The 13 high school students, led by their teacher, Peter Kershaw and support staff, spent seven days successfully completing the Bulahdelah Central School Bike Challenge.

Starting at six every morning, the group would ride for six hours a day, stopping for meals and rest breaks before camping overnight.

“It was good doing something for charity and getting to see different things,” year nine student Ethan Wisemantel said.

From exploring Timor Caves to meeting a couple walking four camels to Victoria, the group agreed it was an amazing adventure.

“It was just an experience. We all found out something new about ourselves or something different,” year 10 student Mitchell Markham said.

Money is still being collected, but the group is confident they have made almost $3000, which will be donated to Stewart House and Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets Program.

Mr Kershaw would like to thank all the parents, volunteers and sponsors for their support.

“It’s the best excursion I’ve ever been on,” he said.

Everyone agreed it was a relief when they arrived back to Bulahdelah.

“But felt different when we got home, not being in the bush any more,” said year nine student, Liam Mason.

Some of the students said they would like to do it again, but go somewhere different for an even longer amount of time.

Sponsors thanked

THE Bulahdelah Central School Bike Challenge extends its thanks to the following sponsors whose contributions helped make this trip the success:

Caltex Energy

NRMA road service

Tea Gardens Auto Electrics

Great Lakes Nursing Home

Windy Ridge Farm, Nabiac

Department of Environment and Climate Change, Barrington Tops National Park

Barry Bros Butchers, Bulahdelah

Leo’s Fruit and Vegetables, Bulahdelah

Brita Water Filters

Teasdale Tyres, Cessnock

Completer Plumbing and Drainage P/L, Central Coast

Austin Tourist Park, Tamworth

Nundle Pony Club

Camp Cobark

Gloucester Tourist Park

Moonan Flat General Store

Bourke’s Bicycles, Taree