Michael Young is cycling around Australia
Michael Young, aged 18, set off from Brisbane on March 21st 2010 on his push bike to cycle around Australia raising money on behalf of the Cancer Council, Queensland.
He cycled up through Queensland to Darwin via Townsville and then via Kununarra and Broome he made his way down to Karratha which is where we were lucky enough to meet such an inspirational, and determined young man.
By the time Michael got to Karratha he had already been cycling for 102 days.
Michael is hoping to complete the huge journey around Australia in 223 days and along the way raise $250,000.
When we met him in Karratha on 25th June he had managed to raise $10,000 already.
He is aiming to cycle 100km a day and hopes to be safely back in Brisbane by October 29th 2010.
The money being raised has come mainly through sponsors including Telstra and Belle Property to name a few but people have been donating on his website and even few have stopped him in the street to donate money as he has travelled through the towns.
Many hotels, motels and caravan parks have been generous enough to accommodate the pair for their stay but often they have camped in Australia’s outback.
Michael said that since the age of ten he has wanted to cycle around Australia to which his parents thought was a wild idea.
In Year 7 he raised money for Leukemia Research by shaving his head at a school assembly for Shave-For-A-Cure.
Michael chose the Cancer Council because unfortunately he has a family history of cancer with his Grandfather sadly passing away late last year.
He also believes it’s a charity that everyone knows and supports because most people know someone that has been diagnosed with cancer.
Michael had been planning the trip for a year before he set off.
He needed to organise sponsors and navigate his route, which he decided upon by looking at the course that other people have taken when cycling Australia.
Michael says “The journey has been pretty good so far.It has just been so different every day.”
If Michael completes this journey he will be the youngest person to cycle around Australia.
If you wish to donate a contribution or find out where in Australia Michael is right now please visit www.cyclearoundaustralia.com