A TEAM of motorcyclists have left HMAS Albatross on a nine-day adventure, riding across the country, raising money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation as part of the Defence Long Ride.
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The team made up of defence members from the local base, representing navy and the public service, were farewelled from the Fleet Air Arm Museum by loved ones and the commanding officer of HMAS Albatross Captain Simon Bateman on Thursday morning.
They will eventually arrive in Margaret River in Western Australia, 4500 kilometres later on April 16.
The eight Team Albatross riders include Able Seaman Dave Loughman, Peter Booth, Brian Croker, Chief Petty Officer Nathan Minett and his wife Dawn, CPO Tim Noble, CPO Mark McKelligot and AB Tom Carroll.
They will be joined by ride organiser Lieutenant Wayne Langworthy, who was suppose to take part in the ride but a recent accident left him with a broken ankle.
However, he is still taking part, driving the support vehicle.
The team has had great support, already raising more than $12,300 which is expected to grow even more with further fundraising to be undertaken on the journey.
“The support has been fantastic and we are looking forward to the adventure,” LEUT Langworthy said.
The team will travel to Wagga on the first day and from there it is onto Balranald and Broken Hill where they will meet with other riders from NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
As a group they will then travel to Port Augusta in South Australia to meet the SA contingent before riding to Seduna, a 490km leg to Border Village before facing their biggest day in the saddle, a 711km journey to Norseman.
Then it is onto Esperance, Albany and the group, which is expected to be more than 420 bikes strong, will be escorted by police into Margaret River on April 16.
You can support the local team and their endeavours, just go to https://thelongride2016.everydayhero.com/au/team-albatross to pledge funds or contact Wayne Langworthy 0418 622801.