Got a phone call from a Kristopher Davant about his ride around the world on their Quad bikes raising money for Oxfam (a worthy cause I'm sure you will agree), well they are doing a ride into Sydney and across the Harbour Bridge on their Quad bikes (unusual I know) and they are trying to drum up some support from the local M/C community well look here is the email that he sent me.
Hi Mike,
It was great to speak with you on Friday. Thank you for your kind words, it really has not been easy.The last 4 months has changed my life forever. It is so clear that Val is missing. But we must continue to honor him.
Our Dream
On August 10th 2010, the three of us, Valerio De Simoni (23), Jamie Kenyon (24) and Ted Davant (26), young Aussies from Sydney set out to break the Guinness World Record for the longest journey on a Quad Bike. Riding overland across the world from Istanbul, to Sydney. An epic and life changing adventure of best friends taking a full 14-months, across 38 countries spanning Europe, Africa and Australia. We have now raised $30,000 for Oxfam Australia and we are just the three young Aussies.
Our Story - The Quad Squad, who are we?
Not an easy task with a quadbike that is meant to be on a farm! Crossing through hostile sections of dunes through the Libyan Sahara Desert, surviving on camel meat and finding ourselves in the mist of political conflicts were all adding huge pressure on our team as we acted to overcome Northern Africa. Descending the continent of Africa we experienced extreme stomach viruses passing through mine infested militia area of Northern Sudan, thousands of kilometers from any western hospital. We had to push on into 4000m highlands of Ethiopia, while avoiding being attacked by people throwing stones and spears. Making it this far, half way down the length of Africa we had to pass through bandit territory of Northern Kenya with a para-military convoy, where shooting bandits is a weekly occurrence. But all these times above were nothing compared to losing Val.
Losing Valerio in a car accident - Honoring Val
On the 12th of April 2011 after riding together through roughly 25 countries, there was a car accident. We were riding in convoy and a car lost control and hit our friend Valerio. Our best friend of 13 years. After 12 hours in intensive care with us by his side he passed away. This has changed our lives forever. We took his body back to Sydney for a funeral and after 6 weeks we got back on the plane to finish what we had started in his honor. He didn't have the choice to continue so we decided we must continue.
The Quad Squad Welcome Home Ride Day
We need your help. Our friend Valerio had another dream, to finish our World Record journey with as many other riders
who shared our passion for motorcycle riding. We need your help, to honor our friends dream, to finish in the way that he will not be able to.
Details
Date: 22nd October 2011
Location: Newcastle (with a stop close to Sydney perhaps Hornsby) to Sydney. Crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Opera House.
Time: To be announced
This event will be covered by the Channel 7 Sunday Night program (similar to 60 minutes on channel 9 expect more viewers), filming by helicopter and through the day with a crew.
The ride day has also been embraced by the Motorcycle Council of NSW as a great opportunity to promote Motorcycle Awareness week. As the ride coincides with Motorcycle Awareness Week 2011.
More information about the Quad Squad and a question:
There will be a episode on Seven Sunday Night in 3 weeks time which will show case our story. I will advise when this is on so you have a better understanding of our story. In the meantime please read the following informatio
Our website has more information: www.quadsquad.org (//http://) (//http://)
Many photos from the journey: www.facebook.com/expquadsquad (//http://) (//http://)
Action:
Please take this back to your committee and get back to me to show you interest. In the mean time we will update our website and create a facebook page and advise you when up.
Green Regards,
----
KRISTOPHER DAVANT
The Quad Squad Expedition : Istanbul-Sydney 2010-2011
M. +61-415-755-705 I Sat. +881-622-450-574 I E. kristopher@expedition.org.au I W. www.quadsquad.org (//http://) (//http://)
Mmick
Sounds like a good cause mate......keep me/us posted.........
TONIGHT! CHANNEL 7 SUNDAY NIGHT @ 6:30
Mmick
Well this is quite a story, just finished watching the program and it turns out that the guy that cleaned up Val (one of the three that was killed) was being chased by the police for a bloody parking ticket.
Anyway the guys will be doing the ride into Sydney (and over the Harbour
bridge) on October 22nd.
I think Ill go to this one [thumbsup]
Mmick
+ 1
Mmick,........if its numbers that you are after, would you like me to paste it into the MV Forum...?
Those tryhards will do anything to get on camera.... [thumbsup]
Seriously though, with your permission i will............
Teff, sing it loud and sing it proud, obviously the idea is to get as many motorcyclists to turn up for this event, after what these boys have gone through its the least we can do.
Mmick
Ok, consider it done............
But if you see a group of harleys there as well,.........I had nothing to do with it.....(cough cough)
This the latest that was sent to me.
Hey Everyone,
I would like to thank you all for your time and support of our project. As part of making everyone part of the team for this once in a life time event, I will start updating everyone with what is going on.
As mentioned over the phone we have a great chance to really showcase the spirit shared amongst riders and build the awareness of the presence of motorcycle riders on the road through Riders Awareness Week (RAW).
Please keep drumming up the support of your friends and club members.
At the moment this is the update;
We are working with the NSW Premiers department to organise the welcome home event. We have a very important meeting to discuss final details on Tuesday.
We have been on Seven Sunrise promoting the event and also teamed up with Yahoo7 to promote the event in the final week. For your chance to see it refer to the following link -http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/26825729/quad-squad-record/] [url]http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/26825729/quad-squad-record/ (http://[url)[/url]
The first schedule has now been developed with dates and time in the map - refer to google maps http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msid=213816667117923474032.0004ae820d81335448d90&msa=0]- [url]http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?msid=213816667117923474032.0004ae820d81335448d90&msa=0 (//http://) [/url]
· Starting point â€" Nobby Beach Car Park â€" 8am meeting point with a 8.45am departure
â—¦ The place has a beautiful back drop of the beach and has two large car parks that would assist with a short
· Pick Up Location 1: Twin Service Stations off F3 - 10am â€" 70kms from start location -
â—¦ We will collect a group of riders here and refuel.
· Pick Up Location 2: Old Pacific Highway Gosford crnr Quarry Rd (The Slab) â€" 10.30am â€" 32kms from
â—¦ Destination just outside of Gosford to collect people.
â—¦ This will be a drive by pick without stopping. A group of lead riders will go ahead and collect the riders before we get there
â—¦ They can attach themselves to the convoy easier here as we will be on tghe Pacific Highway which has a speed limit of 60km/h.
· Pick Up Location 3 Mount White Cafe Drive by pick up
â—¦ Back onto F3 from Mount White
· Pick up Point No 4: Old Berowra Toll Gates â€" 11.00am â€" 35kms from Pick Up 2
â—¦ We will stop there as there is plenty of parking.
· End â€" Oversea Passenger Terminal â€" 12.30pm - 35kms from PickUp 3
· Finally with everyone group together for the final crossing.
The first look at the final moments are attached in the pdf files - please do not share with anyone
This is really an exciting time for us. We have 14 days to pull of something we want people to remember. Thanks again for your support!
If you have any questions please email me or ring me on 0405529750 do not be shy!
Green Regards,
Mmick
My PC's has been playing up....however can anyone else get the links to work??? [bang]
i tried them and no workies here :( even tried cutting out the dubious endings
Ok I went back to the original email and it did work so here is the link http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/26825729/quad-squad-record/ (http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/26825729/quad-squad-record/)
Mmick
I gather you ae going Mmick.......?
Well then out comes the bikini again
it was the map link i was trying to get to work. sorry man
Quote from: Roaduser on October 11, 2011, 07:21:44 PM
it was the map link i was trying to get to work. sorry man
Yeah!
The map link only shows around the southern end of the bridge where parking will take place and the stage area where I assume we will gather to hear IMPORTANT people talk..... so no biggie really.
And yes I plan on going but not up to Newcastle, I'm yet to work out where.
Mmick
This is the latest that I have from the GOD SQUAD.
Let me know if you are joining me, Mt White looks like the best option for me.
Fellow Riders,
Thank you for all taking the time to speak with me over the past few weeks. We are only 9 days from completing this 14 month challenge with so many memories it is going to be hard to finally turn my engine off for good. Even the thought of it is hard for me to comprehend.
I really feel that we have a chance here to create something really memorable. Both Jamie and I have big dreams to fulfil by undertaking the formation of this event but without the help of everyone here it would be impossible. I know Val would have been proud of what we are trying to achieve. I am proud to be a motorcycle rider and to kick start Riders Awareness Week is a privilege, and I know if we collect a huge group on the 22nd of October we will show motorist that we are on the road and here to say! This is very much a rally with national appeal as it is our welcome home event.
We will keep drumming supporting via our partnership with Seven (Sunrise, Yahoo7) and keep everything organise by working with the Premiers Department (Police and RTA)
For all of those interested in our story please view our story on the Seven Sunday Night Program by clicking on the following link -http://au.news.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/watch/26368960/25997474/2/
Event Details:
Date: 22nd of October 2011 Saturday
Locations
Starting Location: Nobbys Beach East Newcastle 8am - Departing at 8.45am
Pick Up Locations 1: Twin Service Stations off F3 - 10am
Pick Up Location 2: Old Pacific Highway Gosford crnr Quarry Rd (The Slab) â€" 10.30am
Pick Up Location 3: Warrior Cafe - Mount White - 10.50am
Pick Up Location 4: Old Berowra Toll Gates - 11.15am
End Location: Crossing the Bridge at 12.30pm into the Oversea Passenger Terminal at 12.45 - 1pm
Google Map: http://g.co/maps/2g93g (http://g.co/maps/2g93g)
Note Channel 7 Sunday Night program will be there so you may be filmed. On the flip side you will have something to take home and remember it all with.
please take this information and pass it on to your fellow riders. We are inviting everyone, so send it out to whoever you think would like to come along. I have attached a poster of the event as well.
For more information refer to the website quadsquad.org
OR ring me on 0405529750.
If possible please advise me via email rough numbers or your interest in this event. I realise weather will play an important part, but a rough number will help us cater for everyone OR join the ride on facebook facebook.com/QuadSquadWelcomeHome
Green Regards,
----
KRISTOPHER DAVANT (AKA TED)
The Quad Squad Expedition : Istanbul-Sydney 2010-2011
M. +61-415-529-750 I Sat. +881-622-450-574 I E. kristopher@expedition.org.au I W. www.quadsquad.org (//http://)
*NOTE: Links in this email are not active
Mmick
Yeah we be up for that for some of the way at least [thumbsup] [Dolph]
So how long do you reckon it will take me to get to Warriors Cafe??
Mmick
Give it maybe 2 hours I reckon
bump bump bump. dont forget peoples [Dolph] [Dolph] [Dolph]
Would like to tag along with you guys
What time will you be at Warriors ?
How does 9:00 ish but I will check with Betty too
Quote from: Jukie on October 18, 2011, 01:48:38 AM
How does 9:00 ish but I will check with Betty too
Considering their program has them 'picking-up' people at Mt White @ 10:50 ... a 9:00 meeting may seem early.
But this all depends on what people want to do and how many people are likely to be in the vicinity. May become difficult to get a drink, use the dunny or find somewhere to park ... getting worse closer to the designated pick-up time.
Mick, do you have any idea of numbers?
Oh and as of last week the cafe is under new management ... just so you know.
Betty, I have no idea of numbers, obviously they will talk it up but I was thinking 9:30 as you point out 9:00 might be a tad too early so for me 9:30 should be about right (for me)
Mmick
Sounds fun, I would also like to tag along [Dolph], I have some stuff to do earlier so can get to Warriors around 10ish.
ok 930 ish to 1000 is all ok for us anyway [thumbsup]
Sounds like we are sorted.
Anyone else coming??
Mmick
Yeah Mick I know of a couple more as well as us
anyone else from the southern end of sydney going? im in caringbah.
Matty? Andy? wanna do a servo meet somewhere down here?
Hi folks,
Firstly to answer your question above I can't meet up to go see the boys come home for one very important reason.
I am now going to be photographing them upon the home coming for Oxfam who have been a client of mine for many years.
So I am going to be on top of the Sth East pylon of the bridge as they and you all ride over then high tailing it down to the OPT where the formalities will take place.
Cheers
Matty...
Hey roaduser I think Andy is up for it. Give him a call or pm him
Matty thats tops [laugh]
So we hope to see you later in the day when you get down then in amongst the crowd, I think we finish up at the overseas terminal.
Mmick
Yep very happy to be there.
And it ends up down at the OPT ( overseas passenger terminal)
Hope I see you all there. [thumbsup]
Quote from: mattyvas on October 21, 2011, 01:33:23 AM
And it ends up down at the OPT ( overseas passenger terminal)
This is the tent right?
Quote from: Betty on October 21, 2011, 03:54:13 AM
This is the tent right?
What tent are talking about??
Mmick
Bugga.........gotta work this morning.............enjoy people..........!
Quote from: monstermick58 on October 21, 2011, 06:40:12 AM
What tent are talking about??
Mmick
If they are heading where I think they are heading ... its probably easier to see than explain.
Enjoy guys im out have to go to work early
What a day ... just got back home.
The guys seem to appreciate the support which is good 'cos it was 'ot. Nice to be involved as it was something different - but I wouldn't want to do too many rides like that.
At the tail end of the group it was good coming down the 'bigger dipper' nearing Wahroonga with bikes as far as the eye could see and probably a dozen cars sitting on the on-ramp unable to get on the freeway because of the constant stream of bikes [thumbsup]
Not a bad turn-out from Ozmo-mob (about 8?) ... but a huge effort by the lads:
. 14 months
. 38 countries
. 56,000+ kms and
. a world record
yes awesome day, and now im bugged. So Uncle Chop Chop what about the picts :o
Its OK Teff, we all heard that you had to go and blah! blah! blah! blah! blah! blah! work or somefink and Matty was on official photo duty.
Yes Mark it was a bit ot.
Well here are some of the happy campers at Mt White
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6268296299_bd1675b374_z.jpg)
And these are the guys who we escorted into the city
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6268299503_fd77df1f9c_z.jpg)
Here they are IN the city, can anyone guess where?
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6268302437_bb1134a889_z.jpg)
DID ANYONE SEE JUKIE??
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6268828344_cb2eeab376_z.jpg)
OH! There she is [thumbsup]
Mmick
was good fun! and a massive thank you to my push starter Andy!! Twice!! [beer]
Sorry guys I double booked. [thumbsdown]
Looks like there was a huge turn out. Congrats to the boys for the record!
Rob