Phil Wise and son Ned reflect on epic 5232km fundraising bike ride from Hobart to Darwin

It was a bonding experience like no other for Phil Wise and his teenage son Ned when they rode from Hobart to Darwin. Read why they embarked on the adventure.

Phil and Ned north of Flinders Rangers in South Australia. Phil Wise with son Ned 14 cycled from Hobart to Darwin. Picture: Eric DeSmit

An epic fundraising bike ride — covering 5232km from Hobart to Darwin — has been an extraordinary and life-changing experience for Phil Wise and his son Ned.

“Every time I leave my front door now, I think about the fact that I have ridden a pushbike from there all the way to Darwin with one of my sons,” Phil, 50, says.

“It is a feeling that is hard to describe other than to say it is an uplifting way to start the day and gives me new confidence and willingness to tackle whatever challenges that come my way, many of which are related to fatherhood.

“We were truly inspired and encouraged by how many people supported our ride and our charities.

“There are so many people out there who care about nature and are looking for a way to express that- and we are proud that our ride provided them a way to do that in a tangible way.”

Phil and Ned at Pine Tier Lagoon in Tasmania. Phil Wise with son Ned 14 cycled from Hobart to Darwin. Picture: supplied

The pair raised money for organisations close to their heart, including the Tasmanian Land Conservancy where Phil, a former park ranger and wildlife biologist now works, the Thin Green Line Foundation which supports park rangers worldwide and Ride 4 A Woman in Uganda who help empower women.

Ned is just 14 and like his father loves the bush and wants to see it preserved.

“I have gained many good life skills like perseverance and commitment, but most of all it looks good on my resume to have done this ride as part of my Duke of Edinburgh award,” he said.

“I had a couple of falls and a bit of saddle sore but nothing too serious, just a few bruises.

“Getting to every swimming hole was a bonus after a long day of riding and it was nice to relax for a bit.”

Map showing the route taken by Phil and Ned on their journey. Phil Wise with son Ned 14 cycled from Hobart to Darwin. Picture: supplied

Phil says the pair faced the worst weather in Tasmania.

“On day four when we rode from Great Lake down to Deloraine we had sideways wind, torrential rain and thick fog and were frozen to the bone by the end of the day.

“That was really the only tough weather day on the entire journey.

“I still have some gravel in my knee from a fall on the Oodnodatta track – but otherwise I was really surprised how well my body held up. I felt like the trip added ten years to my life to be honest.”

Most days were full of unforgettable moments.

Phil and Ned at the Tropic of Capricorn. Phil Wise with son Ned 14 cycled from Hobart to Darwin. Picture: supplied

Camp set up at Mataranka. Phil Wise with son Ned 14 cycled from Hobart to Darwin. Picture: Phil Wise

“On the ride, we experienced many acts of kindness from friends and people we had never met – helping us with route preparation, food, accommodation, showers, advice, bike repairs and service, hot springs visits and vehicle support on a couple of occasions,” Phil said.

“We truly appreciated each and every moment.

“Having four dingoes visit our camp one night on the Stuart Highway and howling right outside Ned’s tent was pretty unforgettable!

“I never got another wink of sleep after that, but Ned was so tired he slept through the whole thing.”

Apart from the “incredible bonding experience”, Phil and Ned wanted the ride to make a “tangible difference to our environment” through their fundraising.

“As humans we have gotten ourselves into pretty much all of the environmental messes we now face, and it is up to us to get ourselves out of them and to protect what is left,” Phil said.

The pair, who had no bike touring experience left Hobart on May 10 and finished the trip on World Ranger Day on July 31 averaging about 60km each day.

They hope to raise $100,000. To contribute to the fundraiser go to: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/331609/phil-and-neds-ride-for-nature?popup=1

Originally published as Phil Wise and son Ned reflect on epic 5232km fundraising bike ride from Hobart to Darwin