Saturday 12 September – Charters Towers to Home Hill
Day 8 – Ascent 485m
The atmosphere was heavy with expectation as the Smiddy Challenge crew exchanged early morning greetings. This was the last day and the eyes of the riders glanced quickly, locked in strong eye contact and blended with the nervous chatter over breakfast.
"Are you riding again?", was the most common question as the final preparation of bikes took place. The daily chamois cream dance was conducted with unusual care and the stretching was aimed to get the twisted bodies through just one more day.
The hospitality of John and Anne Clark at the School of Distance Education with the assistance of Rotary, Lions and other kind souls meant a hearty breakfast to send us on our way.
We were delayed at the start much to uncle Kev's frustration. Billy's arm warmers had finally got loose after five days. They were found just in time: they had joined with the school dog and were rounding up a couple of the neighbour's steers. Billy slipped them on and his arms immediately lifted half a metre. We were off at 7.05 for the last day. We soon had our first fall of the day - Bryn the stuntman carried a graceful descent from his horizontal bike in a forgiving base of sand and gravel.
The ride out along the Townsville road towards Woodstock was difficult. We said farewell (for a time) for the ease of riding three abreast and battled a cross wind that rapidly build in strength. Road trains pummeled past and being close to large towns the urban cowboys were common on the roads. One character attempting to pass in the face of oncoming traffic continued driving behind the white posts on the verge of the wrong side of the road. A great effort, mate. Morning tea was at Mingela but we were soon on our way battling the winds, rough roads and traffic to Woodstock. Jimmy joined us on the bikes on the descent; he was disappointed that he had to pedal into the wind.
At Woodstock Hall we were treated to a country spread by the local CWA. It was great to see some riders being greeted by their family, especially young children hugging their warrior dads. A picture of the Queen overlooked the building excitement as riders began anticipating the finishing of the ride. Two drumming fans hanging from the corrugated iron ceiling cooled those still eating as Kev blew the five minute whistle just as desert was being served.
We knew we were in for a very tough ride in the afternoon. The wind had strengthened further and from Woodstock we were travelling into direct head winds or cross winds. The peleton quickly formed with the strongest riders at the front so that they could drive the pace into the wind and still enable the group to meet time commitments in Ayr and Home Hill. What a great demonstration of strength and endurance and the Smiddy Challenge spirit. Your work not only meant we arrived on time but also enabled the weaker riders to finish the tour. Well done.
The wind conditions mean that the second half of the day of just over 100 kms was as tough as anything met over the previous seven days. Several riders seemed to have bought on special bikes to handle the conditions with extra Malvern Star and Huffy bikes joining the leading group. We had rough roads, tired riders, strong cross winds and heat. The whole peleton lifted their effort and all riders showed the courage and co-operation that epitomizes the Smiddy Challenge Spirit. This last half day of riding was a practical demonstration of the increased skills, fitness and understanding that had developed over the length of the tour. Thanks also to those riders who kept the line together by moving up and helping slower riders maintain speed with a gentle Smiddy Challenge hand.
When we arrived in Ayr we met family, friends and supporters at the Bottlemart, Kalamia Hotel. Thanks to Ayr Rotary club for their donation. The excitement built to such a level that the roof of the Bottlemart drive-in seemed to be shaking. Proud riders congratulated each other in a crushing round of hugs and hand-shakes. Beer and water flowed from jugs and in the case of Tinka and Carla from their glasses in the excitement of the moment. Cameras flashed and speeches were made and the riders left with bikes effortless in a tail wind and propelled by the thought of just a few more kilometres to go.
The Burdekin Bridge was the last obstacle to fall (along with Bryn, Tim H (twice), Adam and Rowan over the last day). Everyone avoided the metal expansion plates on the bride with the perfect design for catching our sleek tyres. Some wind gusts were so strong that they seemed as if they would lift us across the bridge and into the Burdekin River. Sharkey and Ron led us into Home Hill and the end of our ride. We were welcomed by the Mayor, received kind donations from students of Home Hill High School and the local community.
It was off to the races for the final sprint along the grass track of the Home Hill race track. Conditions were perfect for racing with a tail wind and firm track. It was a photo finish with Jason and Phil in a dead heat unless the film crew's photo can separate them. Beards and hair disappeared in the traditional shave down thanks to the donated time and expertise of local hair dressers.
The evening function was held at the Crown Hotel thanks to the sponsorship of Bottlemart. A highlight of the evening was an update on the total raised. Already on the on-line and off-line donations the figure has reached $340,000. David Gyte, Queensland General Manager of Bottlemart (and second year Smiddy rider), announced that staff of Bottlemart around the country had raised $120,000 and fully expected that there would be more coming from the company's annual conference. With donations still open until November there is every likelihood that the target of $500,000 will be reached.
The night was a riot of jokes, awards, expressions of thanks and congratulations. The journal was presented by the Westpak Support Crew and gave another perspective on the ride. The food was plentiful and tasty. Drinks flowed as freely as the feelings of satisfaction and relief. The Smiddy Challenge for 2009 is over but the friendships and shared stories have just begun.
SCHINDLER'S LIST by Andy Schindler
Sponsored by my sister, Sarah Schindler, $100. Her comment: "Don't fall off your bike. I'm not picking you up from hospital again."
Over the last 8 days I've been trying to get into the minds of the road kill. Therefore I have employed the services of a side-kick to help explain this phenomenon - Jade
"Road Kill Counted"
by Jade
The land hot, dry, dusty
scorned by the day's enduring sun.
The ground lifeless, hopeless, unyielding
to the unknowing, stagnant.
Alas, abounds a world of life.
Flora and fauna alike
hang on nature's kilt.
A battle that is barely won.
In desperate endeavour
fueled by parental care
a kangaroo scurries
searching as the day draws closed.
A pause in homeward journey
a road, hard underfoot and abundant
white lines catch,
night lights glow
a kangaroo engrossed.
Approaching eyes flare, lights brighten
mechanical groans echo
panic, jump left, jump right
a loss of traction
velocity truthful, smash...
Silence, time lapses, light enters.
The pulled curtain reveals
mangled, torn, stretched, rotting -
a life taken.
A sudden break, a flay of arms
a cry within - panic!
Tyres twist, momentum transferred,
rider skills prevail.
The sound of a bell.
Road kill counted.
Road kills for day 8:
- 38 Roos
- 3 pigs
- 12 rabbits
- 1 cat (very flat)
- 1 snake
TOTAL: 56
To view a map of today’s route visit:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Charters-Towers-Home-Hill
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