2019 Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge Day 7 - Biloela to Mundubbera

We were treated to a great dinner at the Biloela Showgrounds, organised by Anthia Boyd and catered for by the Rotary Club. There were many happy riders due to the inclusions of menu items such as lasagne and spaghetti, with a special curry for the vegan members of the group.

Special thanks to the people of Biloela who opened their homes to all the Smiddy team, and looked after our laundry. We say a special thanks to them. Several comments were made by the locals as to their humble local rider Havo, who was rumoured to have rigged the Toad Cup. Congratulations to him and Isobel also received the converted, stuffed toad trophies, which will be displayed with pride.

The category jersey was awarded to Isht Singh in recognition of his efforts and improvements. The night’s entertainment included numerous ‘dad jokes of varying degrees of hilarity.

Throughout the evening, several items were auctioned to raise additional funds for our cause. Of some concern was the fact that the most valuable item was hair removed from the body of an ageing individual of note. Many volunteers assisted with the hair removal.

The following morning, we were abandoned by our grand patriarch; replacing him was Peter Barnett, who had travelled up from Brisbane with Brendan Cope. Brendan was impersonating a police officer experienced in the art of escorting riders with a marked a police vehicle.

Roll-out took place from Melton Park and Anthia Boyd rung the bell at 6.30 am. Someone appeared to have given the fridge truck a flat tyre to slow down ‘the force’. Rumours were flung  about the rider who apparently prefers to clean his teeth with deco rub rather than toothpaste. Perhaps the teeth are brighter this way?

We later rolled-in to Monto State Primary School and were greeted by many excited school children, and treated to yet another morning tea.  

This time the meal was supplied by the Year 9 and 10 hospitality students from Monto High School. We delivered the important message of sun safety to the students, with nine riders demonstrating the proper application of sunscreen.

We then ventured to the top of the Monto range—now that sorted the riders out! The talk amongst the peloton included the attractive, shiny legs of one notable professor. Another rider was seen to display a ponytail which didn’t seem to keeping with the image created by Sylvester Stallone’s ’Rambo’. While all this took place, Taylor Gabrielli was apparently taking a first-class trip in the emergency medical technicians’ (EMT) limo, sipping on champagne.

We continued on an uneventful journey of hills, until the lunch stop at Abercorm Tennis Tournament Venue. Joe quickly departed for the bushes despite two perfectly good outhouses nearby. Yet another great feast was provided by the never-resting road crew.  Again, the swarm of dump buggies devoured all in sight.

After lunch, the peloton were rewarded with a sprinkle of rain, more hills and a reverse tail wind. Issy expressed her desire to sample the culinary treat of a mega-burn bar and it is rumoured that like the boys, girls can be flatulent as well.

We took a quick stop in Eidsvold to restock with water and raid the back of the lead vehicle for any food items left behind by the road crew. No one’s secret stash of munchies was safe. It was here that we heard the cry of ’Get me out of here‘ with Lance so fatigued that he couldn’t operate the disabled toilet lock.  A near-miss incident report will be completed in due time.

With our police escorts, we all ‘sucked it up’ and headed for the night’s resting place of Mundubbera. We arrived at about 4:15 pm with the usual huddle completed in the carpark,  conducted by Amanda and Lucia. Congratulations to our traveling medico James, who announced his acceptance for an interview into medicine.