On Saturday 22 June, the boys from The Scots College, Glengarry, will be riding through the township of Kangaroo Valley, the beginning of their 6 day journey. This symbolic pathway involving the young men covers over 200 kilometres by bike, foot and ferry.
The adventure begins with a 60km bike ride – involving the highly anticipated and coveted ride over the historic Hampden Bridge through town, before ascending the challenging “Mars Bar Hill” on Wottamolla Road.
We aim to be riding through town between 9:00am and 10:00am with an entourage of 110 boys, wearing high visibility vests, 32 staff – all highly qualified – and safety vehicles with signage and lights.
If you’re local, and have some time to spare, both staff and students love hearing encouraging cheers from the sidelines. Your encouragement is the fuel that keeps them going!
Of course the safety of our staff and students is of paramount importance, so we kindly request caution this morning whilst we travel through.
The first day’s journey will conclude with weary legs at Gerringong. On Day 2, the boys will walk the coastal path to Kiama, then through to the Minnamurra river, where they will paddle across the river and finish the day at the Killalea Campsite.
This day is full of wonderful and intentional conversations between the staff and students – reflections on their last 6 months at Glengarry, hopes for the future, and questions about life.
On Day 3 the boys are back onto their bikes and riding along the coast, through Shellharbour, Port Kembla, with a pit stop at the Wollongong lighthouse for a well earnt soft serve ice cream (consumed even in the coldest and wettest weather conditions!)
We continue following the coastal bike path all the way to Coledale.
The morning of Day 4 is of ceremonial significance. As the sun rises over the horizon, our boys gather, wrapped in their layers of fleece, following the footsteps of over 2500 boys who have gone before them. This morning signifies their ‘call to manhood’; a recognition of the hardships and pursuits they’ve made over the last 6 months, and their invitation to step up to being a man of integrity, honour and noble character.
The day continues with a walk through stunning coastal scenery to Stanwell Tops, before completing the 36km Royal National Park coastal trail, to Bundeena.
The last day will commence with a ferry ride to Rosebay through the Heads – an adventure of its own, offering us, at times, views of whales. The boys commence their final walk from Rose Bay up the hill to the College main campus at Bellevue Hill. As tradition dictates, they are welcomed back with a procession of bagpipes and drums, war cries from fellow students, tears of happiness from parents, siblings and family, surrounded by the noisy ovations of the entire school population and staff.
On behalf of the staff and residents at Glengarry, we want to extend a sincere thank you to the community of Kangaroo Valley – to the locals who work here, to the lovely post ladies sorting hundreds of letters and parcels, to all the baristas keeping us energised and all the friendly suppliers keeping us afloat. We’re so grateful to call the valley home, and the boys are lucky to experience the kindness of you all. Thank you.
