John Eder – Pilot
The eligible bachelor of the bunch, John Eder really isn’t meant to be here – he’s cheated death twice.
Born in Ipswich 38 years ago, John and his family moved to Warwick when he was just 10 years old.
He’s ridden bikes since he could walk and shares that with a love of hockey, which in later years, turned to umpiring.
John’s dreams of becoming an Olympic level cyclist came to an abrupt end when he was involved in a serious bicycle accident at age 17. He fractured two vertebrae, broke several ribs, his collarbone and scapular and suffered a punctured and deflated lung.
Doctors said he would be in a wheelchair by age 31. It was doubtful he would walk again, let alone ride, but this determined athlete got back on his bike and went on to win medals in State and Australian championships.
In another accident at age 24, John broke all but two bones in his face and should have been dead by the time he hit the ground, so severe were the extent of his injuries.
At the 2009 Australian Masters Track Cycling Championships he won a bronze medal and came in fourth at the 2008 World Masters Track Cycling Championships.
A skilled IT technician, John keeps busy training six days a week for elite cycling competitions. He is the pilot rider for Lorin Nicholson.
March 25th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I am so sure you will make it I am doubling my donation right from the start. Break a leg as they say in theatrical circles. See you at the end of the epic
March 26th, 2010 at 7:57 am
I hope you will publish your expected entry time and point of entry to Sydney. Would love to join you guys for last few km. It has to be party to remember.
All the very best.
March 28th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Hello there. We will keep you posted closer to our arrival in Sydney. Keep checking back on the blog. It will be the Monday, April 26, provided all goes well. How far do you want to ride?
John
March 29th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
I can’t believe you broke all those bones and you’re still so gorgeous
. Go Rider John, we’re right behind you!
April 1st, 2010 at 1:00 pm
“This is not Disneyland, or Hollywood. I’ll give you an example: I’ve read that I flew up the hills and mountains of France. But you don’t fly up a hill. You struggle slowly and painfully up a hill, and maybe, if you work very hard, you get to the top ahead of everybody else.” – Lance Armstrong
In response to a critics question “what are you on, man”. “What am I on…I am on my bike 6 hours a day bustin ass”. – Lance Armstrong
“Some of the world’s greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible.” — Doug Lawson.
You guys are truely inspirational – ride hard.
April 7th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
day 9 and you still have a smile on your face. amazing!
April 7th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I am following your progress. Great going so far. I am not a great cyclist but would love to do at least 50 km or something just to keep a champagne bottle in my water bottle cage. Or in a fit I might try to kill myself by doing 100k. You never know. Just keep posting the progress.
April 9th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
wE ARE KEEPING UP WITH YOUR CHAMPION RIDE ….SENDING YOU OUR LOVE AND DPRAYERS
KELVIN AND ANNETTE … IN TASMANIA
April 11th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
just curious John what is the reason for deflating the tyres and pumping them up again each day. I’m sure you’re not just doing it for the exercise or did someone in elite cycling circles convince you it was necessary and you’ve never questioned it.
April 12th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
You guys are doing so well! This is so exciting. I hope all goes well from now on.
Jan
April 13th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Looks like you are having a great trip so far, I am keeping you in my prayers all the way from the US! Go blind courage!
April 14th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
You have passed half way I see. Excellent. It is all downhill from here on. Trust me!
April 15th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Hello John,
It is great to see you are still on track to finish on time. Janet says hello. We are still keen to follow your progress. An amazing feat. I hope to see the photos of your arival in Sydney.
P.S. My computer is still working well.
Cheers
Russel
April 17th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Hi John, it has been excellent keeping track of the progress. Look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. Can you organise to load up some video. It would be excellent to see some of the scenery and action. You guys are incredible, happy pedaling.
April 20th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
That tailwind must have been a welcome one for you all…not far to go now…What an amazing ride …a memory made to last eternity…love to you all
Kelvin and Annette in Tassie
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
April 21st, 2010 at 11:43 am
Hi John,
What a pity about the tyres after such good maintenance! Those cats head burrs can be lethal.
What great time you are making. What a journey! Amazing!
April 22nd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Hey John,
We have enjoyed reading your progress. We have lots of chocolates waiting for you!!! Keep up the fantastic work. Great Effort!