On a mission to mow down the miles by riding fifteen Thousand Kilometres around Australia and raise One Million Dollars.
WITH every idea come a few challenges.
Deciding to ride 15,000 kilometres around Australia on a ride-on-mower was a big idea with big challenges and bigger rewards.
In 2010 Rotarian and co-owner of Armadale Mower World Craig Alford had this outrageous idea to ride a Hustler Super Z mower around Australia to raise much needed awareness and funds for mental health research through Australian Rotary health and a second charity of choice each year.
When we say we’re riding to get to the other side, we’re not just talking about geography. We’re riding this lawn mower to make a difference and help people get to where the grass is greener.
In March of 2012 after much planning, his dream came to life when he and his team set off on stage one, 661km from Armadale to Kalgoorlie.
With few changes – mainly bigger wheels and a roof – the Hustler Super Z performed well, averaging 23km/h a day in temperatures as high as 44.5C. That journey was a huge success finically but most of all raising awareness of two very worth charities.
In February this year he and his business partner Andrew Fox set off on stage two from Kalgoorlie to cross the Nullarbor in the hottest part of the year on route to Adelaide and the Clipsal 500, again raising awareness and funds for mental health research through Australian Rotary health and prostate cancer research with the EJ Whitten Foundation. This time they had temperatures high as 49.5C and covered more than 300km in one day.
The Hustler Super Z had a top speed of 36.3km/h and averaged about 25km/h for the 2190km trip.
For the almost 3000km covered so far they have raised about $130,000.00 and the mower has not missed a beat and apart from regular servicing they haven’t put a spanner on to it.
The most common remark heard this year was “Pimp My Ride” this may have something to do with the eighteen inch Ford Chromes, front chrome hubs and the front spoiler.
A big thanks goes to all the supporters big and small but in particular Powerup Lawn Care Products-PLP, importers of the Hustler Super Z, they are a major partner in Ride to the Other Side. It is without doubt that if not for this support Ride to the Other Side would not be the success it is.
Stage three in May 2014 will see some very different weather conditions as the ride heads off from Adelaide on route to Rotary International World Convention in Sydney through Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra some 2500km.
To follow or support the Ride to the Other Side team, visit www.ridetotheotherside.org.au
