After 10,000 kilometres over six months and through six countries, the Long Ride Home bicycle ride ended yesterday, but not before its leader, Laurie “Truck’’ Sams, got a hero’s welcome from locals at Picton-Thirlmere-Bargo RSL Sub branch.
The welcoming committee at last Thursday’s ceremony included Mr John Haines, the president of NSW RSL Branch, Wollondilly Shire Councillor Michael Banasik, Sub branch members, members of the Shire community and Thirlmere Public School students.
The students, who have been tracking “Truck’s’’ progress on his blog, treated him like a rock star.
Everyone had to get a high five or handshake from the Vietnam veteran amputee when he got off his bike on arrival to the sound of vigorous cheering.
“It was a great community event all round,’’ said Tim Bennett-Smith, president of the Picton-Thirlmere-Bargo RSL Sub Branch.
“We were very proud and honoured to host The Long Ride Home,’’ he said.
The stopover at the RSL included a short wreath laying ceremony before the Long Ride Home resumed its journey towards its last stop, the Sydney Opera House.
It all started at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi at 11am on Thursday, May 12.
It was held to raise money for injured veterans, and generate awareness of veteran suicide and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
A team of ex-SAS veterans, led by “Truck’’ took part in the epic trek which stopped in Wollondilly last Thursday.
“Since 1999 more ex-soldiers have died from suicide than we have lost in war and conflict – that is way too many, one is too many,’’ said Mr Bennett-Smith.
The Long Ride Home’s beneficiaries are RSL DefenceCare, the Bravery Trust and St John of God Trauma and Mental Health Research Initiative.
Its patron is former Australian Governor-General and retired Major General Michael Jeffery.
For more details visit the Long Ride Home website here.
