A Chilly Start to a Memorable Day
This past weekend, my daughter and I participated in the Ride 4 Rotary event in Wollongong, tackling the 20km ride together. The event was all about raising funds for local youth and community initiatives, and while the weather didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet, the experience more than made up for it.
We woke up to grey skies, a stiff breeze, and cold morning air. Not exactly ideal cycling conditions, especially with a younger rider in tow. But we’d been looking forward to this for weeks, and the idea of backing out never really crossed our minds. Layers on, helmets clipped, we made our way to the starting line at Lang Park with a mix of excitement and nerves.
Off We Go — Wind at Our Backs
As we set off on the 20km loop, we were lucky to have the wind at our backs. The strong tailwind gave us a welcome boost for the first 10km, helping us glide along the coastal paths with relative ease despite the chill in the air. Riding beside my daughter, I could see the joy on her face, the kind that comes from movement, momentum, and knowing you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
The views, even under a cloud-covered sky, were still stunning. The steel-grey ocean stretched endlessly to one side, while the green escarpment loomed quietly to the other. The cool air filled our lungs, and our legs found a comfortable rhythm. We passed families, solo riders, and cheerful volunteers waving from checkpoints. Everyone seemed to be pushing through the weather with the same determined spirit.
Halfway, and a Reality Check
At the 10km turnaround point, we stopped briefly to grab a drink and regroup. That’s when the reality of the ride started to set in, we’d had a helping hand from the wind on the way out, but the return journey would be a different story.
My daughter looked up at the sky and said, “It feels colder now.” And she was right. The wind was stronger, biting, and it was now blowing straight at us.
Battling the Headwind
The ride back was where things got tough. The headwind was relentless, and every push on the pedals took a little more effort. My daughter, who had been cruising comfortably earlier, started to slow down. We dropped into low gear, leaned forward, and kept pushing, heads down, eyes squinting against the gusts.
We encouraged each other constantly. I reminded her that she was doing something challenging, and doing it incredibly well. “You’ve got this,” I said more than a few times. She’d nod, grit her teeth, and keep going. I was proud beyond words.
There was a particularly rough stretch where we barely felt like we were moving forward. A volunteer stationed at the top of a slight incline shouted over the wind, “You’re nearly there, keep going!” That little bit of encouragement really helped.
The Finish Line and a Shared Victory
When we finally saw the finish area coming into view, it was like a second wind hit both of us. Despite the fatigue, we pushed hard for the final stretch, crossing the line with tired legs and full hearts. We were cold, windblown, and grinning ear to ear.
My daughter received her finisher’s medal, her very first, and immediately asked if we could do it again next year. That right there made the entire day worth it.
A Day to Remember
The weather was far from perfect, but the experience was unforgettable. Ride 4 Rotary reminded us that sometimes, the hardest rides are the most rewarding. We didn’t just cover 20 kilometres, we overcame resistance, pushed through discomfort, and bonded in a way only shared effort can create.
A huge thank you to the event organisers, volunteers, and fellow riders who braved the elements and made the day possible. Everything ran smoothly despite the conditions, and the sense of community was felt at every turn.
If you’re considering joining a future Ride 4 Rotary, I can’t recommend it enough. Rain, shine, or howling wind, it’s an event that’s less about the weather and more about the why behind the ride.
Until next time…
We’ll be back next year, hopefully with a little less wind, a few more friends, and the same unstoppable spirit.
Have you ridden in Ride 4 Rotary or a similar event? Share your story in the comments below!