Kalamunda Premier Grade Head Coach, Callum Payne is riding from Melbourne to Perth to raise funds for dementia research.
Payne, known within the Rugby community as ‘Sheep’, will be riding across Australia to raise money for Dementia Australia Research Foundation LTD.
Kicking off his ride today, Payne shared that the timing for the ride was just right, inspiring him to take off from Melbourne.
“Rugby is usually pretty full on for most of the year and this was the closest I have to an off season, so really everything just fell into place,” Payne said.
“The opportunity came up to head to Melbourne to see Pearl Jam live at Marvel stadium with a work mate. The timing worked out really well with my long service leave coming up at the same time.”
Taking a hardcore approach to the off-season, Payne will be averaging around 110km per day. Despite the task being incredibly intimidating, he says he’s up for the challenge.
“A big thing for me is I enjoy a challenge I'm not sure I can actually complete. It's a pretty daunting task and I've had a number of reminders just how big Australia is throughout my prep.”
The cross-country distance will total to 4300km, with Payne taking to coastal route. His trip will see him travel through Mount Gambier, Adelaide, Port Augusta, Esperance and Augusta, before making his way up to Perth from the Southwest.
“I've done a fair bit of reading and research on it but I'm sure there's going to be some real challenges coming I don't anticipate,” Payne commented.
“Riding West across Aussie in the Summer wasn’t exactly at the top of my bucket list, but if I can do it, I'm sure it'll be something to look back on for a long time.”
A massive feat made even more impressive by Payne’s decision to raise money for the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, with the goal of raising as many dollars as he rides.
“When I first raised the idea with mates, a number asked me what cause I'm riding for,” he shared. “At the time I didn't have one. I decided to commit any funds we can raise to the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.”
The Dementia Australia Research Foundation is the research arm of Dementia Australia, funding researchers to support innovative research within Australia. It aims to better understand causes of dementia, develop strategies to reduce dementia risk and improve treatment and care options.
“It's an illness that has widespread effect on families, including mine,” Payne said. “If I have the opportunity to help in even a small way, it would be awesome to try do so.
“So far, we've already raised $655, which is amazing.”
Payne will be cycling across the country for the next few weeks, tackling the Summer heat as he ventures back to Western Australia. What is sure to be an epic adventure, Payne begins his journey this morning, with the Rugby community supporting his incredible accomplishment.
Donations to Payne’s fundraising ride can be made through Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/07707fd4
Follow along with Sheep’s journey through his Instagram, @cycle_sheep.
