The Hawkesbury Hobblers
team 470 representing: Mixed Bag
category: Government, Community, Defence, Emergency Services
total received funds
Sponsor our team and help us raise money for Oxfam Australia.
We're past our target of $5,001
Sponsor our team and help to overcome poverty and injustice.
We've raised $6,402.
We're walking 100km. Help us make a difference.
The Hawkesbury Hobblers are gold fundraisers Help us reach our target of $5,001.donate to our team
our top online donors
- Charles Gilmore $400
Support from NZ for Rob and the team.
$400 can pay for a year's worth of support counselling to South Africans living with HIV/AIDS.
- David Gaunt $400
champion hobbling, blokes. well done
$400 can pay for a year's worth of support counselling to South Africans living with HIV/AIDS.
- Genevieve Darnley $333
Thanks to everyone at Erina Fair! Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
$325 can provide start up credit for a Women's Self Help Group in Cambodia.
where does the money go?
21 September
Done and dusted for 2009.
Well it's now been a month since we finished the Oxfam Trailwalker event. Driving down the F3 freeway last weekend, past the starting line and then along the route of the walk, I was literally getting cold shivers re-living the event. Previously, when I had heard people talking about how the Trailwalker is one of the tougest endurance events you can do, I thought they were engaging in just a touch of hyperbole. Now I know that they weren't. The event really was very tough! I had foolishly thought that it would be a bit of a walk in the park, and it largely was for me, until about the 80km mark. At this point we had been walking for 28 hours (we initially thought we'd finish in 28) and the event became very painful. I usually love the Aussie bush and relish any opportunity to get out in it, but by the end of the walk I felt as though if I saw just one more gum tree I was going to scream. Over the last 5km, from the Spit Bridge to the finish, we truly did live up to our name, as we hobbled very slowly and painfully along. We received a was a very warm recpeption from the hundreds of supporters still at the finish line and we managed to pick up our pace for a few steps to cross the line, but that was really all we had left in the tank. A couple of the photos below show the bleary eyed and exhausted state we were in. We all said to ourselves at the time that there was no way that we would ever do it again. Strangely though, a few days later we were all talking about what we would do differently if we were to do it again. By the time we caught up for a BBQ - a couple of weeks later - we were all seriously planning our next attempt - some people never learn. Lastly, the Hawkesbury Hobblers would once again like to say a huge thank you to all of our sponsors for your very generous contributions. Thanks to you we have raised $6,402 and eclipsed our fundraising target by over $1,400.
21 September
Almost at the finish.
Dazed and confused - "Where's the finish line?"
02 September
Scott with a live cross.
Never one to miss an opportunity for a natter - Scott chats to Brad Storey on 92.5FM - ABC Central Coast.
02 September
"Nobody told us it would be this steep."
Rob and Kel turn around and consider packing it in on the first steep bit.
02 September
Just like the City to Surf only steeper.
There were about 800 at the start, and it took a while for the crowds to thin.
02 September
Let's go!
Rob and Kel champing at the bit.
02 September
Soaking up the atmosphere just before the start.
We're in there somewhere.
02 September
Team photo at the start line on a glorious winter morning.
Sun was shining, the atmosphere was great, the coffee was drinkable and we had no inkling of what was in store.
30 August
Hobblers finish the 2009 Oxfam Trailwalker in 34 hours and 22 minutes!!!
The Hawkesbury Hobblers have done it. We have finished the 2009 Oxfam Trailwalker event, and what's more all four of us made it across the line. We completed it in a gruelling 34 hours and 22 minutes - about 6 hours more than we thought it would take. The event was so much tougher than any of us anticipated. It was a real test of stamina and patience. The Hawkesbury Hobblers would like to say a huge thank you first and foremost to our support crew of Dave, Russell and Tim, as well as to all of those who sent messages of encouragement leading up to the event and while we were on the trail. Think it's time for a well-earned beer.
12 August
Hobblers within spitting distance of the finish.
Coming down to the Spit Bridge, with the finish line only a few Ks away. Won't we be happy to see that sight on the 29th.
12 August
A handsome bunch of blokes on Middle Harbour Creek
The boys just after dawn on Middle Harbour Creek.
12 August
Track Named in Hawkesbury Hobblers' Honour
At last some well deserved recognition for the Hawkesbury Hobblers - a walking track named in our honour. The HH track is truly spectacular, with great views of Middle Harbour and very gentle terrain compared to the section between Brooklyn and Bobbin Head. To train for this event you have to be quite mad! We caught the 2.59AM train from Gosford to meet up with fellow Hobbler Chris Peres and walk for around 40km from Bobbin Head to Balmoral. A highlight were the Aboriginal carvings on the Etchings Track and the strange contrast, of one minute, walking through pristine bush and the next hobbling past McMansions with harbour views. Wasn't it a relief to get those shoes off and wade through the icy cold water on Balmoral Beach. We were greeted by a merry crowd at the Mudgee Food and Wine Festival! The gourmet food washed down by beer and wine and some over the counter Ibuprofen had us feeling a lot happier. We met some really friendly ladies who promised to kick our fund raising tin along and Rob's dad put us onto the best wines thanks to his vast knowledge of oenology. All in all a top day! With only two and a half weeks to go we are feeling (circle one response) confident/apprehensive/excited.
05 August
Only 1 month left - so Scott puts in a mammoth solo effort.
This is the picturesque 'Kariong Brook', which I encountered Last Sunday, when I went out for some serious solo training on the the Girakool to Patonga trail. In my, humble, hobbling, opinion this walk is close to the best bushwalk I’ve done so far. A gruelling 28km, that took in a fantastic variety of terrain, vegetation, breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear, deep pools. The view from Mt Wondabyne is regarded as the best in the district and now I can see why. You climb up from the rainforest clad creek gullies to hanging swamps and sandstone heath-land blanketed with wildflowers that rival those I’ve seen in Western Australia. The other really interesting aspect of this walk is that in places, you look down on the Mooney Mooney Bridge and the F3, as it snakes its way along the ridge top to Sydney but you may as well be in the “Land that Time Forgot”. The solitude quite close to the busiest highway in Australia is quite amazing. Hobbling out of the bush at Patonga, blistered feet, knees aching, after 5½ hours of walking. I was greeted by a gorgeous sunset to put the pink and orange icing on top of a beautiful day in the bush. I vowed never to become a bushwalker, however, as you can see, it looks like I’m hooked! - Scott.
18 July
Hobblers Going Nowhere Fast at Erina Fair
The Hawkesbury Hobblers were going nowhere fast at Erina Fair to raise funds for the cause, as they attempted a 100km stationary marathon. Pictured Chris Peres, at the 20km mark, taking his turn on the treadmill. Kel, Scott, Rob and Chris, aided by Kel, Chris and Rob's cute kids, set a fund raising target of $500 with so many supporters kicking the tin along that they exceeded that target by well over $100. It was a great way to getv in some training and edge us closer to the $5,000 target. Thanks to the White family who put in $100 and Peter Grose who threw in $50. We have been very impressed by the amount of support given by Oxfam in the form of banners, posters, flyers, receipt books, collection tins, postcards and information leaflets. As you can see we also look very professional in our matching team shirts now! All we need is that last little bit of money to make our fundraising goal, so please help us out.
07 July
Spectacular coastal walk for Hobblers
Last Sunday Scott and Rob (half of the Hawkesbury Hobblers quartet) ventured out for another training walk. Experienced Trailwalkers have continually stressed the importance of night training. With this in mind, we decided to do a local Central Coast walk, and got up well before the crack of dawn, in order to get in some night walking. The walk we chose, was in Bouddi National Park, from the northern end of Putty Beach to MacMasters Beach and back. We started walking in the pitch dark with only head torches, a starry night and a setting near-full, ochre red moon lighting the way. A stiff, cold sou'wester was at our backs. As we walked along the rugged coastline, we could hear the huge seas pounding the myriad submerged reefs and bomboras. We made it to Little Beach just as the sun was rising and then continued up the steep headland to MacMasters. We paused at the top for a rest, and were greeted with the sight of a pod of four whales milling about and spraying mist from their blowholes. There was no rest for us though, as we turned around and headed back for the return journey. The walk back south was absolutely spectacular. Now we could see, as well as hear, the ocean as it impacted on the coast. We passed a couple of fickle semi-secret surfing spots, which were all breaking beautifully in the enormous swell. At one rugged and isolated spot we came across a couple of surfers having a crack at a very heavy lefthander. With the sun now shining brightly, we continued on our way back to Putty Beach. Along the way we saw that the whales had gotten frisky and were breaching and slapping their tales and fins and generally having a whale of a time. For our next training session on the 18th of July, we will be raising money by each running/shuffling 42km on a treadmill at Erina Fair. We will be kicking off about 8:30am and the event will take most of the day, so come by and say 'G'day' if you are in the area.
09 June
Hawkesbury Hobblers Discover Beautiful Blue Mushroom
Over the Queen's Birhtday long weekend the Hawkesbury Hobblers once again traversed some of the most rugged and scenic bush walks of the Sydney Basin. Along the way we discovered many natural wonders, including this startling blue mushroom on the Lyre Bird Gully track. A real highlight was the amazing variety of bushland, with thick primeval rainforest and forests of majestic towering gums, magnificent caves and overhanging rock formations, boardwalks through mangroves and wetlands, and crystal clear cascading creeks with dappled light filtering through to the brilliant green mossy rocks. All this was capped off by breathtaking views from high atop sandstone pinnacles over looking Berowra Waters and Cowan Creek. The team covered the 22.5km from Cowan Station to Apple Tree Bay at Bobbin Head in a brisk 5 Hours and 45 minutes. The walking was very difficult with the trail in many places carved out of the rock at grades that were almost vertical. We were all very sore the following morning and we're really starting to realize why so many incredibly fit people have been saying that this is the toughest thing you will ever do. I (Scott) look on the bright side, even if my knees pack it in and I don't make the entire 100km on August the 28th, I have discovered the Great North Walk and some of Australia's best bush walks right on our doorstep.
24 May
Seventh Heaven
Who'da thunk it? Chris and Scott rose early on Sunday to placate the demanding God Trailwalker. But what started as a drizzly, snuffling and grizzly trip from the Central Coast down to the trail in Sydney turned out to be a somewhat surreal encounter with our North Shore neighbours! After our quick pre-dawn trip to the trail we broke with tradition (see below) and tackled the flattest stage we could find - and Scott was on the case! After breezing past the impossibly craggy and pain-inducing stages I-III on the freeway, and scouting stage IV in the drizzle-proof car, we opted for number Seven. Well, the map said it was flat. Leaving Checkpoint 6 at Davidson, we expected a doddle. As it turned out, none of this walk is flat - literally or metaphorically. The heavy rains had brought the streams alive, the boughs crashing down scant metres away, and the aptly named Cascades were on show. The fabulous birdlife had come out to join us and even us non-twitchers were learning what the word was about, harking right and left. The trail was Tolkienesque, close and winding, not too hard but no doddle either, hugging the ever widening creek till we met the Tidal limit. Scott pointed out the first mangroves, other fishy things, doubling our small party's knowledge of estuary dynamics. The now brown and turgid waters wafted us south, and just as well. Emerging mildly taxed and sweaty from the trail, we blundered into two Baristas in Davidson park. Off to the right, elegant eights scudded smoothly over the water. In a daze, we find out the elegant gents were shelling out the ambrosia for nix, courtesy of the Mosman Rowing Club's regatta. Not far behind them was a gently waving pavilion stuffed with all the eggy, bunny, bacony and sausagy makings any famished trailwalker could desire. "Help yourself" hardly seemed out of place and, replete, we stepped straight into a vacant taxi, seemingly there just for us. Of course. Trailwalker had deemed us Worthy.
12 May
Hobbler's most recent training walk best described as 'gruelling'.
Last Saturday (9th May) we completed our most recent training walk. We tackled Section 1 and most of Section 2 together - a total of 23 km. It was a beautiful day. and we were making very good time. Section 1 of the track runs past Jerusalem Bay, which was absoluetly stunning. We didn't linger to take in the view though, because Rob had a rush of blood and convinced Kel to have a go at running up the hill to Cowan Station to try and catch his train. This turned out to be a bad idea, as it was about a 20 minute run to the top. Kel missed his train by seconds, because a goods train pulled into the station just as he was trying to cross the tracks. Rob on the other hand got blisters and had to hobble the rest of the walk. At Cowan we said 'goodbye' to Kel and were joined by Chris and his son Noah for Section 2. Despite the Hobbling, everything was going well until Noah had a dramatic stumble on the trail. However, he bravely got up and continued on, despite a few nice scratches and bruises. Scott's knees started playing up again on the steep descents. Finally, after almost 6 hours, we made it to picturesque Berowra Waters. Rob and Scott's families turned up for lunch at a very nice restaurant overlooking the river. Following a few cleansing ales, the aches and pains of the day began to fade away nicely. Our next group training session will be two or three weeks. Location as yet undecided.
08 May
Chris performing some running repairs to Scott's ITT on the track.
Have you heard of ITT? Is it something to do with computers? Maybe the International Table Tennis Federation? The Hawkesbury Hobblers found out all about ITT, also known as Bursitis, on the ANZAC weekend during our second training session on the Great North Walk. Team member and Central Coast Physiotherapist - Chris Peres - worked miracles on a sandstone slab to keep Scott going when he was struck down by this excruciating complaint. The iliotibial tract (ITT) problem that had him hobbling on the weekend walk, is basically due to Scott's muscles and tendons in the side of his leg being too strong - like steel bands - and causing the tendon to rub on a little sac of fluid on the side of the knee known as the "bursa". The bursa, which is supposed to ease the tendon over Scott's knobbly knees, gets flicked by his extra tight tendon (connected to his extra tight buttocks) causing the bursa to swell up, become inflamed and catch on the tendon. Once a stretching regime can be developed to loosen up his tendon, the problem, which was particularly bad going down hill, should be reduced. The walk, Cowan to Berowra via Berowra Waters, is the toughest of the entire 100km trail, rated a grade 5. It's probably the most beautiful bush walk on the route, with breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury River from way up high on the bush clad sandstone bluffs. Incredibly steep in places skirting the river to Berowra Waters and then up again to Berowra. Next weekend we tackle Section 1 and part of Section 2 of the track together. About 23 km all up. Let's see how Scott's knees hold up this time.
08 May
Kel and Scott - half of the Hawkesbury Hobblers quartet - on the track near Cowan.
Our first training session was a bit of a shock. We weren't fully prepared for the challenging gradients on Section 1 of the track. However, after lots of huffing and puffing and a bit of back tracking, due to dodgy navigation skills, we completed Section 1 in reasonable time. Little did we know what lay in store for us in Section 2.
