Monday 10 September 2018

2018 Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge- Day 8 (Belyando Crossing to Charters Towers)

Written by Heath Deeble and Leigh Jewell

Daily Stats
By David “Stinky Dave” Colahan

Distance: 197 kilometres
Ride Time:  9:20 hours total, 7:34 hours riding
Ave Speed:   26 km/hr
Elevation: 726 m climbed
Min Temperature: 11C degrees
Max Temperature: 47C degrees

Before retiring to bed in the comfort of our swags on the green green grass of the Belyando Crossing Roadhouse, we were introduced to the owner, Mandy. Mandy had already chipped two of the Smiddy riders for using their mobiles in a mobile free zone which attracted a $100 fine (Lance and another unknown rider). When the formalities were finished and the riders cycled through and bought a drink at the bar, we could finally get some much-needed sleep; although it is rumoured that Mandy took an instant liking to Garath who hung around for a couple more drinks.

We awoke to the yummy smell of bacon cooking on the barby; once again, the road crew did a splendid job preparing breakfast for us with bacon and eggs, pancakes and a selection of cereals. The riders packed up their swags and got their gear on ready for the 197 km day ahead of us. The temperature was rather warm at 13 deg, compared to the previous mornings we had endured in the southern half of the state; we could tell we were finally in north Queensland.

Sep (aka Thomas) was awarded the category jersey for his teamwork and dedication that he has displayed throughout the ride, although someone had whispered in his ear that there were a number of cattle grids on the ride today. Thomas was instantly worried and wondered if he could survive the day. He had to pack toilet paper in his jersey, just to be safe. He was instantly relieved when Mandy informed us that the cattle grids had been removed. Michael Fellows returned with his many cameras and drone to take some awesome photos throughout the day.

Mandy then presented the Hogs cup to the perpetual winner, Ken Woods, although it didn’t go without a quip that he is getting old and would be knocked off his perch soon. She then rang the cow bell and once again said that she wouldn’t be there this time next year (retirement is beckoning), but time will tell if that is true or not. The riders then set off not knowing what the day would bring. The road crew were hoping for a nice coffee before leaving the roadhouse but were bitterly disappointed when they discovered that the only coffee that was available was instant.

Once on the road, it was evident that it wasn’t going to be an easy day. The wind forecast was 10 to 15 km/h, but it felt like at least 50 km/h winds at times. We went for reverse rotations with quick one-minute stints on the front. As we cycled through the peloton, you could tell that we had ridden close to 1,300 km over the past 7 days. Bodies were weary, and conversation was very little. After Lisa had done a stint at the front, she rated high on the puffometer at 99%. When Anthea was asked how she was doing today, the response was ‘yep’. Killer blew a foofah valve early on and decided to relieve Kevvy from his road crew duties. Kevvy was elated as he got to have a little gnome nap in between stops.

After what seemed like hours, we finally arrived at morning tea. Once again, the road crew did an awesome job with cake, rocky road and the good old Saos with tomato and cheese with a tonne of salt. People were hurting, you could see it in their faces and their weary body movement. Many were dreading getting back on their bikes to ride the remaining 110 km. Geoff Ney who has been bragging about his new comfy infinity seat was feeling the pain and double Nicked for extra comfort!

Once getting back out on to the open road, well we’re not sure how much of a road it really was as there were cracks the size of the grand canyon that could easily swallow a rider completely. Fortunately, the calls were going through the peloton well and we survived with no incidents.

It was hot out there, damn hot. Riders were gulping down the water and the ammo at a great rate, dreaming of the end of the day when they could gulp down a nice icy cold beer. We had a quick stop for to fill our water bottles and Mr David Smiddy had driven out to meet us for the first time on this challenge.

We made it to lunch where we had steak, sausage and salad on wraps and some much needed Powerade. Kevvy was doing the rounds with his notebook, looking for people to fine for sunburn.  After slopping on some chamois cream and sunscreen, we were once again back out on the open road. Steve Bardsley joined us to ride the last 53 km in with us. It was instantly noticed the Englishman wasn’t wearing his sunarms, so was an instant fine from Kevvy. All the riders were ecstatic that there was a fresh set of legs that could ride at the front of the peloton. We all wanted to keep him out there for the full 53 km. Thanks Bardo!

After more straight roads, we had one more water stop. It was noticed that Lisa was bent over the trailer with her one set of her nicks down (she was double nicking) and Kik trying to help her get her second set of nicks up. We weren’t quite sure what was going on there…?
We finally rolled into Charters Towers and went through the hugging ritual and got in the huddle. Berty did the cheers to the road crew and Kik did the cheers to the riders.

Only one day and 144 odd km to go now. Everyone is tired and sore and is so looking forward to riding into Strand Park tomorrow to complete what has been an amazing challenge for 2018.


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