The Australia Big Ride team from Bible Society Australia’s Bike For Bibles reached the finish line of their marathon, 7,231km coast-to-coast cycling journey yesterday, arriving to a huge welcome at the Gymea Baptist Church, Sydney. The team has been fundraising for Bible distribution and literacy projects in Australia and Latin America.

Bible Society CEO Greg Clarke met the team upon arrival. He described their effort as epic, saying “it’s the heroic works of Christian people who get the Bible to the world.” Already as the team reconnected with family and friends, stories came pouring out about the amazing things they encountered on the nine-week ride. Sixty five riders and support crew joined the team at different points between Broome and Sydney, though a core team of 22 did the entire ride across four states.

They certainly shared a lot together, riding through fine and foul weather, roughing it out in community halls and sharing meals and daily devotions. Great friendships have been forged, or reinforced, as with BFB regulars like Steven Clarke, Richard Jardine and David Chapple. Age differences also mattered little, as 59-year old teacher Gordon Clipsham and 22-year old Nick Corr discovered.  The two “fast team” riders struck up a great friendship and started a little routine of taking “me mate and me” photographs along the route.

Age was no hindrance either to a number of septuagenarian riders. BFB ride organiser Jim Blaxland who turned 70 on the ride, Evan Elliott and Peter Wickens (both 75) are so fit they’d put many a younger man to shame. All three cyclists did the entire Broome to Sydney ride.

There was effort and challenge, but also times for laughs on the nine-week ride

Several people on the ride also did a great job blogging, sending out newsletters and spreading the word via social media. Word of the ride has also spread to New Zealand, with Shine TV covering the story and the participation of two Kiwis on the ride. All their efforts are up for reading and viewing on bikeforbibles.org.au.

Since the finish line the team has been enjoying little luxuries. Jim Blaxland says one of the first things he did was take a long shower instead of a short one. “The pressure is off in one way, knowing that we don’t have to get up and hit the road. But the team will still be fundraising, as they share with churches and others about our experiences on the ride, and why we’re fundraising.” Close to $175,000 has been raised so far, but the team is still hoping to to get closer to their $400,000 target.

Gordon Clipsham (second from L) formed a great friendship with Nick Corr, who was part of a “family team” on the ride.

Here’s what the team has had to say about the time on the Big Ride:

I was reminded over and over each day of God’s glory and I’m humbled by the grace He has shown me. It’s been a great sense of achievement and fulfillment. Working with others  you can achieve so much more.  Gordon Clipsham

I will cherish the memories. I have been amazed at so many people’s generosity in hosting and donations. Richard Jardine

A wonderful ride through God’s creation. Allan Melmoth

The most amazing adventure of my life. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Michelle Rapp

The warmth and generosity of the people we have met along the way has been overwhelming. Mike Burford (from NZ)

A dream come true. Sarah Phipps

We live in the lucky country. God’s creation is wonderful. Peter Wickens

Something I remember: Last night of camping on the West Australian coast and waking in the frost. Nick Corr

I praise the Lord for enabling me to have such a truly memorable experience. Evan Elliott

It is something I thought I could never achieve, what wonderful bodies God has given us. Glenn Gillis

An awesome ride finishing too soon!  Graeme Rapp

Check out more of the pictures and social media story of the Australia Big Ride. Click here.

Support the team! Click here to find a rider and donate today.