Darren’s Ride – Bringing Darren home
The inaugural “Darren’s Ride”, commemorating the life of Darren Whitby, came home from Perth to Busselton Sunday 27/03/2016.
The weather gods smiled on the day, and Margaret Hitching, aka “Princess” and her fellow Geographe Cycle Club member Bob Hingston kicked off from the South Perth foreshore at 03:55am, joined by Laurie Collett and Tricia Miller at Pinjarra Road. With support drivers Bob Hitching, Robin Ullyott and Denise Davies , the team made good time down to Busselton, picking up Darren’s wife Kirsten (riding especially for him) at Bovell Oval at 5:35 PM.
Under motorcycle escort from Chris Ebsary, the group arrived to an emotional welcome from a crowd of family, friends and supporters gathered at the Busselton RSL. Local MLA Libby Mettam and Mayor Grant Henley, and Darren’s best mate Darcy dog joined the crowd to celebrate bringing Darren home.
With monies donated so far and pledges to come, over $10,000 has been raised (so far!) to finance research and help people living with MND.
“Darren’s Ride” continues; please go to www.darrensride.com.au to see pictures from Sunday and for details of the many other fundraising initiatives to come…
Welcome Home Darren’s Ride
Well done to Margaret and her support crew.
They made it home to a warm welcome from the cheer squad.
Time for some food and bubbles.
Thanks so much everyone.
Remember to get on board Darren’s Ride
and Donate
Bringing Darren Home
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Final update
1735 – at Bovell Oval and joined by a very special rider for the last 2km – Kirsten Whitby.
For Darren x
Nearly there – Busselton here we come – Darren’s Ride
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
1715 – corner of Layman Road and Tuart Drive. Darren’s Ride is almost home …..
Darren’s Ride near Bufflo on way to Bunbury
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
Last few kilometres on Forrest Hwy before the Buffalo Road stop…
89km to go on Darren’s Ride
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
1130 Arrive Carnaby’s Park, Forrest Hwy; 1150 on the way to Buffalo Road. 124km completed; 89km to go…
The Fab Four
Almost Halfway on Darren’s Ride
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
John Tognelo Rest area on Forrest highway
100km down; 115 to go…
Supporters cheering the cyclists on – Kirsten’s mum, dad and brother (Robin, John and Andrew) 
10.30 – fed, watered and ready to leave the John Tognelo Rest area for the next 24km stage.
Running Repairs for Marg
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
0940 – running repairs en route. All fixed and back on the road.
The Icecream Cones on Forrest Highway
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
0835 – just arriving at “The Water Dance” aka The Icecream Cones on Forrest Highway. Margaret and Bob Hingston have now been joined by Laurie Collett and Tricia Miller. Light winds (S to SE) and sunshine makes for pleasant riding. Still making good time…
Margaret’s ride for Darren’s Ride – Progress report
Arrival and departure (0900) from Icecream Cones.
Darren’s Ride – Marg progressing well
0615 – arrived a little ahead of schedule. Here are Margaret and Bob with support crew Bob and Robin. Enjoyed a coffee and some food. Margaret gave them all a bit of a shock walking into the Restrooms with her protective mask on. Good job it wasn’t a bank! Now on their way to next pit stop – Manjoogoordap Road.
Please get on board Darren’s Ride and Donate