The End of a Cycling Feat

Date: May 6, 2005
Source: Adventist News Network

The cyclists from the Circle of Courage Cycle Tour finished their 31 day ride across Australia to address issues of at-risk behaviour among young people in small, rural communities on the afternoon of May 5. The six cyclists were welcomed by the City of Sydney Councillor Marcelle Hoff, together with representatives from the sponsors of the tour and friends and family, at the steps of the Sydney Town Hall.

“I am relieved, and yet I do feel somewhat disappointed that the cycle tour is now over,” says Jonathan Duffy, team leader and director of health for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific, organiser of the tour. “However, I am very satisfied that we have been able to get the message of the Circle of Courage out to the rural communities of Australia.”

The Circle of Courage focuses on four areas—belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. The cyclists started their tour from the Murray Street Mall in Perth on April 5 and have spoken in 21 towns across Australia.

“We have had very cynical social and youth workers turn up for the town meetings, but I have not heard one negative thing from them about the philosophy,” says Mr Duffy. “There are at least six towns that are now planning projects, and some are already in contact with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) for seeding money. I think the tour has been a success and we have had a significant impact in the towns.”

Asked if he would do it again, Mr Duffy says, “There is so much more of Australia that still needs to be touched with the Circle of Courage philosophy. So yes, I will do it again, but certainly not for the span of five weeks for 4,456 kilometres, and probably not by cycling either!”

Brett Lee's Letter of Support

Date: April 26th, 2005

Dear Jonathan and team,

I hope the Circle of Courage Cycle Tour is going well. I am very sorry I will not be able to ride with you into Sydney from Mittagong on May 5 as I had initially planned. Unfortunately, other commitments have made this impossible.

I am passionate about issues of at-risk behaviour among young people and I applaud you and your team for taking up the immense task of addressing these issues in small, rural communities across the country. I have been a supporter of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) for a number of years now, especially in relation to their work with at-risk young people. I am really glad that ADRA has been able to sponsor this exciting program.

To cycle across Australia in five weeks is a feat in itself, but to hold 21 town meetings almost every evening is another story altogether. I hope you have been able to help the adults in these communities understand that the best way to prevent at-risk behaviour in their young people is to befriend them and make the young people feel that they belong.

You must be half-way across Australia by now. Your team would have cycled close to 2,500 kilometres. I wish you all the best for the rest of the journey. May the communities you visit embrace the Circle of Courage principles of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity that you are promoting.

I have been visiting your website at www.cyclingincircles.org.au regularly and will continue to do so.

All the best,

Brett Lee
Australian Cricketer
ADRA Supporter