Harold Blake has just set off on his epic journey from the Murray to the Moyne with one mission in mind, to make it to Stawell by midday Sunday.
Harold was due to start his 520 kilometre ride today, but was so determined that he would make it to Stawell by noon Sunday, that he decided to hop onto his bicycle a day early.
``I was a bit concerned that if I struck a head wind, I might not make it back in time,'' he said.
A group of residents from Eventide Homes made the trip up to Swan Hill by bus yesterday, to send Harold on his way.
They will be waiting eagerly, along with hundreds of other residents from Stawell, to welcome Harold to Eventide Homes on Sunday.
Harold is determined to be in Stawell by midday to take part in a special celebration in the grounds of Eventide Homes.
Members of the public who wish to welcome Harold into Stawell should be at Eventide Homes by 11.30am.
There will be a free barbecue operating for lunch, while various items have been secured to be auctioned on the day from 1pm. These will include a Sydney Swans jumper signed by all the players from season 2008 and a special Swans jumper worn this season by Jude Bolton, who happens to be Harold's grandson and will be accompanying the 84-year-old in the ride from Swan Hill to Port Fairy.
Jude will be riding into Stawell with Harold and will be on hand for the auction and family fun day.
Victorian Veteran Cycling Champion, Leon Gibson, will also be riding with Harold.
Only people who attend the family day at Eventide Homes on Sunday will be able to make bids for the football jumpers.
Other items up for auction on the day include a trailer load of wood donated by Greenfingers Nursery and a garden/yard clean up service for two hours by four to five people, along with equipment, donated by Stawell Lawns and Gardens.
Harold decided to commit to the campaign after hearing about several Stawell doctors riding in the annual Murray to Moyne cycle relay.
He heard how their participation raised a lot of money for the Stawell Hospital, so he decided to tackle it himself, in the hope of raising funds for Eventide Homes.
The past few months have seen Harold riding regularly to put miles into his legs and prepare himself for the gruelling ride.
``I have had to train pretty hard,'' he said.
``I couldn't imagine doing it without any training behind you. It would be impossible.''
Harold and his supporters at Eventide have been busy raising funds through various avenues. Waack's Bakery has decided to donate 50 cents from the sale of each award winning vanilla slice at all three outlets to the cause, while collection tins have been placed at various businesses throughout Stawell.
Donations can also be left at Eventide Homes, or made on Sunday during the family fun day. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and a receipt will be issued on request.
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