Cycle trip changes Maree's life
SHE has pedalled her pushy from Thailand to China and back again.
And now Maleny local and former police officer Maree Stephenson is setting out again, this time riding the roads of Australia in the name of charity.
Maree has postponed a round-the-world cycling adventure in a bid to raise funds for White Ribbon Charity, Australia's campaign to stop violence against women.
The Aussie Challenge will take Maree across 14,500km of Australian countryside in 171 days, with the goal of raising $14,500 and obtaining 171 "oaths".
Oaths are made by Australian men to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women and to promote positive attitudes and behaviours towards women in Australia.
It is through her previous travel experiences that Maree became inspired to help others.
"My cycling trip abroad has made me appreciate the strength of human spirit, kindness, universal language, family and friends," Maree said.
"The world's an amazing place and finding one's place to help life along is right up there for me."
Nearly half-way through her Aussie adventure, Maree has seen incredible things, met amazing people and learnt a lot about Australian culture.
"It has opened my eyes to how beautiful and unique our country is and the human spirit of Australia," she said.
"I have been confronted with a lack of awareness about indigenous clans and am learning so much about their cultural difference, stories and country.
"People have cooked me dinners, given me water, fruits, Icy-poles, collected donations, sung campfire songs about us and put signs in their rear windows saying 'Hi Maree'."
Maree started her journey on July 6 and will be pedalling until White Ribbon Day on November 25.
As for her future plans, she says she will take things one pedal at a time and is just proud to be part of Theaussiechallenge.
Maree plans to continue her continental journey but she is no longer sticking to a planned schedule of three years.
"I have quickly learnt that there is more to life than a well-orchestrated plan," she said.
To follow Maree's inspirational journey visit shecyclesolo.wordpress.com.
