https://fundraising.dementia.org.au/fundraisers/davidbatterham

Doing it for Dementia - Wishing You Were Here Mum & Greg Ride., Goondiwindi (2026)

17/10/2023

And just like that the journey is complete!!!

David has returned home safely completing a whopping 2030km on the bike.

A huge shout out to all the awesome people I met and that helped me along this 2030km journey.
It’s certainly been a memorable experience and I’m overwhelmed with all the support and donations I have received along the way.
I couldn’t have done this without your support.

Club of GoondiwindiImperial Hotel Coonabarabran92.9 Voice FMInverell Big WDanbikes AustraliaBorder Builders Mitre 10Kaloma, GoondiwindiCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaSurat, Queensland, AustraliaMorven Rec GroundAugathella, QueenslandTambo, QueenslandGoondiwindiBlackall, QueenslandWinton, QueenslandGOONDIWINDI NOTICE BOARDGoondiwindi, QueenslandMount Isa, QueenslandCroppa Creek StoreGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringGoondiwindi ArgusThe Larder - GoondiwindiLucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart GoondiwindiGoondiwindi Betta Home LivingGoondiwindi Notice Board
David Batterham

14/10/2023

We’ve been having Facebook issues but seem to be back online……
David made it to Mount Isa on Wednesday Clocking a whopping 1900Km.
It’s certainly been one hell of an emotional roller coaster of a journey. but Its been an absolute ripper meeting so many amazing supportive people along the way.

Mount Isa was absolutely great and the few days were spent doing the tourist thing checking out as much as one possibly could.
A special mention to The Buffs Club Mount Isa for helping me funraise whilst I was there.

David is currently on the bus to Miles, feet up resting the legs and catching up on some much needed sleep. Tomorrow he will then begin the journey back to Goondiwindi. 🚴‍♂️

Stay tuned folks we are almost there!!!!

David Batterham

@highlightApex Club of GoondiwindiImperial Hotel Coonabarabran92.9 Voice FMInverell Big WDanbikes AustraliaBorder Builders Mitre 10Kaloma, GoondiwindiCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaSurat, Queensland, AustraliaMorven Rec GroundAugathella, QueenslandMitchell, Queensland, AustraliaTambo, QueenslandGoondiwindiBlackall, QueenslandBarcaldine, QueenslandWinton, QueenslandGOONDIWINDI NOTICE BOARDCroppa Creek StoreGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringGoondiwindi ArgusThe Larder - GoondiwindiGoondiwindi Betta Home LivingLucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart GoondiwindiGoondiwindi, QueenslandMount Isa, QueenslandABC NewsQueensland Country Life

09/10/2023

Yee haa 😎…..1620km of pedal power done!!!!

Kynuna last night and well let’s just say the middle of nowhere tonight.
The wind has calmed down just a tiny little bit but now I’m in the middle of the rat plague 🐀…..and there like the size of possums.
I’m sleeping in the tent at a rest stop tonight let’s hope they don’t carry me away or ride of with my bike.
Last night I stayed at the blue heeler hotel and met some awesome people off on their own adventures. The pub was an interesting place with no spare space to be found as the walls & ceilings were covered in people’s names. 😉 An awesome breakfast at the roadhouse before jumping on the bike once again.

There’s been the odd storm rolling through overnight with more rolling over tonight. I’m pretty close to the mine as the trucks are getting longer and there’s more and more of them.
I checked out the walkabout Creek Hotel (Crocodile Dundee’s) at McKinlay another pretty cool place to see.
I’m on track and hoping to roll into Mount Isa on Wednesday for a couple of days then the return trek continues 🤨

Check out tonight’s accomodation….tiny tent under a rest stop with 2 minute noodles at the single course dinner.

@highlightApex Club of GoondiwindiImperial Hotel Coonabarabran92.9 Voice FMDanbikes AustraliaKaloma, GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Inverell Big WCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaSurat, Queensland, AustraliaGoondiwindi Notice BoardMorven Rec GroundAugathella, QueenslandMitchell, Queensland, AustraliaTambo, QueenslandGoondiwindiBlackall, QueenslandBarcaldine, QueenslandWinton, QueenslandCroppa CreekGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringGoondiwindi ArgusFoodWorks GoondiwindiThe Larder - GoondiwindiGoondiwindi Betta Home LivingLucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart GoondiwindiGOONDIWINDI NOTICE BOARDDavid Batterham

08/10/2023

We’ve been a bit quiet on the page but David hasn’t stopped pedalling 🚴…..(1330km down)

The past few days have been pretty busy clicking over about 210km.
A stop in Longreach to have some adjustments to the bike because it was having gearing issues. I was looked after by local legend John Palmer. John gave the bike a tune up and got the gearing doing what it was meant to do again. He just couldn’t fit a motor in it for me. Thanks John it will certainly sipped things up being able to change gears 🚴‍♂️….
We held a fundraiser at the local RSL and received awesome support from the locals.

Next stop was Winton now this place is pretty cool.
I stayed at the Australia Hotel and checked out the Sheepdog Show, what an amazing experience!!! I bumped into a couple travelling around Australia for about the third time so it was great to see them again and share our latest adventures.
This place is an absolute cracker and I will be back to check it out in the near future.

I’ve been doing plenty of radio Interviews and regular catch ups with the Queensland Country life. So hopefully you’ll see or hear more about my adventures.

Thanks to all the locals that have been so very welcoming your support is absolutely amazing.

Mt Isa here I come 🚴……

@highlightApex Club of GoondiwindiImperial Hotel Coonabarabran92.9 Voice FMDanbikes AustraliaKaloma, GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Inverell Big WCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaSurat, Queensland, AustraliaGoondiwindi Notice BoardMorven Rec GroundAugathella, QueenslandMitchell, Queensland, AustraliaTambo, QueenslandGoondiwindiBlackall, QueenslandBarcaldine, QueenslandCroppa Creek StoreGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringGoondiwindi ArgusGoondiwindi Betta Home LivingThe Larder - GoondiwindiLucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart GoondiwindiAustralian HotelWinton, QueenslandLongreach Motors - Longreach TyrepowerDavid Batterham

$Ilfracombe what a cracker of a place…(1120km Down)A super quick trip today thanks to Mother Nature coming to the party!!...$

05/10/2023

Ilfracombe what a cracker of a place…(1120km Down)

A super quick trip today thanks to Mother Nature coming to the party!!!! Today for the first time so far I had a tailwind and boy it felt like I was flying ✈️…..

I’ve blown into ilfracombe and have been surprised by this hidden gem. This place is amazing and well worth the stop.

I’ve pulled up for the night at the awesome Wellshot Hotel the team have helped me fundraise today and have donated tonight’s meals & accomodation. Thanks team you are absolutely amazing “thank you”.

I’ve certainly been doing the tourist thing I’ve been all over town taking photos and yacking to everyone around. Spent some time in the artesian spa and the body was definitely thankful. Even had to stop and let the local emu family cross the road.

Check out the photos from todays adventures!!!

@highlightApex Club of GoondiwindiImperial Hotel Coonabarabran92.9 Voice FMDanbikes AustraliaKaloma, GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Inverell Big WCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaSurat, Queensland, AustraliaGoondiwindi Notice BoardMorven Rec GroundAugathella, QueenslandMitchell, Queensland, AustraliaApex Club of GoondiwindiTambo, QueenslandGoondiwindiBlackall, QueenslandBarcaldine, QueenslandCroppa Creek StoreGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringMorven Hotel - Sadleir's WaterholeGoondiwindi ArgusThe Larder - GoondiwindiLucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart GoondiwindiGoondiwindi Betta Home LivingIlfracombeDavid Batterham

04/10/2023

Wow what an interesting day…….(1040km)
Well today didn’t quite go to plan.
After spending an extra night in blackall due to a slight head cold I set off again with Barcaldine in my sights an easy 110km 🚴(Supposedly).
Unfortunately Mother Nature had different plans, the headwind was strong today the worst it’s ever been with gusts around 50km/h. It was actually faster getting off and walking the bike.
I got about 50km into todays journey and had to stop for a break. I was awoken a few hours later by the legendary Andy the mail man!! I had again fallen asleep.
Andy offered me a ride to Barcaldine and I just couldn’t refuse, the wind hadn’t let up. It would have one hell of a day struggling against those winds.
Thanks Andy your an absolute legend 👍

I’ve got my sights set on Ilfracombe tomorrow and I have ordered a tailwind…..let’s see how I go.

I’m having an absolute blast on this journey, the locals at every stop have been so very welcoming and supportive. There have been so many donations made and offers to run small fundraisers.

It is incredible thank you all so very much for your support.

Club of GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Danbikes AustraliaInverell Big WKaloma, Goondiwindi92.9 Voice FMImperial Hotel CoonabarabranCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaCroppa Creek StoreJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringSurat, Queensland, AustraliaGoondiwindi Notice BoardMorven Rec GroundAugathella, QueenslandMitchell, Queensland, AustraliaApex Club of GoondiwindiDementia AustraliaTambo, QueenslandGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubMorven Hotel - Sadleir's WaterholeBarcaldine, QueenslandBlackall, QueenslandDavid BatterhamGoondiwindi ArgusThe Larder - GoondiwindiGoondiwindi Betta Home LivingLucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart GoondiwindiGoondiwindi4VL

02/10/2023

Augathella to Tambo 120km (830km Total)
The toughest day yet!!!! with a few interesting twists. I reckon my max speed today was 10 km/h the headwind was like a concrete wall. You can tell the holidays are coming to a close as the highway was absolutely packed.
I had almost run out of water when I bumped into a young local legend. Josh was doing wheelies on his motorbike along his fence line beside the highway before he stopped to say what in the world are you up to )Do a wheelie). Josh then asked if I had enough water and offered to take my bottles and fill them up at the house. Thanks Josh you saved the day!!!
Not much further up the road I could see quite a lot of smoke, a small grass fire had started along the highway but was already taken care of by the time the pedal power got there.
I witnessed a wheel fall off a caravan not long after it had overtaken me 🫣 All this excitement in a days riding.
I pulled up for the night at Royal Carrangarra Hotel and checked out the chicken races. What a cracker of an idea with races held every day and all money raised going to the windmill foundation. This certainly draws a lot of attention as people had been telling me about it for the past few days.
A great feed and early to bed because there’s plenty more kms to click over.
HotelBorder Builders Mitre 1092.9 Voice FMApex Club of GoondiwindiDanbikes AustraliaGiant ToowoombaDementia AustraliaInverell Big WKaloma, GoondiwindiImperial Hotel CoonabarabranGiant ToowoombaSurat, Queensland, AustraliaAugathella, QueenslandApex Club of GoondiwindiMorven Rec GroundDementia AustraliaCollie HotelDanbikes AustraliaBorder Builders Mitre 10Mitchell, Queensland, AustraliaCroppa Creek StoreGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringMorven Hotel - Sadleir's WaterholeTambo, Queensland Goondiwindi ArgusGoondiwindi Notice Board

30/09/2023

Well Dave has certainly been busy pedaling that pushy and chatting away.
He has now made it to Augathella. That’s a whopping total of 710km so far into this monster journey.
One thing we can confirm is it’s getting warmer through the day and that bloody headwind hasn’t gone anywhere. The wind forecast isn’t looking good either. (Couldn’t buy a tailwind if I wanted to)
Already we have met some amazing people and potentially had blooper or two along the way.
•Dave may have fallen off his bike in front of the Mitchell Bakery while pulling in for a pie & coffee knocking all the tables & chairs over🤷‍♂️.
•Fell asleep sitting under a tree while pulling up to grab a drink only to be woken up by a truck blairing it’s horn 45mins later…oops 😜
•A visit to Muckadilla pub
• Sadler’s Waterhole Morven
•A fantastic Charity night at Charleville RSL
•A refreshing swim & coffee with the “CRABS” Charleville’s triathlon club
•Interviews with the ABC
•Interviews with QLD country life.
•Meeting Rude Jude Charleville’s own celebrity.
•Catching up with friends I’d met on previous rides.
I’ve met so many amazing people it’s impossible to name everyone you have all been so wonderful.

Keep following me on my journey all the way to Mt Isa sharing my stories and increasing awareness for Dementia Australia.

Check out the photos of the past few days adventures.

Apex Club of Goondiwindi92.9 Voice FMThe Rural Trader92.9 Voice FMMacKenzies Home Timber and HardwareFoodWorks GoondiwindiNorth West Auto FestDanbikes AustraliaInverell Big WThe CourierKaloma, GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Imperial Hotel CoonabarabranCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaBarraba Caravan ParkJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringGoondiwindi Notice BoardSurat, Queensland, AustraliaCroppa Creek StoreGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubThe Mucka PubMorven Hotel - Sadleir's WaterholeCharleville RSLHotel Corones 'History & Stories' Tour Queensland Country Life Augathella, Queensland Mitchell, Queensland, Australia Morven, Queensland Morven Rec Ground Mitchell Bakery

25/09/2023

Day 3 Surat to Roma 80km (350km)

Day 3 I’m pretty sure my backside absolutely hates me…and the wind continues. (The seat still doesn’t feel like a pillow)

Had a great night at Surat New Royal a comfy bed great meal and a chance to wash my extremely limited wardrobe.
Another reasonably early departure with about 5 hours of slogging away into a headwind.
Plenty of stops for photos throughout the day, probably the busiest day on the roads so far with so many caravans heading north.
I got my first (and only) flat tyre today so a quick pit stop was in order to change a tube over. This is something I don’t want to much experience in 🤞

I’ve arrived in Roma absolutely knackered but loving every minute of this awesome experience. I’ve spoken with so many friendly people and received several donations for Dementia Australia.

Looking forward to relaxing in the Mitchell hot springs tomorrow.

Apex Club of GoondiwindiDanbikes AustraliaCroppa Creek StoreMacKenzies Home Timber and HardwareThe CourierBarraba Caravan ParkThe Rural Trader92.9 Voice FMFoodWorks GoondiwindiNorth West Auto Fest92.9 Voice FMInverell Big WKaloma, GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Imperial Hotel CoonabarabranCollie HotelGiant ToowoombaJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringThe Milk Bar RomaGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubHotel Corones CharlevilleThe Larder - GoondiwindiLucy Walker Pharmacy TerryWhite Chemmart GoondiwindiGoondiwindi Betta Home LivingGoondiwindi ArgusGoondiwindi Notice BoardRoyal Hotel MeandarraSurat, Queensland, AustraliaRoma, Queensland

25/09/2023

Day 2 Meandarra to Surat 100km (270km) 🚴

Day 2 Let’s go……. Well the first night was an interesting one with not much sleep had. I was continually awoken by wild pigs grunting & carrying on most of the night. It certainly took a while to work out what the hell was going on.
An early start and you guessed it the wind was still blowing, I headed into Meandarra looking for coffee and some breakfast . I bumped into Alison from the local QLD Ambulance service for a chat over a cuppa, I could have talked for hours but the bike unfortunately isn’t going to ride itself. (the seat isn’t getting any softer either) I dropped into the local businesses for a chat raising awareness and swapping stories, before I knew it I was on the road again.
On arrival to Surat I checked into the New Royal Hotel for a comfy bed and a warm shower. I was met by the publican Don who was an absolute legend. Don immediately auctioning a 700ml bottle of rum as a donation to Dementia Australia raising $145 Thanks Don.
Another cracking day raising awareness. A huge thanks to everyone so far for your support so far.

Dementia AustraliaApex Club of GoondiwindiDanbikes AustraliaCroppa Creek StoreMacKenzies Home Timber and HardwareThe CourierBarraba Caravan ParkThe Rural Trader92.9 Voice FMFoodWorks GoondiwindiNorth West Auto Fest92.9 Voice FMInverell Big WKaloma, GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Imperial Hotel CoonabarabranCollie HotelGiant ToowoombaJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringGoondiwindi ArgusGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubThe Milk Bar RomaSurat New Royal

24/09/2023

Day #1 Goondiwindi to Almost Meandarra. 170km

Did someone say it was spring?? Day 1 freezing cold and a headwind (great start). I had a hoodie on for most of the day 🥶. Almost made it to Meandarra but I was running out of daylight.
I found a slashed area and out came the tent ⛺️.
Overall a great day on the bike with a stop in at Westmar & the camp draft, talking to the locals and a few familiar faces.
Absolutely stoked to be out on the bike again raising awareness and sharing stories along the way.
“I don’t remember the seat being quite this hard”
Club of GoondiwindiNorth West Auto FestCroppa Creek StoreMacKenzies Home Timber and HardwareThe CourierBarraba Caravan ParkThe Rural Trader92.9 Voice FMFoodWorks Goondiwindi92.9 Voice FMDanbikes AustraliaInverell Big WKaloma, GoondiwindiBorder Builders Mitre 10Imperial Hotel CoonabarabranCollie HotelDementia AustraliaGiant ToowoombaGoondiwindi Triathlon ClubJohnsons Family Store Cafe and CateringGoondiwindi Argus

22/09/2023

And Just like that David is on his trusty bike again. This time setting out a massive target of 2400km.

Dave set off early this morning leaving Goondiwindi just as the sun was starting to peep through.

Stay tuned as we provide updates with photos and stories from David’s journey.

Please share this page, let’s help spread the word and help Dave on this journey.

Croppa Creek Store 92.9 Voice FM Inverell Big W Barraba Caravan Park The Rural Trader FoodWorks Goondiwindi North West Auto Fest 92.9 Voice FM Border Builders Mitre 10 Giant Toowoomba Imperial Hotel Coonabarabran Collie Hotel Dementia Australia Giant Toowoomba Goondiwindi Cotton Danbikes Australia Apex Club of Goondiwindi The Courier Goondiwindi Triathlon Club MacKenzies Home Timber and Hardware Kaloma, Goondiwindi ABC News

Doing it for Dementia - Wishing You Were Here Mum & Greg Ride.

17/10/2023

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05/10/2023

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30/09/2023

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