2017 Alice to Darwin Smiddy Challenge - Day 8

Stats for the day by Ray Ray Smith

Distance: 81 km

Ride Time: 2:40

Ave Speed: 30.5

Max Speed: 52

Climbing: 254 metres

Descent: 325  metres

Min Temp: 13 degrees

Max Temp: 28  degrees

Written by Mark Sharky Smoothy

I wish I could ride with Adam by my side

The one over-riding thought that came to mind throughout the past eight-days was this; I would give back every experience I have ever had over the past 12 years since Adam's passing to have him back again and riding by my side. As we all know, that can never happen, but let me tell you here and now, that I have relished, appreciated and respected each and every occasion, since 2006, to come into contact with some extraordinarily special people. On this occasion, I have had the pleasure of hanging out with another 50 of them during this years Alice to Darwin Challenge.

Luxurious Green Grass

After camping so many nights in the red dusty dirt of the Australian outback, (Which was extremely popular with our Rider Dusty Club) our last night in swags in Coomalie Creek Van Park was luxurious. Why? We had grass, green grass, soft green grass, and about three football fields of it. Choose any spot you wanted. No-one chose to sleep near any of the known snorers, why would you? This field was so large, that if you got up out of your swag to go the the toilets, you needed to leave the day before. It was better to just wet your bed.

The nighttime entertainment included a great juggling comedian dog act, all the usual Smiddy shenanigans, a very moving speech from Ray Ray about friendships and a great reading of the blog by the Sydney girls. All were tucked up in their swags by nine-a.m. Dreaming about the final day on the road into Darwin.

Why Smiddy Riders Boarding A Bus For A Second Day

Once again we boarded the bus to get us up the road by another 32 kilometres. You may be wondering why are Smiddy riders on a bus and not on our bikes? We could not get permission from the powers that be, to allow us to ride on the highway between Katherine and Darwin. Therefore, so as not to break our police permit instructions, a bus transfer from Katherine was involved. All the riders were of course disappointed, but like all Smiddy riders past and present, they understood and did not make a fuss.

The Cow Bell And Most Worthy Recipient

So once we arrived to Old Bynoe Road, which was the start of the alternative road that kept us off the main highway, our goal for the day was just 80 kilometres left into Darwin. We managed to get going by about 8:30a.m. And Ron, The Man of Steel, realized a life long dream, well Smiddy life long of 12 years at least, when Kevvy finally gave him the honour of ringing the cow bell for the final days ride into Darwin. It was Ron's first time ringing it and it meant the world to him, as he has told me a little break from Smiddy events next year is on the cards. Well deserved after 12 years of saying yes to most of what I ask of him.

Anyway we rolled out under clear skies and our ever present tailwind. Not an hour later we rolled into morning tea for an average speed of over 32km/h at Crazy Acres Mango Farm. It was here that there was an immediate Smiddy rider explosion of love delivered to our beautiful road crew. We all agreed that they deserved to be smothered in love, hugs, slaps, kisses and stinky sweat, to show our appreciation for eight days on the road. Thank you to the lovely owner who donated free Mango Smoothies to the entire team.

Different Roads Dizzy Heads

The remaining 50 kilometres into Darwin saw us take every back road known to the outskirts of Darwin. Christian did a great job mapping out this alternative route, which at the least allowed us the joy of riding into Darwin and not being bussed in. Great job Killer and very much appreciated by the entire team. The riders certainly enjoyed our first different variety of roads and we all got dizzy and disoriented from all the twists and turns, after following just the one and only road for the past seven days.

The finish was into an undercover car park, close to where we are staying, right in the heart of Darwin. We were meant to finish near the water but due to a big festival being held on the same day, there was no room for stinky cyclists and a convoy of seven trucks and cars. Anyway it was shady and cool and many of the riders love ones had flown in for the finish and what a welcome sight they were.

Chuddle Time

Hugs and high fives and backslapping were of course the order of the day. We then did the Smiddy Chuddle; the Smiddy Chuddle is a combination of a huddle and a cuddle. It has been done a few times now at the finish of these epic events. Mr Smiddy was held up in the middle by road crew Michelle, then all the road crew women embraced the pair, then road crew male, followed by our supporters, then the lady riders, lastly the cross dressing male riders and the rest of us normal tough burly blokes that wear no underwear. All the usual thank you's and three cheers are done, but finished off with a Smiddy chant that never stops until the people in the middle are melting inside the Smiddy Sauna!

Let's Pay Money To Get Eaten

A photo finish in front of the Crocasaurus Park entrance followed immediately after, which is where many Smiddy people have paid good money to swim and get eaten by them this afternoon at 5:15p.m. The pub over the road was the next port of call and a good many hours and beers were consumed in celebration of another safe and successful Smiddy event. Just a quick thanks to Shaun Gamble, who is not the Mayor of Darwin but should be. Shaun use to live here and still has his hands in a few pockets and was able to help out the Smiddy crew with accommodation and dinner tonight, amongst a few other things. He is a humble man and wants no attention but I am giving it to him.

Smiddy Riders And Road Crew - You Guy's Rock

One thing I take utmost pride in is this; in each and every Smiddy journey- it is a fact that even the most hard core athletes are broken down and accepting of the fact that during this eight-day journey, it is okay to let your emotions shown to the entire group. How can you not? When you hear the stories of suffering and loss due to cancer from our fellow riders and road crew who speak so openly and passionately each night. My appreciation went out to my fellow Smiddy riders from the day they signed up 10 months ago, but now, each and every one of these fine human beings, have earned my admiration and respect. I do not apologise for wearing my heart on my sleeve, that is me- Please know I hold you all in the highest regard and mere words can't express what your actions mean -not only to myself- but to David Smiddy, the staff of Smiddy and the Mater Foundation. We are in awe of your contribution and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sharky's final words

What an amazing journey so far. Here we are nearly 12 years since my mates passing. In that time we have completed 11 Smiddy Challenge events, 6 Midi Smiddy's, 3 Half Smiddy's, the Smiddy Pyrenee's, the Italian Smiddy Challenge, Tasmania Smiddy Challenge, the French Alps Smiddy Challenge, 1 Kiddy Smiddy, 7 Smiddy Noosa triathlons, 4 NSW Smiddy Challenge, 4 X 10km Smiddy Challenge swims, Adelaide to Uluru and now Alice to Darwin. On top of that 2 documentary's have been made about the Smiddy story, a park was renamed Adam Smiddy Park in Milton Brisbane, and my own Sharky Oz Smiddy 7in7 ride around Australia was a great success.

In that time over 2000 Smiddy athletes have participated in the above events and we have raised nearly 9 million dollars for cancer research. But for me, the greatest success is that many thousands upon thousands of people now know the Adam Smiddy story and what a special story that is. I miss my mate, and as Maria Smiddy once said to me, prior to she herself passing away from Pancreatic Cancer two years ago, this is a story she wished she could have shared with her son!

Adam was a shy, quiet and reflective kind of guy and would have been a little embarrassed about all the attention. But if it was for one of his mates he would have been the first person lining up to help out. No doubt Adam would absolutely have loved participating in all these events.

Thank you and see you all at your next chosen Smiddy event, if not before.

Sharky

Overall Stats

Most Massages: 10 Geoff Ney, Shaun 8 and Karen 7

3 hospitalisations - Jennifer, Brooke and Gilles for asthma, allergies and a sore butt 

116 acupuncture needle used 

14 litres of chamois cream

Photos taken 1.3 million by Brooke. But seriously, she took approx 2400 and 121 videos 

Mia also took 1871 photos 

The most Facebook uploads goes to Geoff Ney with an average of 15 per day 

Total distance 1544.9 km

Time  47 hours 58 mins 47 secs 

233280 pedals turned x 35 riders is 8 164 800 pedal strokes 

Total average speed 30.123

Power 138 watts

195kw hrs generated enough to run a household for 15 days 

122213 wheel revolutions 

And 235 beers to be consumed

2017 Alice to Darwin Smiddy Challenge - Day 7

Written by Hannah Lewis-Dalby and Georgia Dudley 

Day 6 ended with an evening by the campfire with Marksie and his tales of culinary exploits. We  sampled delights such as buffalo sausage and wild barra - not forgetting the delicious lemon wattle damper bread. 

After a bit of fire side billy swinging (Go Georgie!) everyone retreated to their swags to warm up safe in the knowledge that the next day brought with it a bit of a later start.  

As day 7 began Team Smiddy loaded up on several rounds of calorie laden bacon and eggs as fuel for the very big ride ahead. Soon after there was many a sighting of smiddy kit wandering aimlessly around the Shady Lane campsite in search of bicycles. The traditional somewhat fashionably late roll out had the pleasure of daylight given the 7am start. We were sent on our merry way by Marksie but only after a bit of good old fashioned cow bell rivalry between him and Captain Kevvy.

Black cockatoos led the way on the road to Katherine Gorge and it was a special day for the peloton as we were joined by lead car driver Rob! Rob had decided that the view of the open road was not as desirable as the view from the pack – watching the buns of steel – and we’re not just talking about Ron!

A mere 23km of undulations led us to Krista’s magical mystery tour of the car park before we located the boat ramp. Mr Smiddy was seen being kind enough to provide some overhead protection for Debs from the noisy, pooping bat population. Talking about Mr Smiddy, did anyone see him on the cruise today? We hear he attempted to photo bomb various tourist photos…..?

We boarded the boat and Alan the tour guide gave us a run down of the history of the area whilst we gently cruised through the gorges.  The savage freshwater crocodiles looked on from the rocks assessing the tastiest Smiddy prey, whilst the Smiddy team in return assessed whether each croc was wallet sized or large enough for a handbag.

At the end of a relaxing 2 hour cruise it was time to redon the lycra and hit the road again. Any concerns about the drop in average speed for the trip were put to bed with a cracking pace on the return journey. We hear Tiny Queen of the Desert Dancer was in a rush to hit the town of Katherine with his flamboyant pink flowing locks.

After six days of Smiddy record breaking speeds, the peloton was brought to a grounding halt by the NT police who decided we were all having far too much fun on our bikes and restricted us to some four wheeled transport. Along came Geoff and his bus to the rescue (although he may have come to regret that decision later!).

Competition was tight for the prized spots on the bike racks for those precious about their bikes – but soon bikes and riders were locked and loaded after a delicious lunch – THANK YOU ROAD CREW! We then hit the highly dangerous multi-lane, smooth surfaced, traffic less highway. There were a few groans as some sensitive areas adjusted to the unusual sensation of cushioned seats – although not quite cushioned enough for everyone with Lesa resorting to sitting on an ice pack. 

By day 7 habits are now well ingrained and the calls of truck up, slowing and pedal, pedal, pedal helped Geoff along, thankfully without the need for Yorkie and Shaun to help push us up any of the hills.

Photos on facebook may suggest a restful journey as some weary riders got some shut eye – however after a stop at the 303 Bar the party bus took off and it was full steam ahead on the karaoke express. Flic will share the play list for everyone else on Tinder – no sorry we mean Spotify!

After travelling at 80 km/h for the afternoon, we arrived in camp a couple of hours later than we had done when travelling by bike – but the huge achievement of the 50 km day was still celebrated in full Smiddy traditional style with a huddle led by Tony Roma. With one day left to ride from the middle to the top of Australia there are clear signs the team are beginning to let their hair down – if this afternoon was anything to go by, watch out Darwin!

Today’s blog was brought to you by some Sydney girls who a year ago would never have dreamed of calling themselves cyclists and doubted that they were up to the challenge. The support of the Smiddy family both in words of encouragement and the Smiddy hand of god on the back have helped us come one day away from completing a huge achievement. We want everyone reading this blog who is wondering if they could do this too – then yes you can! And if our experience is anything to go by, you won’t regret it for a second!

Thank you J

2017 Alice to Darwin Smiddy Challenge - Day 6

Stats for the day by Ray Ray Smith

Distance:  196kms

Ride Time: 6hrs 15min

Ave Speed:  31.5 km/h

Max Speed: 53.5  km/h Done by Isht Singh

Climbing: 377  metres

Descent: 441 metres

Min Temp: 7 degrees

Max Temp:  26 degrees

Blog by Mark Sharky Smoothy

A huge thank you to the past three nights blog writers. You not only gave me a little time off but we all got to enjoy a variety of writing talents.

1200 IN SIX AT THIRTY

As I write this, at the van park in Katherine, I find myself reflecting on the past six days on the road. Along the way we have had some pretty amazing days, entertaining nights, covered some incredible distances, and set some unique Smiddy firsts. 

The first one that comes to mind, and I can honestly say, never in Smiddy history, has one of our events been gifted with such incredibly good weather conditions. Six days and 1200 kilometres covered at an average speed of 30 km/h. These days I am happy if I can do a river loop in Brisbane and average that speed for 32 kilometres.

RIDERS AND ROAD CREW ROCK

Okay sure we have been presented with great side or direct tailwinds for most of the past six days, but still, the riders have to be strong and determined enough to sustain that type of pace. I take my hat off to all of them, they have done the work behind the scenes and are being rewarded for their dedication. So while these guys and girls have been awesome trainers, they are absolutely stunning fundraisers; 30 active riders that are fundraising and closing in on $200,000! This is simply amazing for just 30 riders, and I know all the staff at Smiddy and Mater Foundation are in awe of their contributions.

A 227 KILOMETRE DAY

Okay let's get to today's day six stage into Katherine of 196 kilometres. After yesterday's epic and longest stage of the tour at 227 kilometres, the back slaps, hugs and handshakes were at an all time high. It meant we had reached the halfway point and the group had come together as all Smiddy groups do. The camaraderie and friendships are now at maximum capacity and we get to enjoy each other's beautiful company for another four days. The beers that night were flowing freely at the iconic, has to be 'seen-to-be-believed', Pink Panther Hotel in Larrimah. 

The owners built a small rundown and out-of-date sanctuary out the back of the pub, which was home to a variety of birds, wallabies, emus and an impressive ten foot salt water croc. Later that night Kevvy and I were discussing that croc and we swear it was in the exact same position, with the same cheeky grin, sleepy eyes and impressive sharp teeth back in 2009 when we were completing the second leg of my around Australia trip. We decided that yes it was alive and not a fake but what do you think?

A NIGHT OF ANTICS AT PINK PANTHER

The night's festivities included a great blog written by our first lead vehicle driver in Rob Chatfield. We also had another Smiddy first when our guest speaker in Isht Singh, not only spoke beautifully about his reasons for joining the Smiddy Peloton, but was also awarded the Spirit-Mateship-Teamwork jersey. Congratulations Singh. Well deserved. 

The road kill is always hilarious when the Donnelly boys take the stage and last night was no different. Jimmy actually admitted to being in awe of the road kill count because they counted 15 kangaroos. I just sat there and smiled and thought we need these lads to do road kill on the Brisbane - Townsville ride one year. Day Seven in 2008 was an ongoing two-year drought; meaning animals venture closer to the road for any semblance of greenery. It was that year, that our road kill counter in Andrew Schindler, had a mental breakdown, not to mention a permanent sinus condition, from counting over 300 kangaroos in just the one day. Since then Day Seven has always been referred to as entering the 'Kill Zone.'

I KNOW WHO IS GETTING PRISCILLA AWARD TONIGHT!

Anyway I am getting off track as per usual. But I just wanted to nominate Tiny Dancer for the Priscilla Award for hiding my bike last night and creating mild panic. I came back to my room after the nighttime activities to find it gone. Five road crew went looking for it and only when they started to interrogate the locals, with fisty-cups starting to take place, that Tiny magically found my bike in his room.

Okay time to hook in to our sixth and final 200 kilometre day in a row. I have less than an hour until we meet for our team dinner, so I am willing my tired mind to focus, focus, focus and get this job done.

ANOTHER SMIDDY FIRST

With this morning's roll out at 6 am. And without even realizing it, the team were once again creating Smiddy history with yet another Smiddy first ... Oh and how I like a Smiddy first, have you noticed? Anyway here is why; six mornings our start time has been 6 am. While we might not get going until a few minutes past six, doesn't really matter, the fact remains six at six is a new Smiddy first. Pretty exciting hey?

The owners of the Pink Panther sent us on our way with the ringing of the 100-year-old Captain Kevvy family cow bell, a bell that has woke up families and travellers all over Australia for the past 11 years now. While our tailwind was present right from the get go, it was once again a very fresh start, with most of us a little under-dressed as our start location suggested it was warmer than usual.

DO YOU REALLY WANT TO READ THIS NEXT PARAGRAPH?

Now my bladder is usual the brunt of many, many jokes. All because I once needed to pee nine-kilometres into the start of a Smiddy stage many years ago, and the old-school Smiddy lads love bringing it up. For most of this trip my bladder form has been poor with stops needed after just 20-kilometres. So yesterday and again today, I was keen for redemption. Both days not requesting a stop and lasting until the 40-kilometre mark. I was pretty proud of myself. 

My apologies to those other 'early-busting-for-a-pee' riders in the peloton that each morning rely on my early yellow room stops because of my bladder. Just quickly I need to clarify one more thing about wee and pee and all things yellow. If you hear me say this; "mate my teeth are swimming"! I really need to stop. That is my critical point for urine explosion.

CAPTAIN KEVVY HURRY UP

Okay now we have that cleared up let's move on. It is now 5.50 pm and Kevvy has just come in and said, "Have you finished yet?" "Well actually no I haven't." I replied. 
"Well you have 20-minutes before the bus comes to take us to dinner, so pull your finger out!"

I don't say anything out loud, but I think he may not recall the one time I asked him to write a blog when we were travelling down the West Coast of Australia. I gave him five days notice and it took him another three days to write 500 words. Anyway with this news delivered from Kevvy it means I know have to go into emergency highlight mode. Meaning the rest of this blog will be short highlights of what stood out for me today. Enjoy.

SHARKY'S QUICKY OBSERVATIONS FROM DAY SIX ON THE ROAD TO DARWIN

1.     Jenny penfold set a new Smiddy first record today when she had to get in the van three times due to asthma attacks. I do like a Smiddy first but would prefer if Jenny did not try to better this tomorrow. She is fine and kept getting back on the bike when she could and we are all super proud of her.

2.     Hannah yesterday completed her longest ever Smiddy ride of 227 kilometres,

3.     Today she needed a little van time to recoup and made a welcome return to the peloton later in the day to show true Smiddy spirit.

4.     Well done to Felicity and Leesa for riding tough today. Both girls have achilles pain and affecting their time in the peloton.

5.     So pleasing, not only today, but the past six days, seeing the crew erect the Cafe Maria banner at every food stop. Maria Smiddy lost her life two years ago to cancer and in her memory this banner is our permanent reminder. Without Maria we would not have sao's with cheese and tomatoe, for this was her creation.

6.     Morning tea at Mataranka and Bitter Springs at the 79 kilometre point. I guess now will always be remembered not for its beauty but because the entire peloton was waiting for its leader in Christian Killeen, the two founding riders of Smiddy in Steely and yours truly, and Greg Harmer off doing the touristy thing. Brooke Rose got her workout that day by running ten kilometres looking for us. Well maybe 400 metres!

7.     Lunch today at Cutta Cutta Caves at the 162 kilometre mark was simply stunning. A hot barbecue lunch of wraps, washed down with a desert of fresh fruit and yogurt. While the girls made fresh brewed coffee. Do we love road crew or what!

8.     Lunch again and the 'Bitter Springs Foursome' being banned to visit the one hour cave tour.

9.     Tiny Dancer once again up to his antics at the front of the peloton. Permission to go faster his legs ask him? His legs say yes, Smiddy ride leaders say no! Tiny still ramps it up to 45km. Tiny gets into trouble. Again...

10.  As we approached Katherine traffic was heavy, so we were directed onto a bike path for six kilometres, which was wide enough for two bikes only. Kevvy decided not to follow us.

11.  Bike path again and Stormin Norman showed his face-planting skills by stacking it as he attempted a grass shortcut. He was up faster than 'The Flash' out of fear he would be given van time. Stormin is all okay and proud of his elbow and hip injuries.

12.  Setting, what I believe, is a new Smiddy record for a 200 kilometre ride of 31.5 kilometre average. Which I believe would have gotten to 32 if not for the bike path deviation.

13.  Thank you to David Gillies and Lorenzo Marabini for opening up tour hearts and sharing your reasons for doing this Smiddy event by taking the Huddle this afternoon.

14.  Finally some info on termites. The queen can live for up to 100 years. These small insects perform amazing feats of cooperation. For example, consider a mature cathedral mound around 5m tall. Given it was built by insects around 5mm long this is equivalent to humans getting together and building a massive skyscraper over a kilometer high and covering many city blocks. After witnessing the millions upon millions of termite mounds between Alice and Darwin over the past six days, I have decided it would suggest not to buy land here and build a Queenslander! 

That's it from me.

Cheers,

Sharky.

2017 Alice to Darwin Smiddy Challenge - Day 4

Written by Jamie Donnelly and Michael Donnelly

Today the Sharky Smiddy blog comes to you from Scotland & Norn Iron (northern Ireland)! If anyone feels that they will have difficulty understanding this please position yourself near someone who can translate.

Before we review the day 4 journey from Attack Creek to Newcastle Waters, lets recap on the team's first night of 'roughing' it in the bush. For the first time all of the riders and the road crew were in cattle class and experienced the joy that is sleeping under the stars. 

What's not to love with a cold bucket of water shower, no phone reception, Brooke's cremated marshmallows for dessert and being rocked to sleep by the passing road-trains! 

Seriously though, we had a great night around the camp fire, the road crew cooked an amazing BBQ dinner and we proceeded to pick on the Scottish Donnelly for much of the evening. We had a great speech from Geoff Ney on the importance of Smiddy to him and why he was inspired to ride this journey - words that ran true with many of the team.

Day 4 we were up dark and early and served up a great spread from the dedicated road crew! Spirits were still relatively high, and the temperature was more respectful to the digits than at anytime since Alice Springs! Not so pleasant was the sight of Queen Jamima Priscilla Donnelly (Jamie) in his bra and trimmings - The Queen liked the dress code so much he stripped off later in the day to flash a bit of chest to the unsuspecting and horrified people of Elliot.  

Back to the ride though ... the team were sent on their way by the amazing Jen Penfold who would join us on the ride and power out most of the day! What an effort. 

The ride started with a spectacular sunrise; it was like the Serengeti without the giraffes, but with some died coos (dead cows) and a shark! After a quick 'sharky break' we enjoyed the most undulating and spiraling ride to date - there must have been at least five corners, it was amazing! 

The undulations provided us with some amazing views of the NT landscape and what Yorky thought was his chance to claim the Polka dot jersey by sprinting ahead up one of the inclines ... maybe someday Yorky, dream on!

Powered by a welcome tail wind, the peloton raced its way into Renner Springs in good spirits. The roadcrew treated us to some great morning tea and, ahead of schedule, the peloton raced on beyond the scheduled lunch stop to make the most of the tail wind. 

The roadkill count was down on previous days, but the scenery was some of the most spectacular to date. Some of the team were just too eager to get to lunch, particularly Geoff Ney who spent so much energy getting there he felt he needed a little lie down in the sand as he came in for a bite.

We made great time and arrived way ahead of schedule into Newcastle Waters - a genuine oasis in the vast NT outback.. The crew had already prepped and amazingly were ready for our arrival. The team had a heart warming embrace and huddle with Killer and Pagey taking the lead to talk about a great day in the saddle and remember the Spirt of Smiddy on completion of an epic ride.  

It was then down to the strategic positioning of swags (away from the known snorers) and finding that glorious spot of outback to rest the head on tonight while the crew took over to look after everyone yet again. Steve Roe (or John Sammy Newman in disguise for those who follow The Footy Show) chose to go to the high ground for a quick getaway tomorrow, or maybe he wants to be close to the road trains again after last night! Special mention to Steely for getting his bike mechanic skills out yet again to follow up a 200km ride to fix and check over bikes for a couple of hours - what a quiet and unassuming legend this man is!!  

Before dinner Rob Chatfield took it upon himself to head out on his bike for a bit of a leg tester and mild panic set in among the camp when he hadn't returned after an hour and a half! Thankfully, the search party managed to pick him up after finding his bike parked up outside the pub in Elliot, 20kms down the road! Kudos to Rob for doing his bit to connect with the locals!

Over half way there - bring on day 5 and the longest ride of the tour at a bum aching 227km!! As I write this the team, led by Killer, have deforested much of the surrounding bushland around Newcastle Waters and must be planning the mother of all Bonfires... enough to burn the Witches of Elliot at the Stake ... 

Roll on tomorrow - a big day in the saddle with friends and another epic ride across the NT. The Smiddy train is steaming to Darwin on schedule!!

2017 Alice to Darwin Smiddy Challenge - Day 3

Stats for the day 

Distance: 191km
Ride time: 6 hours and 42 minutes 
Average speed: 28.5km/h
Max Speed: 42.4km/h (except Matthew English 130km/hr)
Elevation:  295m 
Min temp:  4C – whoever claimed it was 13C was bullshitting
Max temp:  26C

Written by Matt English

Last night we rolled into Devils Marbles Hotel where we were treated to an amazing BBQ dinner and cold beer thanks to Jess and the crew there. A couple of the guys were glad to have a chance to get upgraded to “business class” landing beds in cabins rather than another night in the swags – especially given what’s to come.  

Sharky once again treated us to another blog post – setting the standard rather high for the rest of us who have to follow – with his hilarious recount of Day 2 on the road. 

Brooksy picked up the Spirit jersey for being so jovial and trying to keep the peloton motivated throughout the day, and it worked! It was great to see him share a few words about his reasons for riding. We also heard from Chalkie Chooky, depending on who you are, who told us about his credit card ride from Brisbane to Mt Isa in honour of his mum Gloria and raising $7500 along the way. Kudos to you mate, you’re a champion and we’re proud to know you! 

In the mixed cabin, some of the ladies weren’t so happy with the business class upgrades given that a couple of snorers kept them from their beauty sleep. We also heard Sharky and Ron got up close and personal sharing the double bed in room number 69 oops sorry room 9. But I can vouch they were very discrete as I heard nothing above the thunderous snoring. 

On to the topic at hand – day 3.

Things got off to a good start when commander in chief, Brooke Rose, kicked in the swags of a couple of workmen she  thought were Smiddy riders having a sleep in. Perhaps it was payback for their late night antics while our riders tried to catch a few zzzz’s and she wanted to make a point not to mess with the Smiddy Peloton, but she should have taken Johnsy, also known as the Enforcer because if there’s ever any trouble and you want to sort out the bad guys, he’s the best mate to have by your side.

We rolled out under the stars at 6.15am, an improvement on the morning before, after Kevvy put us all on notice that we weren’t living up to Smiddy expectations, so we were all a little on edge and keen to pull our socks up during the day ahead.  Thanks to Jess from the pub for coming out to see us off and ring the cowbell. 

To start the day, I’d like to mention a few wardrobe malfunctions – Lesa was going for the Wauchope fashion stakes with her bicycle print leggings as a replacement for her bike knicks which were still in the laundry. They looked great - but they were quickly abandoned as they weren’t very functional, as most high fashions aren’t. 

Secondly, we had Yorkie – who I’ve nicknamed Ice Man because he’s always cool, calm and collected and is the perfect wing man for any Smiddy rider - before the sun came up he was trying to discard his Priscilla outfit, leaving it strewn along the highway in true Priscilla fashion, however he did make up for it by adorning some additional Priscilla elements and to be frank, he rocked that outfit and did real justice to the Priscilla legend. 

And after following Ice Man in the peloton today, I’ve got a confession to make - of all the guys on the Smiddy tour, he’s my main man crush. 

Then onto Devils Marbles… Although I would like to note (after all the fuss), we could have slept in for at least an extra 20 mins – but it was a truly spectacular sunrise, which we’ll all remember for the rest of our lives because of its rustic beauty and the fact it was shared in great company including our new mate Len who made a donation to the Smiddy cause and joined us for a group photo with the sun warming our faces.

Again Geoff Ney, now known as Hi Tech, came to the rescue showing us how to take panorama shots on the I Phone and share them on Airdrop, Facebook and any other program you could think of! And more impressive is have you seen his bike seat?

From sunrise it was back on to the highway as we continued north towards Stuart Memorial.

When we passed Bonney Creek – we spotted water which was pretty cool after seeing so many dry rivers and creeks. 

The road crew snuck in another sneaky surprise with the placement of an I love Smiddy t-shirt on an termite nest right before the McClaren Creek bridge before another sneaky one popped up just before Tennant Creek! 

We were a sight to behold in Tennant Creek and we noticed a crowd mingling around the pub, bank and Centrelink, but suddenly all eyes were upon us as we passed through town – I guess a few of them might have thought we were martians heading to the big smoke from Wycliffe Well. 

Just outside Tennant Creek at Sharky’s Rest Stop Flik earned the honour of becoming Dusty #4 (ouch!).

It was then on to our lunch stop, Lake Mary Anne, a beautiful oasis in the desert and again, the road crew did a fantastic job in preparing a beautiful lunch spread of meat and salad wraps. Priscilla had some competition in the beauty stakes when three peacocks – followed by a couple of prancing roosters – descended on the Smiddy lunch break. 

After a speedy stop at Three Ways, we continued north (surprise, surprise). Thankfully, the wind was beneath the peloton’s wings a today and helped us most of the way but when turning East the crosswind did prove challenging on occasions but everyone had a fantastic ride and overall we were blessed with perfect conditions and Day 3 can best be described as First Class Travel from Wachope to Stuart Memorial.

We also made a quick stop at Phillip Creek Station for afternoon tea, where a rogue camel toe made an appearance. And guys we do mean an ACTUAL camel toe.

Rumour has it that after the afternoon break, Sharky thought his water was a little more flavoursome and for a second thought it tasted pretty shitty – and his mind quickly flicked back to how he’d filled up his bottles on top of the chemical potty.

The last 28km from Phillip Creek Station was a smooth, steady ride into Stuart Memorial. I did drop my water bottle and David Lawrence – Dusty #1 – had to call on his speedy reflexes to duck and weave out the way! 

Thanks to David and Ian for sharing their reasons for riding as part of this afternoon’s huddle. It’s fantastic to hear why and how everyone came to be part of this great Smiddy team. 

I also loved the chance to be on the radio today and get an insight into how much effort, concentration and responsibility  goes in to directing and communicating with the Stuart Highway Traffic to keep us all safe. Awesome work to Kevvy, Stemmy, Brad and Ben, and Brooke R. 

As you go through life you exist in tribes. When you start at school you have a tribe of mates there, then uni or a job brings another tribe and then married and have kids and have another tribe – and that one is usually about your wife’s tribe – so I think a good thing that Smiddy does is, not only a great cause for cancer, but it also introduces you to a wide diversity of people that you wouldn’t necessary come across in your day-to-day tribe so it’s quite refreshing and inspiring and I am very fortunate to be considered part of the Smiddy team and to have met so many great mates.

 

I think it’s been really rewarding for everyone involved in the friendships that you develop along the journey – from the training rides through to real deal Alice to Darwin Day 3. 

And through this journey and mateship that we share, we are all challenging ourselves stepping out of our day to day comfort zones. Through my experience as one of the more elderly guys on the tour as you get older, most people’s comfort zone narrows because they want to make their lives more comfortable and predictable whereas those people like the Smiddy tribe who continually look to expand their comfort zones and keep challenging themselves, will forever stay young – and hopefully healthy!