Tuesday 8 September – Jambin to Blackwater
Day 4 – Ascent 630m 210 KM
Jambin Community hall was decked out with all the mattresses and bedding that the small town of Jambin could muster. Half of the 60 Smiddy riders and crew were kindly put up by the awesome new owners of the Jambin Motel Peter and Sue Wilkie. The other 30 had the unique experience of spending a night in the hall nicknamed "Thunder Alley".
At 4:30am that morning, after a cozy but rather noisy trumpet-like night, we were woken by an early alarm in the shape of an early morning thunder storm. After the drenching we received on our send off ride out of Brisbane on Saturday, today's roll out was not one we were looking forward to. But by the time Sue Wilkie rang the cow bell at 6:45am to start us on our 210 kilometre trip to Blackwater the rain had stopped and happy Smiddy riders were we.
Now I would like to give you guys just a quick rundown of the transgressions of our day and a few other bits and pieces that have been bobbing up in my mind over the past 4 days.
Welcome to the ‘Sharky' top 10 list of, what were for me, in no particular order, inspirational or memorable moments either today or throughout the ride so far.
1. Cross winds are evil: Just 20km out of Jambin and the incredible stillness of the day turned to an aggressive cross wind that hammered us mercilessly. Yesterday we were hit with 160kms of these mentally and physically draining winds. Today's stage we got hit for a further 150kms.
2. Kevvy's Dad at Dululu! Amongst our incredible 10 strong Westpac road crew is 60 year old good looking silvery bearded old cogger by the name of Kevin Enchelmaier. Now Kevvy has been on board the Smiddy Challenge for 3 years now and we love him dearly for the role that he plays in keeping us safe. Kevvy drives the vehicle that sits in behind the riders. Anyway each year we stop at Dululu to see Kevvy's Dad. Now Kevvy's Dad is not really Kevvy's Dad, we just call him that as he has the same white whispery beard as Kevvy. This loveable old chap and his beautiful wife are both in their late 80's and always make a kind donation to our cause. Today they gave us $150 and we gave them the honour of ringing the infamous cow bell to send us on our way.
3. Phil Anderson, time to go! Phil Anderson is the rider largely responsible for paving the way for fellow Australians and other foreigners to race in Europe and earn a living from cycling. In the late 70's "Skippy", as he was affectionately referred to by the French press, made history as the first non-European to wear the magic yellow jersey in the greatest cycling race in the world, the Tour De France. Phil went on to wear the yellow jersey 11 times. It was a major coup for the Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge when we secured his services to ride for the first 4 days of this year's ride. Skippy brought some amazing attributes to our ride; besides the extra media attention in ‘our mate' Phil (feels good to be able to call him a mate) for truly he was such a likeable easy going, caring and helpful bloke that I can assure you he had 62 new mates within our group by the time he had to leave us today after lunch. Phil passed on some great tips to all the riders, we got to see his 10min highlights package dvd in Eisdvold, we got to see his amazing bike handling skills within the pack, we got to see him win the 28 kilometre sprint into Jambin. At 52 years of age none of the young Smiddy guns could match his blistering finish. They were all proud to say, "Yeah I took on Skippy and got my butt kicked." On the flipside Phil was totally taken by the incredible Smiddy Spirit, the camaraderie of the riders and road and film crew. He also expressed admiration of the incredible generosity of all the local communities, who not only raise money for us, but feed and billet us and ask for nothing in return.
4. The police escort that surely was a dream: Today we were met by the police, not one car but two, front and back, who not only kept us safe for the last 140 kilometres, but strongly suggested that we travel 3 to 4 abreast! Only in Europe have I experienced this and never in my wildest dreams could I envision this happening for a charity ride in Australia. We chose to ride 3 abreast and it was this that enabled us to protect the riders not having their best day by securing them in the safety of what I called the ‘Smiddy Cocoon', the lane smack bang down the middle, with the rest of the riders safely rotating around them. The amazingly passionate film crew of Ryan, Brendan and Peter, making a mini documentary of the ride for Win TV, were beside themselves with excitement as they were also given the run of the road to film wherever they liked. Oncoming trucks were stopped by the side of the road, most giving a friendly wave or a toot of the horn. It was definitely one of the major highlights for us riders for the day.
5. The Westpac road crew are stars: I wish everyone back home could witness what these guys do for us. When we are going to bed they are busy preparing for the next day. When we wake up to eat breakfast they have already been up for an hour before us. Remember most days we roll out at 6am! This ride would not be where it is now without their support. 8 days of their time they give up in supporting our cause to find a cure for cancer. We, the riders, thank them every day, but it never seems adequate. I am hoping this public acknowledgment helps them to know how much appreciated they really are by the Smiddy riders and how truly special they are.
6. Smiddy Challenge rider's rock: The riders are aware that I wear my heart on my sleeve. I am not afraid to show that I care. Through these brief words I want to acknowledge my best mate Ron Steel, there for me at the start, year 1, 3 riders, no support, back breaking backpacks. Steely every year now, my friend by my side, he believes in my cause. Two and 3 year returning Smiddy riders; Big Russ, Row Man, Chappy, Leo, Falcon, Schindler, Anthony, Lew Balls, Youngy, to name but a few, I am blessed to have mates like you. Past and first year Smiddy riders, please come back as often as you like, you have been infected by the Smiddy spirit. An infection you need to keep, I am forever in your debt.
7. Local communities and their citizens deserve medals: Along the entire route the local towns also believe in our cause and Blackwater is no different. We roll into town and are met at the Police Citizens Youth Club by enough hosts to billet out all the riders and road crew. We do our big group huddle and finish with our favourite chant "SMIDDY, SMIDDY, SMIDDY!" Don Forbes, owner of Village on Blaine, and the local Rotary club, provide an amazing array of food for dinner and breakfast. As well they refuel our vehicles, provide lunch the next day and hand over a large cheque for $1000.00. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
8. The Smiddy deputy dog pack: To keep our riders safe I appointed a pack of 9 deputy dogs. The last 4 days I have witnessed an amazing display of maturity and commonsense approach to their leadership qualities, but most importantly a caring considerate and friendly attitude towards their fellow Smiddy riders.
9. The Smiddy lady riders: The 8 ladies that have graced us with their presence this year are beyond unbelievable. Ladies I take my hat off to you. 4 days of hills, wind and rain and you are all still standing. Not just standing but doing it all with no complaints and a smile on your face. Well most of the time anyway!
10. The oldest and youngest prove age is no barrier: Andrew Thornton, 67 years young, stubborn as a mule, pain tolerance which has to be seen to be believed, Andrew is our oldest competitor ever. Words cannot describe how in awe I am of you for even attempting to cycle 1600kms in 8 days, let alone finish it. Of that I have no doubt we will see you at the finish line in Home Hill. Anthony Khoo, 26 years of age; 6 weeks ago his longest ride was 90kms. Look at him now, nearly 900kms in 4 days! Khooy you are a first class legend mate.
To all our sponsors and supporters back home, thank you for sharing in our dream to rid the world of cancer. To finish I would like to quote my great mate, Brendan Camilleri, who said to me last night. "My kids are 3 and 6 years of age, I want them growing up in a world free from cancer."
You know what to do.
Thank you.
Sharky
SCHINDLER'S LIST By Andy Schindler
Sponsored by Ian & Ann ($25) ("Because y our father nagged us again!")
The road kill strted very early when I was awoken by Brett Chapman's bare butt to the face. Chappy I now know why they call you"eye candy"
The list continued to grow while my newly appointed deputy resigned. Anthony mate you can't resign... you're fired. Therefore I've had to appoint a new Deputy, Sharman Parr. She has shown great potential right from the start by bringing road kill to breakfast (see Day 2)
The day went on to record a total of:
skippies 54
Roger Rabbit & his girlfriends + Bugs Bunny & his girlfriends
Birds 9
Legless lizards 2
Snakes (of the gelatin variety) 3
Daisy & Buttercup the cows
...and I'm sorry Lesley Lassie didn't make it home!
TOTAL 76 A SMIDDY RECORD
To view a map of today’s route visit:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Jambin-Blackwater
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