We’re more than a little stoked on being part of this worthy cause set up by two riders close to the [R] family. None other than [R] founder Matt Holmes and legend MTB’er Paul Begg are riding from Australia’s lowest point top of Australia to raise awareness and funds to the two hospitals, Doctors, Nurses and research teams that Paul and Matt owe their lives to.
Salt2Snow is a journey for those that have been affected by cancer and their families. A ride not too dissimilar from the arduous journey that the many forms of cancer and it’s treatment take their participants through.
Both have more in common than just a history of shredding bikes. Both with a shared cancer experience that they have overcome. Salt2Snow is their way of giving back to the many incredible people that dedicate their lives to cancer treatment. Together, their journey through cancer and it’s treatments will extend to taking on the long dirt roads from Lake Eyre in South Australia, across the deserts and plains into the Great Dividing Range with their goal, Mt Kosciuszko at the top of Australia in what will be a truly iconic adventure.
To ride from Australia’s lowest point to it’s highest on bikes is no small undertaking. What bike to ride was always going to be the question. Specialized’s latest Turbo Levo’s were the obvious answer. Combining the all terrain ability of a mountain bike with an innovative pedal-assist motor and advanced electronics, delivering more range (and speed) to the riders that will ease some of the gruelling kilometres of dirt and gravel the route follows, skipping major roads for access roads, single track and whatever path they can find through some of the county’s most iconic and picturesque terrain.
From the salt of Lake Eyre, the journey will head south through the iconic Flinders Ranges into the Riverina, following the Murray River to Mildura, before heading towards Albury. From the border town, the uphill begins into the lush Alpine National Park with the summit of our tallest peak, Mt Kosciuszko the destination before the much needed descent to Thredbo. The ride officially ends at the Kosciuszko Brewery with a much earned celebration.
Departing Lake Eyre on the 20th of October with a goal of 100-130km’s per day, the 1800+ kilometre trip should see them out on the bikes for just under 3 weeks.
We’ll be following their journey here on the site and on our social media. For more information on the trip, and on how to donate head to www.salt2snow.com.au/2018 along with insights into the ride right here. It’s an epic adventure that is set to showcase the versatility of the new generation of pedal assist bikes along with raising much needed funds for further research and treatment of rare cancers.