FATHER Michael Alcock and Zippy the whippet will take to the road again on a fundraising trip dubbed ‘Adelaide or Bust’.

The Catholic priest and his loyal companion will depart on their electric trike from their home at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Sawtell at midday on 5 June.

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You may recall the pedaling pair taking off in September last year on a sponsored cycle ride from Sawtell to Armidale with the goal to raise $20,000.

Funds were donated to an orphanage and a centre for the blind, lame and elderly, under the care of Father Telesphor ‘Tellie’ Zanda in the Diocese of Songea in Tanzania, where all people, catholic and non-Catholic alike, live in very basic conditions.

This year the intrepid travellers intend to cycle to Adelaide – a journey that according to Google Maps will take 88 hours.

Setting off on Sunday, heading towards Tamworth on a route taking them through Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, West Wyalong and Balranald, these two adventurers are looking for community support to raise funds via donation.

Funds will go to the Lismore Flood Relief Appeal as well as to Father Telesphor.

Having been training around Coffs for the big ride, Father Michael told News Of The Area, “People may have seen us using the Hogbin Drive cycling path to Coffs Harbour as our training track.

“We have had the bike serviced at Bob Wallis Cycles to make sure it is mechanically sound.

“I have had to purchase camping gear in case we do not make our destination each day and have to sleep out on the side of the road.

“I have also had to purchase some winter clothing for myself and Zippy as we might hit some low temperatures out west.”

Having cycled up to Armidale last winter Father Michael learned a big lesson, to make sure they have the right clothing.

“I had to buy gloves and a jacket in Armidale because I didn’t have anything that could keep me warm enough with the wind chill factor kicking in.”

Father Michael and Zippy are looking forward to meeting new people, seeing parts of NSW and SA for the first time, and enjoying a sense of freedom on the road.

“We hope to stay at pet-friendly lodgings along the way if they are available.

“We will also camp out when necessary if caught in between towns for whatever reason.

“There is always a chance, fingers crossed, that some nice locals might take pity on a couple of weary travellers and invite them home for a hot meal.

“We are doing this ride to raise funds for two causes; the Lismore Flood Relief and to support the work of Fr Telesphor Zenda in working with the poor in Tanzania.”

The GoFundMe link if you wish to sponsor them is bit.ly/adelaideorbust.

Donations can be made at the Sawtell Parish office or in collection baskets at the church, and online on the GoFundMe platform – just type Adelaide or Bust into the search box on the home page.

For further Information contact the Sawtell Parish Office or Michelle Royce at michelleroyce@scca.net.au.

By Andrea FERRARI