Today was an absolutely thrilling day at Victor Harbor High School as we kicked off an inclusive Freedom Wheels school incursion! Imagine this: our Freedom Wheels bike float, brimming with 20 uniquely configured bikes and trikes, ready to change lives and create smiles. TADSA volunteers Ralph and John set out bright and early at 8:30 AM for the exciting 80 km journey from HQ in Gilles Plains. Meanwhile, volunteer Des hit the road from Oakbank with another four bikes, and longtime volunteer Ken joined me as we zipped down the freeway together – what a beautiful drive it was!

The weather was simply perfect; a little cloud cover kept things cool, while just a light breeze set the stage for an action-packed day of riding. We arrived within minutes of each other, rolled up our sleeves, and dove into unloading our precious cargo. It was high-energy work – definitely not for the faint-hearted! After a quick break to gather our breath (trust us, it takes some serious effort to unload all those bikes!), we were ready for the first wave of students.

The high school’s fantastic location next to a footy oval and recreation center meant there were plenty of surfaces for our riders to explore. From mastering their rides on the basketball courts to cruising along bitumen paths and finally zooming around the BMX track – you could see their confidence soar with every lap! The excitement in the air was palpable as they raced each other, cheerfully challenging one another. And let me tell you, witnessing that joy across diverse ability levels was absolutely heartwarming.

What stood out most today was how each student looked out for one another. When someone needed assistance or wanted to try a different ride, they didn’t hesitate—they came together as friends and made it happen. It truly showcased inclusion in action at its finest!

A massive thank you to Victor Harbor High School! We had such an amazing day filled with laughter and camaraderie—just look at those happy faces! Here’s to many more unforgettable adventures ahead!  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kIgcxio5GpY