Written by: Mikahla
“Tammy” Smith and Christine “Kik” Rice
Daily Stats
By David “Stinky Dave”
Colahan
Distance:
117.6 kilometres
Ride
Time: 6:42 hours total, 4:17 hours
riding
Ave
Speed: 27.4km/hr
Elevation:
416 m climbed
Min
Temperature: 16C degrees
Max
Temperature: 35C degrees
We woke to
warm beds and a much needed sleep in, thanks to our wonderful billets who
welcomed us into their homes for the night. They really went above and beyond
for all but then again that is the good old country spirit and generosity. Some
were given baths and cheese platters, while others were appreciative of a hot
shower and comfy bed.
Most slept
like babies except for Kik who was up since 3am in anticipation of getting on
the bike. We started the day with a
beautiful breakfast in the park put on by the amazing community of Biloela.
There was a smile on most riders faces as the taste of fresh ground coffee
touched their souls.
The highlight
of the park breakfast was Kevvy being approached by a sweet little girl who
said he reminded her of – you will never guess – a garden gnome.
Before you
know it we were off and five rotations later we rolled into, what seemed like a
hero’s welcome at St. Joey’s school. The kids were pumped and after Sharky’s witty
welcome, zinc was flying onto the faces
of a select group of riders. Home ground favourite Anthea Boyd and her daughter, Layla, stole the cheers and took
out the comp.
We rolled out
of St. Joey’s with what seemed like a short stretch of 18 kms, however a
swirling headwind had people chomping on their bar tape and thinking WTF! The cheers from the Thangool State School
kids and food quickly put a smile back
on our faces. Again, zinc was flying and Professor Gabrielli stole the show.
Kiks already enlisted him to participate in the next battle of the band because
of his ridiculous crowd appeal.
Class clown,
and we are not talking about a student, Habo, caved to the students request of
‘popping a wheelie’. Needless to say Ben and Ken were required to make good of
the situation.
We were then
graced with beautiful tail winds and country side throughout the net section.
It came as a surprise to all of us when Sep in an ungraceful manner proclaimed
his desire of a career change to QLD rail as a line inspector. His trial didn’t
go to well so he is back to being a physio.
Rolling into Goovigen
and meeting six of the sweetest kids with such enthusiasm was incredible
alongside one again a delicious spread of food put on by the fabulous road
crew. The kids loved the bikes and if we don’t see them on a Smiddy ride when
they are old enough, I’m sure we will see them as a news reader after their
beautiful and heart felt speeches.
Habo decided
to leave us here to return home, or maybe it was to go back to be the G’s as
the real class clown, we ain’t sure. On a side night, has anyone heard from him
and did he make it back in that headwind?
Kik got
really disappointed at this stage when she realised there was only 40ms left to
go, however her legs were fresh and all the other riders had over 670kms in
their legs and over 5000m of climbing. The rest of the peloton was glad to only have 40kms left and have a nice
afternoon of rest at the beautiful Myella Farm Stay.
In summary,
today was a great day, a shorter ride, better conditions and we got to see the
impact Mater Foundation has on the youth of today and the approach to suncare.
The teamwork and spirit within the peloton today was amazing, with three big
days in the legs and a relatively late night last night there were a few that
appreciated this support more than can be said.
The Smiddy
hand of god needs a promotion!
No comments:
Post a Comment