Launch Day

March 29, 2025

Bruce Simpson Scholarship Fund

Today was the seventh day since we departed home and a non-riding day. But it wasn’t a rest day. Far from it.

As mentioned previously, a major reason for this ride is to help raise funds for a rural leadership development organisation’s scholarships. And today was the official launch with speeches, special guests, and mix of formal and informal activities to help with the fundraising.

The event was held in Deniliquin at an excellent venue and function facility called The Crossing which hosted about 100 people including us cycle tourers. And my loaded bike was given a place on the stage to be part of the proceedings, and so was I, with the opportunity to give a short speech.

Sadly the community had unexpectedly and suddenly lost an outstanding citizen, Bruce Simpson, about 14 months ago. Bruce’s death was a tragedy, however his family have courageously and generously responded by setting up a perpetual trust fund to provide scholarships.

I’m aware that CycleBlaze isn’t here to be linked to fundraising activities, so suffice to say, if you are interested to know more about Bruce and the scholarship, search online for ‘Bruce Simpson Rural Leadership Scholarship’.

Today in photos.

Not a typical cycle touring day.

A first for the Thorn Sherpa bike. On stage.

Some of the alumni, staff and former staff of the ARLF

John Simpson, Bruce’s brother gave a moving speech about the major contributions his brother made to the region.

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Gregory GarceauOn a couple of occasions, I had to speak in front of two or three hundred people. I'm not a public speaker and I was terrified. When the time came, though, it didn't seem so bad. I think I messed up my words less than a dozen times.
I'm enjoying your journal. Keep moving forward, Lord Graham.
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1 week ago

Graham SmithGreg thanks for the interest. The irony is that I used to manage and run rural leadership development programs which included public speaking training and practice. However when I need to speak to large groups myself, I still go through the usual ‘fight or flight’ response.

If given the choice, most people would prefer to be burned alive than do public speaking.

Thankfully this gathering was very friendly, informal and very receptive to the old guy on a heavy bike. It was a fun day.
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1 week ago