John Reed's bike ride around Australia

Aim

I'm cycling 12000 miles around Australia to raise money for British Airways’ Flying Start charity.

A bit of background about me:

Hi everyone,  

My name is John Reed. I am 69 years young. Some people may remember my previous exploits, such as when I cycled from Slough, via London, to Geneva, in aid of Crisis; then later, in June of 2014, when I cycled from John O'Groats in Scotland to Nice, in France, via Land's End, London, Paris and Geneva, in aid of A21. In 2019, I attempted to ride round France for Flying Start. Unfortunately, and for various reasons, i.e., bicycle issues, theft, illness & the pandemic, that ride was cut short. 

Wednesday 17 July 2024 

Hello everyone, 

Towards the end of February, just as I arrived at Tidal River, in Victoria, (the southern most point beyond which it is not possible to ride or drive), I had a serious accident as I was approaching a bridge. I swerved to avoid some people and fell onto a huge boulder below me. Consequently, I ended up fracturing 4 ribs & puncturing my lung and so very unfortunately, had to cancel the ride. I was finally allowed to fly back to England just over a month later and have been off sick with the pain until mid July. I am now back at work, with my ribs fully healed. However, the good news is that, when the time is right, I still plan on repeating this ride (but without the accident). 🙏🧡

The challenge:

Starting on Saturday 17th February 2024, I shall be raising funds for the cause of British Airways’ Flying Start charity by embarking on an epic, solo bicycle ride right around the entire continent of Australia. This event will be a journey of approximately 12,000 miles (19,000 kms) and will be taking me nearly 9 months to complete. 

The cause:

Since June 2010, British Airways’ Flying Start programme has worked in partnership with Comic Relief to help give disadvantaged young people in the communities to which they fly, the chance to have a brighter future. It is for all these incredible children that I am making this enormous effort to help ease their lives. 

Most importantly, the children for whom this ride is in aid of, will be truly blessed, (& I would be extremely honoured), if you were to help me in my endeavour by making a donation to Flying Start on my behalf. 

Thank you so much,

John 

This project successfully funded on 11th March 2024