In 1954, marathon cyclist Ernie Old completed an 80-day bicycle ride, averaging 80 miles per day and finishing on his 80th birthday in Albert Park in Melbourne. This was just one of his remarkable feats – he also served in two wars, patented several inventions and made Prime Minister Robert Menzies an offer he almost couldn't refuse. Ernie became famous for his exploits on two wheels. Between 1945 and 1952, he carried out eight marathon bike rides around Australia. In 1955, he even wrote to Prime Minister Menzies with a marketing plan for the Melbourne Olympic Games. He proposed to ride around Australia and deliver an invitation to each state premier. The offer was received favourably, but ultimately declined due to fears by prime ministerial staff that Ernie might drop dead during the deliveries! (National Archives).