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Quality effort from Albatross
By Keeli Cambourne
Volume 50, No. 12, July 12, 2007 |
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ON THE BEACH: Members of Navy’s 805 Squadron posed for this shot with the stranded tanker Pasha Bulker at Nobbys Beach in Newcastle during their charity bike ride.
Photo: Phil Barling |
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Even before they’d pulled on the lycra and strapped on their helmets the charity cycling team of the 805 Squadron at HMAS Albatross had raised more than $10,000 for Camp Quality.
So last month’s week-long, 850km ride from Coffs Harbour back to Nowra was more for the thrill and sense of achievement for the Ks For Kids team. But even so the team managed to raise an additional $6000, including $2000 from busking in the Hunter Street Mall in Newcastle.
As the east coast of NSW battled winds and torrential rains, the cyclists from 805 and their support crew enjoyed sunshine and calm.
“We were blessed by the fairies,” said LCDR Leon Volz. “We saw the news each night and thought the skies would open on us, but it was blue sky all the way.”
LCDR Volz said the team was well received wherever they stopped and the striking blue uniforms helped them stand out - even on the road.
“People would stop in cars and caravans and ask what we were doing and when we told them they would often hand over $5 or $10 donations. I think the uniforms made us look more professional and people were more responsive to that. They knew they could trust us.
“... It was a great experience. The whole atmosphere was inspiring.” |
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