DAY three of the Bega to Bondi saw contestants swap their surf skis and the ocean for bikes and land.
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Westpac Life Saver Helicopter pilot Matt O'Brien and air crewman Keith McReynolds took the bikes for a ride through mud and on bush tracks from Maloneys Beach to Bawley Point to complete day three of the course.
They are part of the team trying to raise funds for a new engine for their Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
Earlier in the morning, ski paddlers did take to the water from Malua Bay to Maloneys Beach, but because of the big swells and predicted strong winds, it was decided the safest option was to stay on land.
“The trip from Malua Bay to Maloneys was done on skis this morning, but because of the swell and wind we thought, 'let's put it back onto the bikes',” Mr O’Brien said.
“We have only done one other tiny leg on the bikes, which was yesterday (Sunday) from Congo to Moruya Surf Club.”
Mr O’Brien said the bikes were awesome.
“We might blow our 1pm finish target today because we are having too much fun,” he said.
“We are very muddy, but it has been a great ride.”
The team wasn’t exhausted.
“The last couple of days have been fantastic,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Everyone has really pulled together.
“When we kicked off, everyone was thinking: 'what have we got ourselves into?'
“Once we got into it and everyone started to achieve their legs, everyone started to gel and get the whole concept.
“It has really been amazing.”
Mr O’Brien said conditions forecast for the next week were promising.
“The seas are going to drop a fair bit,” he said.
“We will still have the south-west winds.”
Mr O’Brien said the crew needed more donations.
“We really need the community to get behind us,” he said.
“It would be great if we could hit our target.”
The team hopes to raise $20,000 towards a new engine for the rescue helicopter and has raised $6500 so far.
To donate visit http://www.begatobondi.com.au/
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