Community
26 April, 2024
C’down welcomes Jake home
A CROWD gathered at Camperdown’s Clocktower last Friday to herald the return of Jake Rowbottom, who completed his epic bicycle ride from Noosa to Camperdown.
The bike ride raised over $26,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, surpassing his goal of $20,000.
Jake said he was relieved the ride was over and felt good about his achievement.
“It was just day after day after day, so it’s good to wrap it up,” he said.
“I didn’t think there would be this many people turn out at the end, so that was a really nice finish.
“I had about six people ride with me today (Friday, April 19), which is nice. We did a bit extra than we should have done, but we went the safe way.
“We smashed the fundraising goal, and I’m glad it’s done.”
Jake’s ride took him across 2700 kilometres and three states, with stops including Tweed Heads, Ballina, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Armstrong Creek and Geelong.
He said he had several highlights from his trip, including his mother Belinda Rowbottom joining on the Sydney stretch of his ride.
“Seeing the Victoria sign was good, and swimming in the rock pools along the New South Wales coastline was nice,” he said.
“Other than that, I was pretty lucky with all the weather we got.
“I only got rained on once somehow, and everything really kind of worked out perfectly.
“I don’t think you could have planned it as well as it worked out.”
Jake said there were a few challenges along the way as well.
“The back wheel broke, that was one of the biggest challenges,” he said.
“For the second day, I couldn’t eat anything, so I was really dehydrated for the first few days.
“The dehydration, working out what to eat, was hard at the start but you learnt it as you went.”
Brian Rowbottom, Jake’s father, said his son’s achievement was “sensational”.
“It’s hard to describe sitting on a bike for 21 days. For us mere mortals, to see somebody do something like he’s done is incredible,” he said.
“It’s a really big effort.
“The town has got behind him, so it’s wonderful to see.
“With all the bad news that’s going on in the world, it’s nice to see something good like this. He’s an incredible son, and an incredible person.”
Mother Belinda Rowbottom said she was also “incredibly proud” but was also relieved.
“The last 21 days, I’ve worried about him out on the road and with the traffic,” she said.
“I’m very, very proud of what he’s done and what he’s achieved.
“He’s a great kid, and it’s wonderful to do this sort of thing for breast cancer and prostate cancer. His grandfather passed away from prostate cancer nine years ago, so I think all the money we can put towards these cancer to get rid of them is good.
“I’m just delighted with how many people have come to support him from the community.”
Jake made a speech after he arrived in Camperdown, expressing his gratitude to everyone who donated to the cause.
“Thanks to everyone for coming; I honestly thought Mum and Dad and a few others would come out, but this is impressive,” he said.
“I better say thanks to Mum, Dad, Jess and Cam (family members) for coming to support; it was meant to be a solo trip, but I lost it after day two.
“They helped get this done.”
“Thanks to everyone who donated, and to the sponsors who made it all happen.”
