Monday 7 September – Eidsvold to Jambin

Monday 7 September – Eidsvold to Jambin

Day 3

Journal

Journal Day Three

The day started with a cooked breakfast supplied by Eidsvold Lions Club. What a great gesture with Lion’s club members starting to cook around 4.00 am and supplying over $300 of food. We thought that the hardest days were over but hadn’t counted on a strong cross wind and head wind blowing all day. The first hour was magnificent with easy going in cool weather and early morning mist hanging in amongst the trees. But that was before the wind came up and challenged the riders.

A highlight of the day was the arrival at Thangool State School. We were greeted by a high–fiving line of students and the smiles of staff and parents. The students asked a barrage of questions and were well informed about the reason for the Smiling for Smiddy Challenge. The autograph seeking students in the yellow jersey competition for the most signatures lifted even the most tired of the riders. The cunning students were well armed with pens and paper at the ready. A generous donation from the students added to the Smiddy cause.

It was just a short ride to Monto where we were greeted by Don and Di Morris at the Homemaker Store. Assisted by Dave McNee and the Cancer Council Volunteers they provided a magnificent feast. Dave has provided food to assist with feeding us over the next few days. Don also indicated that Mark Smoothy’s luck might change following the posting of a personal invitation on the Jambin pub notice board.

Highlights of the riding during the day were the rides of Andrew T and Carla who showed enormous determination in conquering the four peaks in style. Phil Anderson put paid to all the bravado of the other ridings by showing how a true professional wins the sprint to Jambin. Disappointed punters were still trying to work out how they could have beaten him late into the night.

The trying riding conditions highlighted the key role of our fabulous support crew. The first sounds of the day were around 4.30 am. Kevin and Shane were filling up the water and EPO bottles to keep us hydrated during the day. Kim was loading the washing machines and Grant was working on his Atlas body by getting the truck ready to load the luggage. Lauren was soon underway with the first massage of the day while Maria, Leslie and Lisa were hard at work organizing all of the many things to make the day a success. While the riders were eating the magnificent breakfast our support crew was hard at work. It is not only the practical things that the support crew does so well, it is also things like a caring word and a great big hug that really boost the sagging spirits of a tired rider. The support crew epitomizes the Smiddy Challenge spirit of putting others before you. The following poem is a short tribute to our tireless support crew:

Do They Catch Their Breath?

Each morning they rise

weaving their net of support,

completing the tasks that make sure we survive.

These are the true heroes, Smiddy’s humble doers

Eyes scan through the grit of all day driving,

safety chatter mutes the roar of road train hulks,

sag-wagon gives sanctuary, respite, relief,

replacing flat tyres means wheels spin in chase.

Steady flow of water softens swelling tongues,

renewing banquets perch on roadside stops,

gel or suds beat bacteria’s growth,

cow-bell clunk gives purpose to time.

Fingers banish tangled muscle knots,

concerned glances check for rider distress,

sports bars blend with kind word boost,

super-market dash brings forgotten comfort touch.

Fatigue soothing beds emerge from name-linked lists,

funds pay accounts and new day’s meals,

messages leap through digital links,

tired late-night hands guide another sweat soaked wash.

As support crew eye-lids falter,

dreams blend with white-lines, jobs and plans,

myriad faces of the day ahead.

by Bryan Humphrey (Smiddy Rider)

SCHINDLER'S LIST - Day 3

Proudly sponsored by my lady, Louise Booth ($300)

[I was highly stressed today so I think it's time to appoint a Deputy. There is a lot of poor potential in the pack so I have decided to elect the most inconsistent of the pack....the car himself Mr Anthony Monaro.]

Roo 11

Snake 2

Turtle [half ...it was almost there]

Bird 8

Lizard 3

Cat 1

Unknown 1

TOTAL 27 and a half

A special thank you to those who generously donated money to us along the road: