Congrats Adam Sherman who received the yellow leader’s jersey for his efforts in leading the implementation of the McDonald’s Calendar fundraiser in the Hunter Region.
Who’d ever think they could cycle 181km in just one day! Actually, just 10 hours! That’s a great average speed considering break times and the hefty headwinds today!
The cyclists started at just after 7am. It was all smiles at that time, evident in this photo!
The first 40km or so was pretty, and flat. The weather was overcast, however there were no wet cyclists today. They made pretty good time in the first leg. They arrived at Somerton Roadhouse to top up their waterbottles and tell eachother how good they were. However the flat roads lured them into a false sense of security and denial. They talked about headwinds but we didn’t notice anything from our air conditioned surround sound vehicle so we suggested they just get on with the job!
It was a relatively flat cycle once again to McDonald’s Gunnedah where we were greeted with the welcoming hospitality of Wayne and Anne Greenwood. After 80km of pedalling the boys were pretty hungry and took the opportunity to refuel on the mouth watering taste of McDonald’s Angus beef and cheeseburgers (and the odd latte for the owners of the more expensive bikes). After that it was off towards Coonabarabran.
This is where the pain began. Funny because no matter how hard we tried to make the guys laugh along the way, the looks became more and more serious. Undulating hills, rolling bends, sharp pinches and did I mention hills, plus some steep climbs. 38km of mostly up. The guys all pulled up again for a lunch break at Mullaley Park rest stop. They’d lost a bit of time so Phil Jobling said “chop, chop” and cut the break in half. “Harden up guys, we’re more than half way there”. The short break was softened by a delicious lunch that had been prepared by Gary, Geoff and Helen from the Rural Fire Service. All day they did a great job making sure that everything the guys needed was available, the eskys were always cold and full and fruit and snacks were free flowing to keep the spirits high.
As we began the fourth leg, more hills. Now they got longer and steeper. The guys pushed eachother up the hills, hands on backs to make sure that everyone was able to acomplish the ambitious goal of 181km in just one day. More hills. Some climbing again and I think there was a downward slope once or twice (maybe). Ross Bingham took out the “First to Take a Dive” award. He got momentary target fixation on some pebbles and decided to take a closer look. We’re hoping there are spare parts for sale in Dubbo to fix his bike. Soon afterwards, they did their final stop, just before the day’s biggest climb. There were lots of requests for the anti-friction cream. The help only goes so far so it was suggested that this be self-applied.Anyway coming out of the final stop was a 4.6km uphill climb. Half way up we kindly reminded the guys of their challenge by presenting a sign to keep the spirits high.
After that the ride flattened out and the guys made great time. They arrived right on time to Coonabarabran, 5pm. Adam Sherman, Paul Healy and Dave Munro decided that 181km was for light weights so they rode another 19km just to round out the 200km for a day. Anyway most others enjoyed refreshing beverages and massages (except Dave Bridger who appears to have difficulty following instructions and couldn’t successfully locate the second floor of the motel, so he treated himself to some quiet time). Thanks very much to Louise McEvoy for your team’s assistance with much needed massages for the guys.
Tonight we’re staying at the Acacia Motor Lodge who have been very hospitable and their help is much appreciated.
Dinner tonight was a quiet night at the Golden Sea Dragon Chinese Restaurant. Graeme Lees thought it was noteworthy to mention that he’s travelled all the way from Singapore to eat chinese cuisine in Coonabarabran. Thanks Graeme. Dinner was devoured in moments by the hungry riders and so were a few ales. However most switched to water after just one or two as they’re conscious of what’s to come tomorrow. Lincoln hosted a Kangaroo Court award ceremony to reward various members of the party, which won’t be disclosed here. Most cyclists were in bed asleep by 10pm.
We’re downloading heaps of photos every day. Just go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rideforsickkids/
Off to Dubbo tomorrow!
{ 1 comment }
Hi Phil, Hope you enjoyed having your little Princess surprise you.
Thinking of you.
XXOO Loly
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