Bus Driver Extraordinaire
Influenced by his wife Lea, whom he refers to as The Royal Children’s Hospital ‘nurse extraordinaire’, Pete first joined the Children's Cancer Foundation’s Murray to Moyne cycle relay support crew in 2004.
Due to his love of camaraderie and desire to support those in need, he has returned year after year as the team’s bus driver.
Pete says he is humbled to be able to help children affected by cancer: “It makes me grateful for the blessings I have - healthy children and grandchild, and a wife who loves me."
His role involves loading and unloading riders and their bikes throughout the 30 km relay sections of the 520 km ride, as well as providing much-need morale support.
“We have to keep the riders fed and hydrated, and most importantly, we have to keep them in line,” joked Pete.
“Perhaps the most memorable year was 2015, when our great friend Rodney Anderson returned for his final Murray to Moyne," said Pete.
"He had missed the previous year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, and after a year of treatment Rod summoned the strength to join us one last time. He was a scallywag and was always up to something hilarious and a bit risqué at times. He started the chant, ‘We all get a little hormonal when we reach Pomonal’."
Pete remembered a few of the other chants that have stuck over the years: ‘Lookin’ great 128’ is one of his favourites, as is ‘Champagne Riding’, which is used by riders when the weather is good and the wind is at their backs.
The beauty of the Victorian landscape is one of the highlights of the experience for Pete.
“The scenery is magnificent, you get a bit of everything," said Pete.
"The start of the ride is typical of North West Victoria with hot, flat, dry, and long straight roads. Then, as the ride continues into the sunset it cools down considerably. The sun goes down on us just after St Arnaud where a lovely meal is prepared by volunteers and friends. Afterwards we ride in the dark all the way to Hamilton for approximately 200 kilometres finally arriving around 1.30am on Sunday morning.”
After a short night’s sleep, Pete and his fellow support crew members prepare breakfast at 5.30am.
“It’s a mad hatter’s breakfast: everyone puts on crazy head attire. It is a tradition introduced by our wonderful late safety officer, Rodney,” said Pete.
At 7am, the riders cycle the last 100 km through gentle rolling hills, arriving to the cheers of the crowd gathered in the town of Port Fairy.
“After a bite to eat, photos, a team presentation and a bit of a rest, it is back in the bus for the return trip to Melbourne and the Murray to Moyne is done and dusted for another year,” laughed Pete.
“At the end of every ride I always ask myself: ‘Why am I doing this?" said Pete.
"But when I sit down and relax after arriving home safely and I think about how lucky I am to have my health, and the health and happiness of my loved ones I think ...’Why not!’ It’s a great experience every year.”
Has Pete inspired you to join our Murray to Moyne team? Contact us to find out more.
Read more stories from 'Behind the Spokes with the Cytotoxic Cyclists.'
