2006 Reflections

Kristie Gallio (support crew)
What was your involvement in "Cycle 4 Sam"?
My involvement in the Cycle4Sam was support crew bus driver/photographer for the WHOLE distance at 25km/hr. I was also involved in accomodation logistics for the Cycle4Sam team and their families. After the event I was involved in the production of Cycle4Sam the movie with Jaimie Holland which involved about 300hours of editing. Prior to the event i was on the catering team and set up crew for the benefit night to launch cycle4sam.

What did "Cycle 4 Sam" mean to you?
My experiences of cycle4sam gave me the opportunity to meet and get to know a fantastic group of people who were bound by one thing - their love of little Sam Roberts and the Roberts family and also a single objective - a desire to make the journey for other families with sick children easier. Being a part of Sam's journey was very special and changed my life in so many ways, so many positives were drawn from a devastating event. To have the chance to help raise funds for the foundation is a way of celebrating Sam's life in a positive way.

What is your favourite memory from "Cycle 4 Sam"?
My favourite memory of the Cycle4Sam journey was the whole of day 1 from the perfect launch at Torquay, riding along the Great Ocean Road, with fantastic weather, views, friendship, a sense of excitement - it was bliss.
I also really enjoyed the togetherness that was experienced at the Nelson caravan park, sharing a meal, sensing that the worst was perhaps behind us and regrouping after horrible day 2.

What did you personally achieve from "Cycle 4 Sam"?
I guess the greatest sense of achievement was more of a group achievement, a team of support that got those 6 riders through day 2 of the trip. The weather was not favourable and each of the riders were experiencing their own personal challenge. There was a real sense I guess of PERSEVERANCE and determination - if we can achieve this and get to Warrnambool then we will get through the whole trip - teamwork and mateship. Once we arrived it was also such an emotional release - a stressful day that eventually had a happy ending.

Any other comments?
I value the experience and being invited/allowed to be apart of it. I look forward to the future events and challenges that can be achieved as a team but will benefit the wider community. Thank you to the team but most particularly the Roberts Family for inviting me to journey with them and Sam but also taking the journey to help others.

Warren Jones (support crew)
My involvement?
bus driver - when Mark Reid was nearby- I was a slave

What it meant to me?
a lot of satisfaction - let's face it - Kristie & I got through without strangling each other

Favourite memory ?
watching the silly bastards cycle into blinding rain while I turned up the heater

What I achieved?
bonding with peers ,contributing in a very small way to the memory of Sam & helping Dutchy get through his pain barrier.

Mike Ebert (rider, Kingston to Adelaide)
The rides goals were affective in that it was to help and benefit others. I applaud Marty and Michelle for this as it was a selfless act and one that is rarely seen today.
The ride was and still is inspirational to me. I often reflect on the arrival of the group into Meningie. This was fantastic and an event I wish my family could have witnessed and been a part of. The euphoria that encapsulated everyone from riders to spectators was great and it still makes me smile to think of all the hugs and high fives shared at the end of this day.

From Liat Harrower: (mother of Mitchell (NPC) Melbourne)
We met Michelle, Marty, Lucy and Charlie for the first time at the inaugural Cycle 4 Sam in April 2006. Like them, our family too has been affected by Niemann-Pick disease. Our youngest son Mitchell has the same condition that Sam had – NP type C. Mitchell’s older sister Taylor (7 years old) is NPC free.

It was an incredibly humbling experience to meet the extended Roberts clan - their friends, relatives and cyclists – such beautiful, courageous and generous people. So giving of themselves, their time and their experience.

It was the first time Dougie and I had met another family who had travelled this path. Michelle and Marty’s commitment to the memory of their beautiful son was honoured in the most amazing way. You had to have been there on the cliffs of Torquay overlooking Bass Strait that morning to truly understand. The warmth of the sun burning into the cliffs and turning them iridescent orange, the occasional surfer trying hard to catch an almost non-existent wave, and the blue, blue sky – punctuated by the blaze of colour of dozens of balloons sent skyward while all the children (18 at least I think!!) went tearing down the grassy hill urging them into the sky. Their laughter, energy and joyfulness filled our hearts as we, the adults, remained still - silently watching them.

How do you describe something that is all at once beautiful yet tragic? I know Dougie and I, and I suspect many people there that morning on the clifftops of Torquay had similarly conflicting feelings. Sam’s presence was almost palpable, and I’m sure that he was smiling despite our tears.

To Michelle and Marty, what can we say? You are truly remarkable people and it is evidenced by how you have channelled your efforts and energy into such an outstanding cause, during a time in your lives when anyone would have forgiven you for sounding ‘retreat’. Instead you continue to give. And in more ways than you can know to this particular family.
Thankyou so much for allowing us to share this most amazing experience with you, your friends and your family. It is a memory that will stay with us forever, and I am sure give us the courage, resolve and commitment for our particular journey.

Liat xx

From Douglas Harrower: (father of Mitchell (NPC) Melbourne)
Cycle 4 Sam was such an amazing experience. Our son Mitchell, has the same terrible disease that tragically took the life of young Sam. I had lived the first 4 years of Mitchell’s life well aware of the fact that we may not have him around for a very long time. I was always the optimist, always telling people, especially Liat, my wife that there would be nothing to worry about, that Mitchell will be cured one day. Whilst I portrayed this optimism, deep down I was hiding from the truth that Mitchell will some day be lost to us. I could not face this fact. I had no interest in learning about this disease or associate with people suffering the same fate as us.

How wrong I was.

Through meeting Marty and Michelle, their wonderful children and family, I saw things from a different perspective. The spirit of Sam will always live on. There is no point in hiding from the fact that this same fate may fall on Mitchell one day. I do pray it doesn’t happen, but if it does, then I shall be ready for it, but in the meantime I will be enjoying every living day that Mitchell is with us.

I did finally manage to visit Marty and Michelle in Adelaide for a brief evening. Marty took me to his signature ‘visitor’ restaurant. It was a wonderful evening. Understandably, most of the discussion was about our sons and the Cycle 4 Sam event. The fund-raising for the Adelaide Hospital is still on-going, and the amount they have raised is staggering.

I hope that we can return the hospitality one day when they visit us here in Melbourne.

Douglas xxx

Richard Fuller (Rider, Torquay to Adelaide)
Being involved in the cycle4sam event has been a great privilege. It has provided many strong emotions and fantastic memories. Seeing and experiencing the strength, love and support of the Roberts and Ward families was uplifting.

The cycle4sam fund raising effort and result has been unbelievable. The ride itself was superbly organized and supported. Many individuals contributed so much to make it all possible and ultimately, a great success. It is without any doubt, the best ‘team’ event that I have been involved in, with so many people, so willingly and so selflessly giving their time and effort to help. The ‘mateship’ that developed within the group of people who trained for and then participated in the ride is very special.

The ride was very much a family event, with the partners and children of the riders and the support crew, addling to the atmosphere of celebration. There is a great sense of satisfaction in having been able to contribute to something very worthwhile. Marty, Michelle and Sam Roberts are truly inspirational.

Tom Melville (Rider, Torquay to Adelaide)
Twelve weeks out from the event, Marty & I were enjoying the view as we coasted down from Norton Summit. Marty was telling me about Sam and about CycLe4Sam. He asked me whether I’d like to join the event. Although I didn’t know Marty and Michelle very well at that stage, I was touched by Marty’s resolve to make life better for kids like Sam. I felt very privileged to be invited to join the CycLe4Sam team.

Once committed to CycLe4Sam, I realised what a huge undertaking the whole event was. While there was a lot to do, the biggest challenge was getting my 42 year old legs and cardiovascular system up to the task. I had only taken up cycling as a regular sport six months earlier and knew I had a lot of work ahead of me to get fit. I was clearly the least fit of the six of the group that had committed to the full 958km (from Torquay to Adelaide).

Richard Fuller, our team coach, set up a training regime and was very encouraging to all of us. He was especially helpful to me and gave me the confidence that I could keep up. Training was tough, but always fun at the same time – such a great group of people.

From the first minute to the last, the ride from Torquay to Adelaide was fantastic. Sure, there were times where the legs, bum, neck, whole body ached, but the company on the road and off the road was always cheerful, fun and inspiring – we were a real team. Cyclists, bus drivers, support crew – everyone worked and played brilliantly together.

Having our families including lots of kids being fully involved with the event really added to the experience. Explaining to people along the way what the event was all about before extracting a gold coin donation (especially at the cafes while we ‘refuelled’), waving and yelling encouragement as we rode by and kicking the footy with us after our ride – the kids were great. The family time at the end of each day was very special. On top of that, the massages from Sue, Jane and Richard and the scrumptious meals produced by Michael at the end of each day’s riding were the icing on the cake!

There were many great moments leading up to, during and after CycLe4Sam. But for me, Marty and Michelle’s energy and enthusiasm combined with their desire to give are what I’ll always remember. They have given so much to raise awareness of Niemann-Pick disease and to help sick children. I continue to be inspired by them and feel privileged to have been a part of CycLe4Sam.

Tom Melville.

Rohan Dennis (Blackfriars Year 11 student - Meningie to Adelaide)
I was invited by Mr Roberts to ride from Meningie to Adelaide. It meant a lot to be apart of such a great cause, in memory of such a brave kid. It would have been the longest ride I have ever done (156km). I really enjoyed this opportunity and I made many friends out of the ride.
I would like to thank Mr Roberts for the opportunity to ride and to be involved in such a great cause. Although it was freezing at first it was one of the best rides I have ever been on!

Caroline Ward (support crew Torquay to Adelaide)
MY INVOVLEMENT IN CYCLE 4 SAM
My involvement in Cycle for Sam was part of the support crew, in particular support for my sister Michelle and her husband Marty who was cycling. I wouldn't of missed this event for the world. Michelle was a great co-ordinator of this event, what she had to do before, during and after the ride was unbelievable.
I wanted to support Michelle & Marty & all the riders & everyone who made Sam's life such an amazing special time. Even though his life was short it was full of so many happy times, which I will treasure for ever....
My daughter Daisy is good buddies with Charlie so my family also came along for an adventure. We all helped each other on the tour, for example baby sitting in each other cabins, kid swaps, washing, and I even did a few massages with my other sister Sue.
Other involvement was videoing the event which was fun and many of the scenes can be seen on "Cycle4Sam" the movie.

WHAT DID CYCLE 4 SAM MEAN TO ME?
Cycle4Sam meant to me was like a big way of thanking Sam for his life. The Niemann Pick motto is "persevere" which is what the cyclists did. They kept on going when the going was tough, just like our little Sammy did. He never gave up and neither did they.
It was also a lovely was to celebrate Sam's life, and remember that it was a year since Sam passed away. It was such a moving experience releasing balloons on the beautiful morning at Torquay,in the sunshine on a clear blue day, one year since Sam passed away. The whole week was so much fun all being together having laughter and tears and remembering Sammy.
Cycle4Sam was also a great way to fundraise for the Womens & Childrens Hospital, which was a huge success, well done and thanks to everybody, keep it going....!
My only regret from CYCLE4SAM was that we left the journey at Beachport to spend 2 days in freezing Robe. I felt really upset leaving the group and I wish that we stayed on the whole way. It was so quiet and lonely being by ourselves after we had been hanging out with so many fabulous people.

MY FAVOURITE MEMORIES FROM CYCLE 4 SAM
I have a few great memories...
The benefit night -what an amazing start to the event
The start of the ride at Torquay.
The kids covered in mud!
Freezing at Apollo Bay because we forgot our dunas!
And the rain all night..
The rain from Apollo Bay to Warnnambool
- It was seriously unbelievable, I still can't believe they
made it that day.
The pirate ship and watching Tim surf
Micheal Warleys laksa
The pool at Warnnambool Caravan Park, it looked fabulous I wish I brought my bathers.
Adele's 6th birthday
The kids having the best time
Me hanging my head out of the car to cheer on the riders
The pub at Nelson, I want to go back there and explore one day
Cruising in our new car listening to the Wiggles! Wake up Daddy!
And finally the emotional end of the journey, what an amazing finish. It was just so emotional for me, in particular I was so relieved that everyone had made it home safely and without incident. That was probably the best moment for me and probably Sam too.
Oh.. & the movie night as well!

WHAT DID I ACHIEVE FROM CYCLE4SAM
From the cycle4sam I did come home feeling exhausted and I didn't even cycle! For the cyclists it was a physical and mentally tough challenge, but even for the support crew I found it exhausting...Travelling in a car with 2 young kids is hard work at times, especially due to lack of sleep.
The amount of effort that everyone went to to make this tour a success was terrific. It was all about team support and everyone helping one another.
It's hard to say exactlly what I achieved but I think it was just a lovely way to remember Sam, and it was a great way to support Sam, and the Roberts family and to all be together on this wonderful journey. Sam brought all of us together, thankyou Sam.

Jaimie Holland (rider Torquay to Adelaide)
What was your involvement in "Cycle 4 Sam"?
My first involvement with Cycle 4 Sam as one of the group of cyclists who went on the first ride up to Mount Lofty in 2005, which was the day the idea of a ride from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road was born. I was fortunate enough to then become one of Marty's regular riding partners, which led on to being one of the core group of six who completed the whole ride. My wife, Wendy, my children Jack & Chloe, and the in-laws, Sid and Rhonda also came along on Cycle 4 Sam, making it a wonderful family holiday with many other children, couples, families and friends joining the endeavour.

What did "Cycle 4 Sam" mean to you?
Cycle 4 Sam represented a fantastic idea that deserved to come to fruition - a wonderful way for family and friends to celebrate Sam's life in a meaningful and challenging way; also a hugely successful fundraiser for the hospital. On a personal level, it was a chance to indulge in our own personal tour - the chance to go cycling with friends for seven days along a very scenic route for a great cause was a memory I will treasure forever.
Perhaps the biggest meaning to come from Cycle 4 Sam was the importance of family. So many children, partners, families and friends contributed to the success of the cyclists and the fundraising – seeing so many kids run amok in each caravan park, and new friendships grow was a great outcome.

What is your favourite memory from "Cycle 4 Sam"?
Two magic moments spring to mind when I think of Cycle 4 Sam – riding into Warnambool in tears after completing one of the hardest days of my life, and seeing my kids jumping up and down in the late afternoon rain, happy to see their dad and the other riders. Secondly, riding through the Adelaide hills on the final day with a huge peleton in tow, along Algate Valley Road and down the Old Freeway, feeling as light as a feather knowing we had made it and that Marty would get there safely to the finish line.

What did you personally achieve from "Cycle 4 Sam"?
A huge sense of satisfaction and many fine memories came from being involved in such an amazing endeavour. I have had my faith renewed in the students and colleagues at my school, Pembroke, after their brilliant efforts at fundraising for Cycle 4 Sam. The achievement of the 958 km ride was a great reward; finding out what can be achieved by a bunch of people who want to ride together and help each other along was the greatest personal achievement.

Any other comments?
Well done to the Roberts family for the courage and strength to form the Sam Roberts Family Fund, and for persevering to get Cycle 4 Sam from the Star Café to Torquay and beyond…
Thanks to all the fellow cyclists for your friendship and encouragement. Thanks to my family for their support of all those training rides. Thanks to Michael and Julia for keeping our engines running on premium fuel; thanks also to Kristie and Warren for covering our backs with the support vehicle.
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. ~M. Kathleen Casey

If you're going through hell, keep going. ~Winston Churchill
If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. ~Frank A. Clark

Sally Causby
I was one of the starting cyclists in 'Cycle4Sam'. It was a privilege to a part of such a courageous event. One of the highlights for me was the Day 1 ride. Beautiful blue skys, awesome coastline and a slight tail breeze. A goods days riding. Jaimie Holland hiding Matt Ward's front wheel in a tree during one of our many wee stops was another memorable moment. The whole week was a great team effort. Riders, support crew and kids...the wind and hail slowed us down, but nothing could stop us!

Mark Reid
I am proud to say that i was one of the starting 6 riders in Cycle 4 Sam. Marty and I both started riding a couple years earlier, and from what started as a ride up to Norton Summit soon became a 7 day odyssey across two states. Cycle 4 Sam was a great opportunity to make people aware of Niemanns Pick disease and to raise some much needed funds for the palliative care unit in the Women's and Children's Hospital.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire 7 days of the trip, the spectacular scenary, the energetic kids, the genorisity of the support crew, the food at the end of each ride, and, to be honest, even the wise cracks of co-driver Jonesy! But for me the highlight was day 2 when we faced extreme wind and rain on what was already going to be one of the harder days of riding. My favourite moment on this day was pulling in to the Warrnabol caravan park knowing that we had all pushed ourselves further then what we had thought was possible. This day is a highlight for me as it gaves us an opportunity to PERSEVERE, which is the focus word for the Neimann Pick organisation.
Cycle 4 Sam was a great experience and one i will treasure for many years to come. Its not often you get to ride with such a tremendous group of people. To do it to raise funds that you know will help many families in the future makes it even more worthwhile. I would like to thank all those involved, and in particular the Roberts' family who have brought out the best in all of those around them. I look forward to the next one!

Shane O’Brien
It was a fantastic journey that I, and my family, shared with a group of people for a truly worthwhile cause. It was in many ways a great privilege for us to be involved in such an event. In life we often take for granted what we have and Cycle 4 Sam made us realise how precious life is and how important family and friends are.

While I only cycled just under 500 kilometers I felt like I had achieved something and personally enjoyed the comraderi and cycle ‘banter’ that occurred along the way.

In terms of memorable moments I would have to say the close bonding of the family groups was a highlight with everyone getting along so well. In particular I found the end of each leg to be a great time to reflect and think how special the time was. I distinctly remember the feeling / elation that the family groups shared when we came into Meningie and the subsequent period where we ate, relaxed, went for our cold water treatment and generally enjoyed each others company.

This was time when you couldn’t help but feel good about life. I especially remember as I was waist deep in water looking at the shore and seeing the support crew and masses of our own kids running around just having a great time. It was special.
It was a fantastically well organised event and one that I will look back on with great fondness in the future.
We as a family look forward to being part of any future events that are planned for ‘Cycle4Sam’.
Shane O’Brien and family

The Warley Family
We are Sam's Aunty Julia, Uncle Michael and cousins Milly, Tom and Oliver.
Our family was involved in the Cycle 4 Sam as the team caterers. This involved keeping the army well fed, and we mean well fed!! We were responsible for devising and cooking a menu that was suitably energy filled for the ever growing squad of riders each day.

It was an amazing time and something we feel completely blessed to have been a part of. It was so satisfying to feel that we could contribute something to such an enormous undertaking. Nothing could ever match the feeling of being part of something that grew from a tiny grain of an idea to a hugely successful event.
It was a fantastic experience which has changed everyone involved in many different ways. We met a group of wonderful people brought together for an important cause and we were deeply moved by the dedication, commitment and generosity shown by everyone.
Thanks for the opportunity to be part of it all. Look forward to the next stage of Cycle 4 Sam. We'll be there, boiling those eggs!

We have been incredibly inspired by the positive energy of Marty, Michelle, Lucy and Charlie...we know why you were chosen to be Sam's family.
We are so lucky to have had our little Sammy, he has changed our lives and we know he is looking after us all with the Big Man Upstairs! Thanks Sam for making all of us who we are today! We can't help but carry a little bit of you around with us in everything we do. You have taught us what is really important in life and will continue to inspire us always and forever xxx