SMIDDY HALF CHALLENGE INTRODUCTION

HALF SMIDDY CHALLENGE
2-6 May 2012

5 days. 20 Riders. 8 road crew. 900 kilometres. 8000 metres climbing. 5 to 30 degrees. $100,000+ for cancer research.
These are the figures that by the end of the week will contribute to another successful Half Smiddy Challenge. Starting tomorrow (Wednesday 2 May), 20 cyclists and 8 road crew will set off for a challenging five days on the road - first towards the idyllic shores of Byron Bay, 189 kilometres from our starting point at IKEA Springwood. Day 2 sees riders wind their way down the coast before heading in land to Casino some140 kilometres later. Day 3 is an epic challenge - one the riders will remember for a long time to come. It includes two major ascents over the Border Ranges and 3000 metres of climbing over a gruelling 223 kilometre route to Warwick. The final two days will be easy in comparison with a 156 kilometre day to Toowoomba, followed by the final day into Brisbane at 205 kilometres.

The Wonderful team behind our success
This second Half Smiddy Challenge may be considered small in terms of rider numbers, but these riders sure know how to fundraise with the total surpassing $100,000 before we even hit the road! Our riders and road crew have done an amazing job fundraising ahead of the event and I thank them sincerley for their efforts. Many riders and road crew have seen the affects of cancer first hand amongst family and friends and I know it spurs them on to help fund a cure. You can view the rider fundraising efforts at http://www.smiddyfundraising.com.au/event/HalfSmiddy2012/top_ten

Once again we have been lucky to not only have riders and road crew that care and invest themselves wholly in these rides, but we have been fortunate to receive amazing support and generosity from our major partner Sealy Posturepedic. Sealy has always been a community minded company, supporting many charities and causes over the years. That kindness extends to their workers here in Brisbane, where every bed is still made right here in Brisbane at their head office and factory at Wacol. Meaning; they are employing locals to do the job that most companies choose to get done overseas where wages are much lower. Peter Dyer from Sealy was instrumental in helping us start the Half-Smiddy event and for that we'll always be thankful. The Dyer family have suffered their own loss through cancer amongst family and friends and that is where their passion comes from. We at Smiddy will be forever grateful, not only for Sealy's continuing support, but for the professional support and advice that Peter extends to us here at Smiling for Smiddy. Our sincere thanks to Sealy for backing the Smiling for Smiddy team as we ride on to fund a cure for this devastating disease.

Let the adventure begin!
I know it is going to be a fantastic five days of fun and adventure, along with stories of camaraderie, sacrifice and enough inspiration to ignite another band of Smiddy riders to reach for the stars in their quest to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. I look forward to bringing you our daily journal and welcome you on board our support crew for Half Smiddy Challenge.

Take care and stay safe on the roads.

Sharky
P.S. You can leave messages of support and view photos at facebook.com/Smiling4Smiddy