Finding the strength in Wayne’s challenges

FORMER Ballarat management consultant Wayne Strong has turned sadness, sorrow and grief into a catalyst for fundamental personal growth and change.

Following the death of his 92-year-old mother in 2018 Mr Strong needed time to reflect on this significant event and chose to cycle the Camino de Santiago, an 800-kilometre trip starting in France and crossing seven regions of Spain.

“Most of us will experience sadness at the death of a parent and it was important for me to recognise my mother who had shaped the person I am today,” said Mr Strong from his new home in Spain.

“The trip didn’t disappoint and as well as having time to myself to reflect on my life I met some beautiful people who are still friends.”

On his return to Ballarat Mr Strong was encouraged by his European friends to consider living in Spain, even though he doesn’t speak the language fluently – yet! He’s no stranger to living in a foreign land, having worked as a guest professor in Sweden for six years.

Mr Strong has always been an active person understanding the importance of balancing a busy work schedule with time for personal activities.

He’s run 11 marathons, participated in multi-day cycling events as well as other endurance activities, so the challenge of an 800-kilometre cycling trip seemed very appealing.

With the help of a Spanish/German friend he shared a home in the small village of Valldevia in the north of Spain, near Girona, and established Cycling Tours Spain.

His bags were packed and off he set, and within weeks of arriving COVID-19 struck and he was in lockdown.

“I count myself very lucky to have been isolated in such a perfect location,” Mr Strong. “With only 40 people in the village I could walk every day in the local forest.

“I have made good use of my time by writing an eBook, Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Cycling Holiday in Spain.

“Some might think I couldn’t have chosen a worse time. Far from it. I have been welcomed by the community in so many different ways and have been indebted to my friends at home for the love and care they have shown me.”

And of course, for Mr Strong, the best is yet to come. With restrictions now eased he is enjoying cycling through the wonderful countryside, filled with the sensuous smell of spring in the gorse, lemon, wild thyme, rosemary and wild asparagus.

So, for those who seek adventure, in the not too distant future consider experiencing the wonders of Spain from a bike, or as Wayne might say, “Hoy es para el ciclismo!”