In September 1998, Luke and Marie Wensing, Charlie Farren and Annemarie Driver met in Canberra over wine and pizza wondering how they could 'do something' for federation in 2001. The meeting didn't really resolve what to do, but it was thought that it might be a good idea to develop a route that would go through many of the towns that might have become the Capital City. After some animated debate as to where such a ride might finish, it was felt Canberra itself was the most appropriate.
Luke made some enquiries with the National Centenary of Federation office, and received a copy of Jack Montgomery's letter to his MP, Bob Charles, outlining what happened in 1951. This was a real breakthrough in trying to devise a way that all Australians could become involved. The ride has now evolved into an event that almost anyone with a bicycle can become a part of.
Participants do not need to be chosen, they choose themselves! By studying the lists of rides already registered on these web pages, it can be seen that most rides are of some significant distance, and are very meaningful to those riders. There are some unpublished rides as well, as some people didn't want to ride with others, or felt embarrassed about what they were capable of. In any case, it is planned to recognise all riders, no matter what distance as long as they are registered with the coordinators.
Even though there are some similarities to 1951, the 2001 event is unique. Riders can register, then ride the route, and the coordinators plot the route. Some rides will be sequential; others will just be from one town to another, and some will not even go anywhere near Canberra. But, in the long run, all rides will "LINK' together to symbolically unite the nation on arrival on May 8, just like in 1951.
After this ride, you'll be history!
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