The 2019 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge
from Townsville to Brisbane is underway!
As we gathered the previous evening as
a group for the very first time you could sense the equal excitement and
trepidation amongst the 40+ riders. There’s also an equal mix of experience and
first timers on this ride and like all gatherings of veterans the saddle war
stories soon started flowing and you could feel a restless night’s sleep was on
the horizon. There also something slightly unnerving about having a rider in
the group who goes by the name Rambo, stand up and say he’s fond of cuddles. I
mean, I think if we were going into battle you’d want him on your side. I’m
just not sure yet.
Ride Director Christian Killeen and 2IC
Krista Page called us all into a conference room of The Mercure Hotel in
Townsville for a safety briefing, albeit brief it was not (some people just
love the sound of their own voice!) There were many new ideas and initiatives
for the peloton to learn about. A particular favourite was Rule 3.2, section
IV, part b, paragraph 9, at no point shall any rider attempt to be a part of the
peloton without the clear and uncompromising wearing of the Smiddy white
sleeve. This sent a ripple through a few of the rebel riders, riders who
clearly don’t like being told what to do. Captain Kev and his fines stand to
make a small fortune on this ride.
The 8 ride leaders were announced,
though some of them, like Tim, would go onto say they don’t know why they were
chosen, which again instilled a lot of confidence in the rest of us. Apparently
the C armband actually stands for catering says Lance. Well, Lance I’d follow
you into a kitchen anywhere.
From here we moved to the local pub and
a small function with Mater dignitaries and other supporters. Lesley Ray a 8
time road crew volunteer on the Challenge ride herself, introduced Nigel who instantly embraced everyone as part of
the Mater family and spoke of their researchers dedicating careers to
discovering the possibilities and continuing the pursuit to finding a treatment
for cancer. Unlike other fickle funding avenues of one year grants, Smiling for
Smiddy provides a regular ongoing stream to the Mater Foundation and has raised
$10 million dollars in 10 plus years. It’s an incredible grassroots charity.
There are no 5 star hotels or chef’s hat restaurants. Your money goes straight
to the source, which is exactly where everyone here on this ride wants it to
go.
We thanked David Smiddy for allowing us
to continue to use his family name for this most important cause and we love
having Mark ‘Sharkey’ Smoothy here to support as always. He’s an original rider,
number 1 no less and his presence here ensures Adam is looking after all of us
too. Then came a surprise, Allan Whyborn a rider in the peloton had been
invited to help design a Smiddy cap for everyone in memory of his dear wife
Susie, who left him recently after another fight with cancer. The flowers, her
favourite and a shared saying between the two of ‘It Is What It Is’ became the
first of many moments of tears, that will undoubtedly keep flowing all week.
1am. Too early. Back to bed.
2am. Still not time.
3am. I just want to sleep!
4am. Deep sleep, but too late
time to get up.
We all met downstairs and rode as a group for the first time across town to the Mater Hospital for breakfast and
possibly the last time espresso coffee could be on the cards. Following the
customary group photo, David Smiddy was given the honour of ringing the cowbell
to start the first day’s ride and we made our way out of town with police
escort to guide the cars, caravans and trucks safely around the peloton. It was
a fairly brisk morning ride hovering around the 6 to 8 degree mark however once
the sun was in the sky, things got decidedly better.
Speed dating ensued as each rider tried
to get to know one another throughout rotation. There are some remarkable
examples of the effort some of these riders have put in just to make it here.
People such as Geoff McKeon, who 6 months ago suffered a heart attack, yet here
he was today riding stronger than ever. Or Nat Goebel, who’s onto her 4th
knee operation and carries a doctor’s certificate excusing her from having to
tackle any headwinds up front of the peloton. Let’s not forget Cameron
Habermann, Habbo, who only yesterday appeared to not even have a bike and had
to literally collect it from the airport at 9pm due to its earlier misadventure
on a flight.
Special mention must go to Ken Woods
here who almost single handedly built multiple bikes yesterday for everyone who
travelled by plane. Sure the odd handle bar might have dropped down but what
were you going to do? Build it yourself?!
Before long we were motoring and making
good time. It’s never any fun having to ride in the shoulder of a lane dodging
road kill, cats eyes and gravel, but it sure beats being playing chicken with a
road train coming up from behind.
90km till Morning Tea, ( I wonder if
that was a Smiddy first?) and by the time we rolled into the side of the road
stop, setup by the Country Woman’s Association, you were just hoping that
someone might save you a lamington or jam drop. Luckily this time, the CWA
seemed to be feeding the 5000, and we now get to enjoy their sweet treats at
many more stops to come. We all got to
meet the road crew here, who, let’s face it, are the real backbone of the
operation.
We wouldn’t be here without them. That’s not even sentiment. That’s
a fact.
You’re only as strong as your weakest
rider here on Smiddy and the support being shown to those who are still
learning the ropes is both encouraging and inspiring. Coming into Charter
Towers together both for lunch and the end of the day’s ride is always what
makes Smiddy special. We ride well but we ride together first.
The Smiddy ethos of Spirit, Teamwork
and Mateship was starting to show too. Scott Baum looked like he’d showered and
changed while the rest of us were still passing swags out of the truck. “You
gotta have a shower before the water gets cold” he said – Mateship. I hadn’t
even been introduced to Roberta Wurth before she exclaimed “Don’t lean your
bike against my bike!” – Spirit. Even Isht Singh got in on the act “Peddle
Peddle Peddle Dutchy!” – Teamwork.
The finishing huddle was led by a very
fatigued Killer, who needed support from Krista. She covered his blunders
quickly and flicked it back to him in speed like fashion. Captain Kev thanked
his new best friend the Queensland Police Services, no doubt picking up
pointers on how best to fine individuals without any cause or reason.
It’s been a good start to the 9 day
ride. We all know what’s coming. It’s going to get harder. And harder. And,
harder. That’s why all great things are created in the space between method and
madness. Or more simply, it is what it is!
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