We started the day in very cold conditions. We could tell the riders were having difficulty warming the leg muscles. No better time for a group photo. Thanks again to the Baybrook Motor Inn for their outstanding hospitality. They even helped us wash clothes! Mal Coutts’ first ride today - thanks for your support!
The riders then pedalled the gruelling 300m flat ride to McDonald’s Muswellbrook for a mouth watering McDonald’s breakfast. Thanks Nick and Jenny for looking after the riders before their day of pedalling!
We set off for Branxton. The first thing that we noticed was a significant increase in traffic. It was almost like we were cycling along a major highway. Truck after truck and car after car passed the riders. Thanks very much to our support Crew who communicate so effectively and work as a great team to keep the riders safe. the support Crew are:
Trevor Coles who drives the tail-end Subaru Forester (Trevor is on the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Newcaste):
Sue Smith and Elizabeth O’Sullivan who drive the Kloster BMW X5 up front to make sure the path is clear - thanks again Kloster BMW for your generous loan of this beautiful vehicle (Sue and Elizabeth are Owner/Operators of McDonald’s restaurants in Warners Bay and Tamworth):
John Kennedy who drives the McKey Distribution truck immediately behind the riders to make sure they’re protected from passing traffic (thanks again McKey for donating the truck for the week - very much appreciated):
We arrived at St Brigid’s Primary School. All the schools so far have been great. These guys gave us the warmest and loudest cheers yet! The kids surrounded the riders and even asked for autographs. Ross Baines and Lincoln Amidy then presented on RMHC and bicycle safety. It was then play time (more so for the riders I think) and after the bell rang again it was time to leave for Pokolbin. Thanks very much for your kind support St Brigid’s Primary School.
Lots of healthy banter among riders today, plus some light hearted signage to help the voyage. Nothing was over MA15+ (yet). Here’s a g-rated version as a flavour:
Brendan “Bling” Newman and Phil “Wilco” Willcockson arrived at the Crowne Plaza in Lovedale first. They were exceptionally organised and every aspect of the riders’ visit had been planned well and executed without a hitch. Thank you very much Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. There was a live radio cross on 2MO FM and the riders then took time to relax over a BBQ lunch and a well deserved rest for the afternoon.
Tonight Crowne Plaza hosted a “Generation that Fashion Forgot - 70’s” party. What an awesome night. Jovial trivia and physical chalenges kept the controversy free flowing. Table 4 won. That was Lincoln’s table. Most people suggested favouritism but linc assures the group he remained impartial. Table 2 was the place to be. Thanks Lincoln Amidy of Pinnacle Events for hosting a fantastic night, we all had a great time. Linc in action:
Here’s the stats for the day:
For all the photos you’ve come to love:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rideforsickkids
Off to Terrigal tomorrow - woo hoo coastal pedalling!!
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Thanks guys for visiting our school at St Brigid’s Branxton. It was wonderful to have you all becoming part of our school community for an hour. The children enjoyed their interaction with you all and had a great time as you joined in with their games and dances. Anytime we can be of assistance let us know.
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