Distance for Dementia cyclist changes schedule for Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta

After some of his worst days on the 40,000km trip so far, cyclist Nicholas Tremaine said he was in much need of some fun at Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta.

After his mum was diagnosed with dementia, Nicholas Tremaine made it his mission to help raise money for Dementia Australia by riding across Australia on a 40,000km solo mission in the hope of raising $1 million. Images: supplied.

Cycling enthusiast Nicholas Tremaine said he has experienced quite a few highs and lows in the last five months since beginning his around-Australia bike ride for dementia on January 1.

But his recent journey from Hells Gate to Borroloola was one of his worst days so far.

Particularly when a wallaby ran into his front wheel causing his first accident of the trip.

“I fell over,” he said.

“That road took so much longer than I anticipated it was going to take.

“And on top of that, not seeing anyone, the isolation plays with your mind a little bit.”

So when the 34-year-old found out he could make the Beer Can Regatta in Darwin for his scheduled stop in the Top End, Nicholas made sure to extend his stay.

Nicholas Tremaine when he reached Townsville on his mammoth 'Distance for Dementia' tour of Australia.

Explaining this worked for two reasons, he said: “One, the Beer Can Regatta sounds fun and I didn’t realise it was on.

“Secondly, and probably most importantly, the bike is running nicely at the moment but because of the accident, I just want to take it to a bike store to get it looked at.

“And I think Darwin’s probably going to be best for that.”

‘My mum is my inspiration and motivation’

Nicholas has been cycling about 150km each day since the beginning of the year to raise awareness for dementia after his mum, aged 69, was diagnosed in 2019.

After his mum was moved into aged care in 2022, Nicholas cycled from Perth to Sydney in 43 days but this time he asked himself what was the craziest mission he could come up with.

Hoping to raise $1m for Dementia Australia, Nicholas has committed to travelling 40,075km – the equivalent of the earth’s circumference – in 365 days in a solo mission.

“My mum has been my inspiration or motivation to create this Distance for Dementia campaign,” he said.

Nicholas said he has had many highlights on his journey so far but has yet to see a NT crocodile.

“And to build awareness and hopefully money for research into what I hope one day could be a possible cure or some sort of prevention.

“A lot of people I don’t think are aware of the statistics. It is the leading cause of death in women in Australia and second leading cause of death of all Australians.”

Five months in, Nicholas said he is ahead of schedule and hit the half way mark – 20,000km – on Sunday.

The achievement was a massive high for the Kangeroo Island man.

Nicholas said his highlights also included reaching the tip of Cape York, riding to the top of Mount Kosciuszko and taking in the sights in Tasmania.

Nicholas at the Big Mango in Bowen, North Queensland.

His Territory highlight is still in progress but that might all change if he spots one of the NT’s infamous scaly reptiles.

“I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing or not but I haven’t seen a crocodile,” he said.

“I’m starting to think it might be an urban legend to keep tourists away, but I do err on the side of caution as well.”

Raised $36,000 for Dementia Australia

By the time the cyclist arrives in Darwin, Nicholas will have clocked about 21,000km.

While his mission began as a self-funded trip, he said is now looking for interested sponsors and has been gifted generous personal donations from people to get him to the finish line.

Right now, Lions Club Australia which has been a good resource in supporting him at different points in the trip, is trying to replace his rapidly deflating air mattress.

“Unfortunately my air mattress has a hole in it and I can’t find it and so it deflates every hour while I’m sleeping and I’ve had a few rough nights,” he said.

So far, Nicholas has raised nearly $36,000 for Dementia Australia. Anyone interested in donating or finding out more can click here or follow him along on social media @distance4dementia

Originally published as Distance for Dementia cyclist changes schedule for Darwin’s Beer Can Regatta