NAME: Jacqui Doel
AGE: 31 (celebrating 32 mid Smiddy)
PROFESSION: Tax Manager for Rio Tinto
Becoming involved in this event...
1. How did you get involved in the Bottlemart 2008 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge?
During a site visit to the Blair Athol mine in March, Trevor Weisse talked all about the ride and I thought it would be a great idea to be a day rider - do 200kms in one day and support the Smiddy riders. I couldn't believe my luck when I was offered the 50th spot to participate in the 8 Day Challenge.
2. If you knew Adam Smiddy please share how you knew him and what it means for you to ride in remembrance of Adam?
I did not know Adam personally - but my sister, Penny, worked with him.
3. Please list your reasons why you will undertake this 1600 kilometre challenge?
When I found out I might have a start on the challenge, I emailed my family, including my youngest sister Penny in Europe. It was then that I found out that Pen used to work with Adam at the PA in physio. Pen had amazing things to say about Adam - this really touched me. Since then, I have discovered some of my close friends were at college with Spadger and others did triathlons with Smiddy. I am participating in the challenge because you grab opportunities like this with both hands - a chance to raise money for charity, to get damn fit, meet some awesome people and honour the memory of a lovely young man. Pretty cool!.
Your expectations of this event...
4. What do you expect the ride to be like, and what will you do to get through it?
A long way - a journey you'll never forget. The trick is to smile, laugh and breathe.
5. This ride has no rest days - do you think you will physically or mentally "crack"? What will you do if you do crack, or how will you make sure you don't?
I hope not to crack physically; I'm planning to get as many kms as possible on the bike (and massages) between now and September to condition my body. Mentally - I think I went into shock when I did Mt Cootha for the first time because I was thinking of how tiny that is compared to this challenge. Now, I'm just keen to get into training and don't plan to crack mentally. The way for me to deal with my head is to smile and keep breathing.
6. What is your advice for other riders accompanying you on your journey?
Laugh with me and at me - I say and do some stupid things. Hopefully I won't be too unco on the bike.
7. How will you deal with spending 24 hours a day with 50 riders and 10 support personal for eight days in a row?
I will enjoy it - I like the energy of being amongst a group of people even if I'm not talking that much. When I need some space, I can easily daydream and go off into my own little world.
What you bring to this event...
8. What are your 'good' attributes and how will they help you complete the Bottlemart 2008 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge?
I am goal orientated and my goal is to complete the Challenge successfully and safely. I like to smile as I go and mutter some encouragement - the smiles and encouragement will be shared around!.
9. Do you have any bad traits that you wish to share with your team mates prior to the ride starting?
I can be quite blunt and direct, no offence intended, I sometimes just forget to soften up my delivery. Hmmm... sometimes I have a potty mouth. I'm sure a few undesirable words will slip out along the road.
10. Are you a team person? And how do you see yourself fitting in with the group, especially when the realisation hits home that the ride is no picnic in the park?
Yes, without a team can you imagine the mental strength you'd need to complete this? As with any group, I think there will be a few personalities that you gravitate towards and you will draw on each other for strength, encouragement and sanity... and good pacesetting.
11. How much are you hoping to raise? Do you think you can become the highest fund raiser for the ride?
Lots! I'd love to crack the $10,000 mark. My work has kick started the action with a generous $1,000 donation from the Rio Tinto Tax Team. Once this is on the website I will be contacting everyone I know and my family will kindly do the same.
What your preparation consists of...
12. Will you do anything different, besides riding, to help you prepare for the ride
Getting up early! Since I purchased my bike at the end of March, this night owl has become an early bird. I have taken up yoga to stretch me out and calm my mind; it just puts me in a good place. Swimming to concentrate on my breathing. I have stopped running - sorry Andy!.
13. What is the longest distance you have covered in the past over one week, and how did you handle it physically and mentally?
I rode 180km at the end of April which was ok. I need stronger legs so I can ride faster - I am hoping that the kms I am planning to do on the bike will build up this much needed muscle.
Your supporters...
14. What would you like to pass on to your personal supporters?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM! Sorry I'm not there for dinner & champagne. Mum, Dad, Nat, George & Pen - as with anything we do, my family is always so supportive - and the first to tell me I'm crazy.
To my friends - thank you for letting me talk non-stop about cycling / fitness / early mornings and not getting too upset when I don't party on - Jacqui Doel will be back at the next party with her hula hoop in tow.
The awesome crew at Fusion - from the minute I walked in the door you have been such a source of info and encouragement, not to mention the handy rides - I have met so many people which makes it so much easier to clock up the kms.
To my work colleagues - I promise to be safe.