Kindly brought to you by Team Townsville (Bruce, Tracey, Paul, Helen, Ray and
the two Davids)
As the days
rolls by the code of conduct has changed. Public lubing is now acceptable
behaviour, and groaning whilst doing it becomes a shared ectasy.
A hearty meal
and a couple more cold drinks meant that the arms were loosened to allow for
some vigorous bidding for various item including $700 for 2014 Smiddy Jersey
signed by Anna Mears, $500 for Signed Cricket Pads by Matthew Wade and $850 for
locally made wooden side tables
T he Smiddy
riders were also surprised with a special presentation of messages from loved
ones back home bringing a tear to many an eye. As Smiddy riders we are
privileged to ride with such “awesome” people but are even more privileged with
the support from our families and friends. Thanks Anna, it was just the pick up
we all needed.
Spirit: Ian
Cope and Brenton (Copey) Cope – uncle and nephew, you couldn’t find a pair of
better blokes. Copey, a mate of Adam’s,
rides every second year and this year convinced his uncle to join him. Together they have raised over $18,000 a
remarkable effort from some remarkable men.
We were
treated to a special poem from Sharky, an “Ode To Clermont”, written as a
tribute to the tireless work of the Clermont community members.
This is more
than just a bike ride. Until you have participated in the Challenge and become
one of Maria and David’s surrogate family, not just for 8 days, but for a
lifetime, you will not understand. Thank you Maria and David and thanks to
Sharky for allowing each of us to become part of your life, in memory of Adam,
who was obviously one hell of a bloke.
I DON’T KNOW
BUT IVE BEEN TOLD
This blog is
dedicated to Jeff Schneider and his daughter Claire, a 2014 Smiddy rider here
to “finish the ride”.
Stats of the day – courtesy of the Smiddy Challenge
Rainman – “Stinky” Dave
Elapsed time: 9 hrs 23 min
Moving time: 6 hrs 42 min
Average speed: 29km/hr
Total distance: 194km
Vertical gain: 1095m climbing
Min temp: 6 degrees C
Max temp: 30 degrees C
Moving time: 6 hrs 42 min
Average speed: 29km/hr
Total distance: 194km
Vertical gain: 1095m climbing
Min temp: 6 degrees C
Max temp: 30 degrees C
Most used
words: “Slowing” and “bump”
On the 5th
morning of their travels the cyclists and their steeds awoke in the beautiful
land of Backwater, rich in community spirit and generosity. At The Village on
Blaine lycra-clad cyclists mingled with high-vis miners to feast on fuits,
cereals, hot food and even an icecream buffet for those willing to test just
how far their lycra could stretch.
With bellies
full, and crazy socks high, the cyclists departed to the sounds of the cow bell
played by Lynley O’Neill (who was subsequently rewarded with a Kevie Kiss –
life doesn’t get better than that!). But no bell was loud enough to drown out
the team’s groans as they once again mounted seemingly razor sharp saddles with
seemingly paper-thin rears.
We pushed out
on the highway, which to many seemed to be made of quick sand, as weary and
aching legs warmed up for another day. There was much jostling on saddles as
cyclists attempted to find their “sweet spot”.
After three
hours of rolling hills we rode 25 minutes late into the welcoming arms of the
students and staff at the Denison State School. This was a very special
occasion for the Smiddy riders as the welcoming screams and endless offerings
of high-5’s created an air of celebrity for the riders and crew.
As the riders
sat amongst the excited students, Anna and Sharky spoke about the significance
of sun safety and the Smiling for Smiddy story. This was followed by the
students judging the best Crazy Socks in honour of the Inaugural Crazy Sock Day.
Adorning muscular calves were an array of colourful and creative sock wear
including Mel, Tom and Megz’s tartan knee highs and mini skirts, Cracker’s
zinc-painted masterpiece of Adam Smiddy, superheroes (Batman, Robin, Captain
America, Wonder Woman), football socks, and Ben’s (aka Archie’s) candy striped
French Maid frills (matching his ginger and white complexion perfectly). Of
course the stars of the fashion show were the crew from Townsville with their
Captain America socks.
The
traditional face painting contest saw a variety of artistic skills resulting in
painted faces with the winning duo receiving a pair of Captain America socks.
Sharky was presented with a generous $200 donation from the school.
Morning tea
of home cooked goodies was served to us courtesy 2013 Challenge rider Errol
Rosenblatt and his lovely wife Jo. Sammi Jo and her team of 10 identical clones
continued to work their magic and cyclists again mounted their bikes held
together by rock tape, zen spray and lashings of chamois cream (it’s surprising
no one has slid off their slippery saddles – although many probably wish they
had).
With the wind
gods finally on our side with the spinnaker was raised, and combined with a new
Smiddy first, business class was formed and the trip to Capella done in near
record time. A brief stint to Capella High School occurred to spread the word
about cancer prevention. Dr Phil spoke with the students about the importance
of cancer prevention. Donations from the school were presented to Sharky and
gratefully received.
The bumps and
potholes in the road to Clermont were flattened with the knowledge that once
again, Roger and Maree Vine from the Bottlemart Commercial Hotel in Clermont
had a couple of cold ales and a few nibbles waiting for us. Just in time, the
locals were called in to escort us out of the beer garden to meet our billets
for the night. A quick shower and change of clothes resulted in 44 sweaty riders
and 13 road crew looking somewhat human again before heading off to the
official duties for the evening, the fundraising dinner at the Clermont
Community Hall.
During the
evening we were privileged to hear from Jack Coward and Claire Schneider as
they spoke about what Smiling for Smiddy meant to them and why they were doing
the challenge. Their stories touched all of our hearts. Claire presented all
riders with riding caps in memory of her dad Jeff Schneider, a great man and
mentor to Claire.
Jack
requested for all Smiddy riders to sign his “Teamwork” jersey in exchange for a
personal donation of $200 to add to his almost $8000 hero page contribution. Well
done Jack for your fundraising efforts and your efforts on the bike today as
you conquered your first full day in the saddle in well-deserved style.
Schindler’s
List (presented by Jarrod and Megz)
The list for
day 5 is a follows.
19 Kangaroo’s
1 being a Joey
1 cow
2 snakes
13 bad smells
11 bags of
bones
Krista voice
gone missing
Hannah,
Yasmin, Melissa’s Butt
Day 5 Jersey Recipients
Day 5 Jersey Recipients
Teamwork:
Adrian Cross – fondly known as Shrek, Adrian is a work horse who simply never
stops. Upbeat, friendly and always keen
to get involved he is a deserving recipient of this jersey.
Mateship: Joshua
Stemm – “The Joshua Tree” – Part of the Stemm family, Josh has taken to Smiddy
like a duck to water. Flying in just a
few days before the Challenge from Dubai.
Always smiling and good for a joke his banter is very much appreciated
in the group.
THE SMIDDY
WAR CRY
SMILING FOR
SMIDDY HAS A HEART OF GOLD
I DON’T KNOW
BUT IT’S BEEN SAID
SMIDDY
CYCISTS TAKE THEIR BIKES TO BED
SMIDY
CYCLISTS WILL NOT BE DEMURE
NOT UNTIL THE
MATER FIND CANCER’S CURE
ADAM (ADAM)
SMIDDY
(SMIDDY)
ADAMI SMIDDY
ADAM SMIDY!
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