Riding on a high for RAW
Ebony Lette receives a cheque from Bridport Lions Club President Ann Maree O’Keefe and Secretary Leonie Johnston.
May 22, 2024
With her fundraising target of $10,000 already secured, Ebony Lette started her 200km Ride for Raw on Monday with a happy heart.
“I feel like that has allowed me to settle in a bit more and I think I am going to be able to soak up the rest of the week because anything now is just awesome,” said Mrs Lette.
Riding her 23-year-old former A-grade polocrosse star Jasper, the mental health and wellbeing outreach worker began her journey from George Town on Monday morning, with the longest leg of the mission ahead of her.
“It ended up being 55km from George Town to Bridport with lots of stops along the way,” she said.
“I got up about 2.45am because I just couldn’t sleep. I was super nervous and excited and a bit overwhelmed, so it was a long day.
“We got to about 25km and Jasper had a bit of a lull and I was getting stiff and sore so I got his saddle off and I walked him for a bit and he really picked up after that and he has pulled up really well.
“It was a really tough day. I was meant to have my UE Boom for music but I forgot it and I was 20km in and I thought this is a long way to go to be stuck with your thoughts and the further you get the sorer you get and you can’t stop thinking about the pain so I just started having a chat to Jasper and taking some videos and tried to take in the scenery and remember it’s not a race, it’s an adventure and to enjoy it as much as I can.”
A BBQ organised by the Lions Club of Bridport BBQ on the Village Green on Monday night saw her presented with a cheque for $3000.
Day two saw her leave Bridport for Waterhouse on Molly, her son Bentley’s horse.
The two trusty steeds will tag team across the journey to St Helens.
“The priority is making sure Jasper and Molly have the right feed, plenty of electrolytes, anti-inflammatories, post and pre-ride car,” she said.
“When we finish we don’t worry about me – it’s about getting them washed down, getting their rugs on, getting the swell down on their legs and getting a warm feed in their belly and making sure they are getting a walk out and a big drink.”
Mrs Lette said she couldn’t have done it without the support of her boys Ted, 4, Tanner, 9, Bentley, 11 and husband Adam.