Jamie, Travis and Keven Haynes on crossing over into South Australia.
The Efforts 4 Esme fundraising team successfully completed their bicycle journey from Tocumwal to Adelaide last week.
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The predicted 900km journey turned into and incredible 1125km.
It was an extraordinary effort by all involved, who made their families and the community proud.
Event organiser Jamie Haynes, alongside his brother Travis Haynes and father Keven Haynes, had their support crew in tow for the massive pedal in support of Efforts 4 Esme.
And it was not without incident, with Keven unfortunately having an accident on Wednesday and being flown to Adelaide Hospital for surgery.
The Efforts 4 Esme charity was founded by Jamie where funds raised and donations made go towards making a bigger impact to support families who need assistance with medical treatments, help individuals achieve their sporting or academic dreamss and provide relief to families facing everyday challenges.
Early in last week’s marathon, Jamie, Travis and Keven were able to ride some longer days covering more kilometres, enabling them to get ahead of time and ahead of their planned stops.
The longest were days two, three and four with 155km each day.
The Mackay family were in South Australia to greet Jamie and Travis Haynes and Adam Kent as they completed the ride.
They pushed through on these days, then skipped a town where they had planned to stay as they were feeling good and wanted to shave some kilometres off their final day of riding.
When asked what the best moment of the trip was, Jamie responded: “There wasn’t a best moment, but best moments”.
“They were ‘you had to be there moments’ of course, but they made for running jokes throughout the trip amongst the riders and road and support crew which made the comradery even tighter,” he said.
As the team pedalled closer to their destination, they were even able to find tracks to ride on that took them off the main highway and through some beautiful scenery.
The trip wasn’t without its challenges though.
As well as battling the wind, there was the heat, road quality and, as the journey progressed, the elevations that the team had to climb.
Then came the ultimate challenge on Wednesday, when Keven had his accident.
“Dad had full hip replacement surgery on his already replaced hip on Saturday night,” said Jamie.
“The rod in his leg is now a lot longer so it could get put into the bone, as the bone there had broken.
“He is good, although his days on the bike are all but over.”
Travis Haynes after a tough hill climb.
There has been an outpouring of community support for Keven, with well wishes coming in thick and fast.
Fuelled by the news of Keven’s accident, daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth and Adam Kent drove from Tocumwal to meet Jamie and Travis.
Adam then joined Jamie and Travis as a stand-in for Keven for the 150km left of the ride.
“Within an hour of that call we were packed and in the car for Adam to stand in for dad,” said Elizabeth.
“Words cannot express how proud I am of the four of them!”
The team made it to Adelaide on Friday, with their families and supporters waiting and cheering them on.
Among those waiting for them at the finish line was charity namesake Esme Mackay, and the whole Mackay family.
When asked what his next fundraising venture will be, Jamie advised they have their next ‘Leg it 4 Letty’ event to be held later in the year.
“I’m sure there will be other things along the way,” said Jamie.
“As for my next challenge, yes, there may have been some crazy ideas floated over the last few days, one of which may stick; you will just have to keep checking in!”
Donations for this amazing cause can still be made by clicking on the ‘donate’ icon on the charity’s website - www.efforts4esme.com.
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