration of the camaraderie that RSL inspires amongst its members.
The RSL Remembrance Ride set out to create a challenging endurance event that could be undertaken in a supportive environment, whilst raising funds for the upkeep of War Memorials in the Southern Flinders region. By all accounts, the event was deemed a great success by both the participants and the supporters.
RSL Australia hopes to make the RSL Remembrance Ride an annual event.
For those who are interesting in participating in similar events visit RSL Active for more inspiration.
THE JOURNEY:
Sun 1 May: Blinman to Wilpena Pound – 70+km
Mon 2 May: Wilpena Pound to Rawnsley Station -
Tues 3 May: Flinders Ranges - 96km
Wed 4 May: Hawker to Quorn - 112km
Thu 5 May: Quorn to Melrose - 71km
Fri 6 May: Rest Day after 382km on some very rough trails
Sat 7 May: Melrose to Laura - 57km
Sun 8 May: Laura to Spalding - 83km
Mon 9 May: Spalding to Hallett - 46km
Tue 10 May: Hallett to Burra - 85km
Wed 11 May: Rest day
Thu 12 May: Burra to Riverton - 87km
Fri 13 May: Riverton to Tanunda - 78km
Sat 14 May: Tanunda to Lobethal - 73km
Sun 15 May: Lobethal to Adelaide - 40km
THE Mission
To deliver an opportunity for Veterans to challenge themselves in a mentally supportive environment, whilst riding scenic trail.
To provide an environment for Veterans to foster connections with other Veterans.
To link and support veteran communities within the villages and towns along the Mawson Trail transits.
To provide financial assistance and labour, to support the refurbishment/renovation of Cenotaphs/War memorials where it is needed.
To promote the Returned & Services League of Australia as we pass through the towns and villages along the Mawson Trail, highlighting the importance of remembering those that went before us, and the imperative to support and assist returning service personnel, struggling with post-operational physical and mental trauma.