Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home. Matsuo Basho

The London to Athens ride, a 4,000 km epic, united 20 cyclists, raising funds for children in need.

Since completing my 4,000km cycling adventure, I’ve been reflecting on the emotional and physical journey it took to get here. Spending so much time alone on the road reaffirmed a powerful truth: life is about more than just seeing incredible places or conquering challenges. It’s about self-reliance, self-belief, and the connections we share with others.

At just 10 years old, Williamstown’s Xander Schmitz is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Next month, Xander will be the youngest cyclist participating in the three-day 25000spins Great Ocean Road Challenge, a grueling ride from Geelong to Warrnambool, all to raise funds for children living in poverty.