The Final 100km: Donations top $100K as The Big Wheel rolls on

THE BIG WHEEL | Samantha Longmore is now just two days away from completing her extraordinary 441-kilometre Push for Purpose, after another demanding day on the road saw the fundraising total soar beyond $100,000. 

After battling rain and cold conditions for much of the previous two days, Thursday brought welcome sunshine as Sam wheeled from Cootamundra to Harden–Murrumburrah.

The improved weather came after a much-needed recovery session at ROAR Gym on Wednesday night, where Sam was treated to an ice bath, sauna and hot shower following another gruelling day in the chair.

The brighter conditions were reflected in Sam’s mood, with the 32-year-old rural disability advocate looking refreshed and in high spirits as she rolled out of Cootamundra shortly after sunrise.

The road to Harden brought a welcome change in conditions | Image: Facebook/Ohhbulldust/Martin Lang

Despite the sunshine, day six still presented its challenges.

Among them were the notorious climb out of Wallendbeen and the punishing rise at Demondrille, just outside Harden, both demanding another enormous effort from a body that has now spent six consecutive days pushing an everyday wheelchair across the Riverina.

By Thursday afternoon, Sam had covered more than 338 kilometres since leaving Corowa last Saturday.

Sam conquering one of the many steep climbs on Burley Griffin Way between Wallendbeen and Harden–Murrumburrah on Day 6 of The Big Wheel | Image: Instagram/eagleangel

As the kilometres continued to tick over, so too did the donations.

The fundraising tally surged past $100,000 on Thursday night, with every dollar to be shared between Rural Aid and Riverina Bluebell.

Harden turns out

Support waiting in Harden–Murrumburrah proved just as memorable as the fundraising result.

Large crowds had gathered to welcome Sam as she rolled into town on Thursday afternoon.

Dozens of kids streamed onto the streets to join her over the final stretch, cheering her all the way to the finish.

It was another powerful reminder of just how widely her journey is resonating across the Riverina.

Sam rolled into Harden–Murrumburrah on Thursday afternoon, completing Day 6 of The Big Wheel | Image: Instagram/caitlinsummerfielddd

Image: Instagram/themane_bykylie

Image: Instagram/hardenhawks

The final push

Sam will leave Harden on Friday morning and head for Bowning, where she’ll spend her final night on the road before Saturday’s emotional finish in Yass.

Thursday’s sunshine provided a welcome reprieve after two days spent battling rain and hours in soaking wet conditions, but another difficult day awaits.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a top of just 9°C for Bowning on Friday, with showers and gusty winds expected along much of the route.

If the forecast holds true, it will be the coldest weather Sam has encountered since leaving Corowa last Saturday.

Conditions are expected to improve in time for Saturday’s final push into Yass, with mostly sunny skies forecast.

Sam was given a celebrity’s welcome as she rolled into Harden–Murrumburrah on Thursday afternoon | Image: Instagram/caitlinsummerfielddd

However, despite the sunshine, temperatures are again expected to struggle to reach double figures, ensuring a bitterly cold finish to the 441-kilometre journey.

The final day will include one last major test, with Sam leaving Bowning via back roads before joining Lachlan Valley Way and tackling a short stretch along the Hume Highway to the Yass Service Centre exit.

From there, she’ll roll into Yass and complete several laps of the shared pathway at Riverbank Park before making the final push to Yass Racecourse, where a community celebration will welcome her across the finish line.

The team expects Sam to arrive in Yass during the early afternoon, with a more accurate arrival time to be confirmed once she hits the road on Saturday morning.

With more than 338 kilometres now behind her, just over 100 kilometres remain.

The finish line is finally in sight.