It was cold this morning, just 2 degrees when we emerged from the comfy rooms of the Acacia Motor Lodge, our cars were frosted over. We hit the dining room and enjoyed our continental breakfast. After the briefing the riders were ready to go. They were surprisingly optimistic after the hard slog yesterday. Understandable, look at the stats for today. pretty much all downhill (follow the green line below).
Because the rise was relatively easy from start to finish, it was easy for us to take advantage of photo opportunities:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rideforsickkids
During the rise, there’s a guy named John Kennedy from McKey distribution. Mckey has donated john’s time plus a pretty awesome truck to help a) cart all the necessary gear from place to place, and b) drive along the rear of the pack to make sure the riders are safely protected by heavy steel (just how Linc likes it).
There have been two top guys from Coke riding for sick kids; Gareth Edgecombe and Howard Gilmour. These guys have worked hard up the front of the pack for three days - great job gents, much appreciated. They are replaced tomorrow by their colleagues; Jeffrey Ng and Frank Kohl - Boas. Thanks again Coke for your support! Gareth and Howard are pictured below:
Rob Beattie was awarded the yellow jersey because of his long time support , dedication and his ongoing inspiration to other riders.
Zoran Radisavljevic has been an awesome part of the support crew. His antics and positive outlook have really helped keep the guys focussed, ready and entertained. He demonstrated that the ride for sick kids is not just all about the riders!!
Brendan Newman will step in from tomorrow in his place.
Thanks very much Martine and her team for massaging the guys after their 163km cycle today (they complained of aches even though they mostly rolled downhill).
Peter and Shaney Lewsam hosted a fantastic function tonight at the Western Plains Cultural Centre. Tonight over $17,500 was raised for Ronald McDonald’s Houses in the Hunter region. Thanks also to Pamela Dickerson who helped to organise the function! It was great to see the McDonald’s Owner/Operators, Managers, Crew, sponsors and community members that contributed and attended to make the event possible, greatly appreciated!!
147.5 k m to Merriwa tomorrow!
{ 2 comments }
As a mature age (very!!) rider I envy the riders their days in the saddle but the end result is what matters –Good Luck All
Hey guys,
How is everyone. My kind of stage today, downhill, ha ha.
How are the backsides coping? I hope they are all good.
Just my luck, I don’t ride, you get massages.
Anyway, enough of that. I hope you are all well and the recovery process is good each night. Hope you are enjoying the ride, even at 2degrees in the morning.
It’s amazing how you forget how cold it is once you start riding, hey.
Phil, it’s obvious that you’ve created another masterpiece this year.
I hope everyone appreciates the effort by you in that area. You are something of a MAESTRO when it comes to organising.
Great to see the website going so well.
Updates are great and easy to follow. Great work from these guys too.
The riders are just the absolute champions hey. They deserve all the accollades they get for the effort they give with NO, well maybe not too many, complaints. No red cards yet?
And don’t forget all the support crew. These guys make the ride such a wonderful event to participate in and keep them all safe.
Another champion event by a bunch of champs.
Keep up the good work. See you all when you get back.
Strongest regards, Darrell and Family
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