In 2008 Smiling for Smiddy founder Mark “Sharky” Smoothy began his seven year quest to cycle around Australia in seven stages. Each September, with the continuing support of our amazing sponsor Bottlemart, Sharky extends his 1600km “Smiddy Challenge” to include one of these stages. So far Sharky has knocked off:
- 2008 - A 3200 kilometre journey from Coolangatta on the NSW border to the tip of Queensland, Cape York, in 20 days.
- 2009 - Innisfail to Darwin in 24 days and the distance was just short of 2400 kilometres.
- 2010 – A 2400 kilometre journey from Katherine to Karratha in 24 days.
2011 is the fourth stage from Karratha in Western Australia to Esperance, which is 800 kilometres south of Perth. Total distance for the two rides combined will be 4400 kilometres over a 24 day period. The past 3 years included up to 600 kilometres of off road riding. For 2011 the dirt is gone and it is nothing but a road bike and endless kilometres of tarmac.
Sharky’s motivations for 7 in 7
It has always been a dream of Sharky’s to ride around Australia. Since losing his great mate Adam Smiddy, he no longer dreams…he acts on those dreams. While he would like to ride around Australia in the one hit, this is not possible due to time constraints and other commitments. So 7 in 7 was born; 7 stages over 7 years.
Will “Sharky” do this alone?
Each year Sharky extends an invite to riders to accompany him on each stage. In 2008 it was Cameron Single from Mackay, while 2009 saw fellow Smiddy rider Scott May of Brisbane along for the ride. In 2010 Sharky’s best mate, Ron Steel from Mackay, accompanied Sharky and Scott. And this year, 2011 sees Ron return for a second leg, while Scott stepped down to allow two newcomers to experience a leg of the 7 in 7. 2011 welcomes on board Ron Steel, Steve Waters from Brisbane and Kate Warren from Tasmania. Both Kate and Steve have completed the Smiddy Challenge and are passionate about making a difference through their actions. As well as Ron, Steve and Kate, Sharky has a dedicated road crew in Kevin Enchelmaier who gives up three weeks of his time each year to keep the boys watered, fed and safe. Kevin has been there right from the start of 7 in 7 and this ride would not have been possible without his never-ending and passionate support..
Fundraising for Smiling for Smiddy
Sharky’s Oz adventure continues the Smiddy fundraising around Australia. The fundraising continues right up until the team finish in Esperance, Western Australia. You can donate in support of their journey via the 'Meet the Team' link on the right side of the page.