Mark Worrall is a 70-year-old who’s about to cycle more than 1000 kilometres from Sydney to Brisbane to raise funds for a good cause.
At 70 years old, Mark is grateful for the life he’s had and has decided 2023 is the year he will tackle a trip by bicycle from Sydney and Brisbane - a distance of 1026 km.
His journey between the two capital cities will begin in March, and he’s pedalling to raise money for The Common Good and the life-changing research and patient initiatives they support. In particular, he hopes the support his feat generates will help to improve outcomes for patients in intensive care units (ICU’s), with his passion and goal being the reduction of delirium.
“Life’s been good to me, and now it is time to put back something that will benefit people,” said Mark.
As we speak, Mark is gearing up for what will undoubtedly be a great adventure. His solo journey will span approximately 11 days and 1027 kilometres.
Each day of Mark’s trek north from Sydney, he’ll ride distances around 100km, stopping along the way to talk with people and promote the health benefits of fitness in older age.
Always close to this will be the subject of supporting hospital innovation to help reduce the prevalence of conditions like delirium which can often present in ICU patients.
Mark worked in hospital design and medical equipment for more than 30 years, and even in his retirement, he continues to remain passionate about this area by volunteering his time and insights across hospital projects.
“The meaning of life is … if you’re lucky enough, make the best of it,” said Mark.
“There’s enough negativity in the world. If you’ve got the chance, you should get out there and do something positive.”
Mark does not let age stop him from leading an active lifestyle. He believes his upcoming journey is not overly impressive in terms of the kilometres he’ll cover, but he is proud he can put his mind and body to the test in a feat that may help others.
To stay fit, Mark enjoys cycling (around 200 kilometres a week). He also plays and umpires AFL for a community club on the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Later in mid-May this year, Mark plans to challenge his mental and physical abilities again by climbing Indonesia’s Mount Tambora – an active volcano on the island of Sumbawa.
“Age shouldn’t stop you from challenging your abilities and achieving something significant,” he said.
The money Mark raises on his journey will support innovation and patient care in the ICU environment at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane.
My Achievements

Fundraising page

Updated Profile Pic

Added a Blog Post

Received 5 Donations

Reached Goal

Increased Target
My Updates

woolgoolga- Sikh capital of Australia
Sunday 26th Mar Holed up tonight at a youth hostel. It's positively jumping with backpackers. It's like the old days before Covid. I've covered 658km to date. Maclean is my next port of call then Ballina. I'm in two minds as to whether I will cut a day off my trial -by -pedaling . I'll make that call when I'm in Ballina. Prior to this trip I did ride from Ballina to home last year. Stay tuned Share
Coffs Harbour
Sunday 26th Mar Over the years I have stayed in or traveled through Coffs but never once contemplated the Big Banana. A tourist trap if ever there was one. However it's not so bad. Actually anything banana orientated is ok. I'm impressed with the banana milkshake. Yummy! Share
prospect of more rain tomorrow
Saturday 25th Mar I'm staying in a rural pub in Fredericton staring out at the tumbling rain. While on the freeway today it was raining soooooo hard a fish began looking at me with amorous intent. Before I could say I wasn't that kind of boy I was spawned. Naturally I felt violated so I'm going to take it up with the fish marketing board. My lawyer thinks I' won't win my claim , something about proof of identity, all fish look the same.
The unusual things on the roadside
Saturday 25th Mar Cars just zip up the freeway but at my pace one gets to see all the flotsam and jetsam discarded by the populous . Outside of Nelsons Bay I spotted a crab just on the verge then just 6 kms from Kempsey another one?? Did they escape from some fish sales van or were they taking a holiday from the mudflats. Share
after the rain
Friday 24th Mar The rain seems to be gone for now
Taree here I come
Thursday 23rd Mar Just having lunch in Buldelah. This morningI took a backroad thru Mungo Brush across some formidable gravel roads. The early morning boat ride from Nelsons Bay to Tea Garden is worth the effort if you are every down this way. Share
On the road again can't wait to get back on the road
Wednesday 22nd Mar Leaving The Entrance in drizzle I thought it was going to be a tad unpleasant but the weather gods threw back the clouds and I had a fairly pleasant day of it. Could have done without the head win6 though. I'm staying in an ecolodge this evening. It's a fun menagerie of wandering animals and off beat cabins. I like it. Road kill update- rode past the biggest constricting snake I personally have ever seen. I estimated it's length at 2.5 meters. Pity it's life ended in such a fashion. Share
first day of travel
Tuesday 21st Mar Mao said the long march begins with the first step and so it was this morning. After a poor sleep brought on by anxiety I left Sydney on a cool and blustery morning. Sydney at 5 in the morning is alive with thousands of cleaners toiling to make new for the millions to come. First ferry over to Manly and a ride along the beach front. Cleaner are now replaced by joggers and fresh air people. Had a bite to eat then on the road north. The Palm beach/Ettalong beach ferry ride was charming save for the driving rain. This area is really very nice. Took the scenic route Gosford/Terrigal to my digs in The Entrance. Holiday towns always seem abandoned when the weather is bleak. All good. Tomorrow's ride is to Port Stephens. Share

So hot
Saturday 18th Mar If there’s a god of weather, please cool it down a bit. Riding in above 30 temperatures is not ideal. Share
Boxed up and ready to go
Thursday 16th Mar
95 k ride on Thursday
Friday 10th Mar I’ve dispelled my doubts on whether I can do day after day of riding. I put two days together of rides near 100 kms. Slightly tired but no real fatigue. I move into the last week before the ride feeling confident and apprehensive at the same time. Share
Suprising complications for ride
Tuesday 7th Mar
Time and tide wait for no man (or woman or binary identity)
Friday 3rd Mar On Saturday I'm going to do a trial run with the complete bike set up so that I know what I need to haul also how the weight is distributed and any issues that may arise. If the creative urge gets me I might even do a video and post it during the weekend. I'm guessing it will be an epic of cinematic drama not unlike Dr. Zhivago or Gone with the Wind. I know what you are thinking, "Frankly Scarlet, I don't give a darn".Share

NSW Rail aren't doing me any favours
Monday 27th Feb I've booked the train travel down to Sydney today. The train leaves Roma St at the less than civilised time of 5:00 and slowly trundles its way to Sydney arriving at 20:00 hrs, The bike packaging has been an issue with a number of restrictions built in. I'm going to make some compromises to work in with their size and weight requirements but I think I've got it sussed.Share

Short ride to test the bike
Saturday 25th Feb Just a quick leg turner to test the tire, All good, now so perhaps I can concentrate on other parts of the ride.Share

The Bike Shop Shailer Park
Friday 24th Feb It's not often one comes across a business that has an emphatic approach to their customer. I'm giving a big thumbs up to the Bike Shop. I've had some issues with the preparation of my bike (these blessed flats for example) but the staff have really gone out of their way to help. To show you the type of people they are, they will help me to pack up the bike for the trip down to Sydney on the train. If you live on the south side of Brisvegas and your bike needs maintenance I highly recommend them. No! they haven't paid me money....!!! Friendly and good at what they doShare

Special thanks to MDI and Conrad and Gargett
Thursday 23rd Feb Two companies that went out of their way to make the ICU redevelopment materialize have just proven how generous people can be in this day and age. A personal thanks from me to you both (Dan and Angelo).Share

One month to go
Tuesday 21st FebThank you to my Sponsors

$1,000
Conrad Gargett

$520
Daniel Visser

$500
Broadbeach Cat Old Boys
Great cause and good luck Mark from the Broady Old Boys..

$144
Ryan ‘ryno’ Powell
Congratulations Mark on taking on an epic journey in the name of community support to those in ICU. You are a shining example of living life to the full, cup half full, and do good by others!! All the best for a fantastic trip, stay safe, and I look forward to having a kick with you on your return. Godspeed.

$144
Steve Worrall

$105.50
Ray White Ormeau
Good Luck Mark, We know you will inspire many along the way.

$52.75
Tim
Hey mate, enjoy your trip.. Saftey first.. (blonde mechanic at the bike shop.. now back in oil and gas work)

$50
Dominique Lawson
Bonjour Mark Jolly good effort so far, well done👍 Keep safe and happy. Dominique

$33.76
Chris Modra
Hey brother. You once said to me back in the early days when I tried to block your path and you did a kind of fleet footed quick switch around "just thought I'd try something interesting". Never stopped have you hey?