NAME: Trevor Weisse
AGE: 41
PROFESSION: Accountant (with Attitude)
Becoming involved in this event...
1. How did you get involved in the Bottlemart 2008 Smiling for Smiddy Challenge?
It's one of those things that when you hear about it - you just have to do it !! After hearing about it last year, I joined the ride from Emerald to Clermont. This year, I just have to do the whole ride.....
2. If you knew Adam Smiddy please share how you knew him and what it means for you to ride in remembrance of Adam?
Unfortunately I did not know Adam....but I can see that he certainly touched those who did.
3. Please list your reasons why you will undertake this 1600 kilometre challenge?
To make a difference..... I work with and know people who have survived cancer and those who have been tragically affected by it....
The ride is gonna be a challenge....but nothing compared to the challenge faced by cancer sufferers and their families.
Your expectations of this event...
4. What do you expect the ride to be like, and what will you do to get through it?
It's going to be tough.....I'll have to leverage my "connections" with members of the support crew (my partner Shelly and cousin Kim) to extract extra, extra TLC.....if that doesn't work - there's always cold beer !! (lots of beer....)
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?
After hearing someone last year ask "Can you die from a sore bum??".....I think I'll be packing heaps of Intensive Care lotion....and sun cream. I think a few beers might also help....
6. What is your advice for other riders accompanying you on your journey?
Pack heaps of Intensive Care lotion....and sun cream....and bring heaps of chocolate to bribe the hard working members of the support crew......and of course staying on your bike helps!!
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'm looking forward to spending eight days with a really good bunch of people..... It's not going to be a picnic but I'm looking forward to the ride - there's just nothing like it....it's worth all the suffering!!
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?
Enthusiasm.....definitely a dedicated bike nut !! Also good at convincing Emu's to get off the road....
9. Do you have any bad traits that you wish to share with your team mates prior to the ride starting?
I'm sure Shelly has heaps of stories to tell....
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?
You gotta talk to the guy beside you and make sure they are "hangin' in there".....
11. How much are you hoping to raise? Do you think you can become the highest fund raiser for the ride?
I'm hoping to raise over $10k.....I am grateful that Rio Tinto have supported the event....and I'm sure the Mine Staff and local residents will support the event
What your preparation consists of...
12. Will you do anything different, besides riding, to help you prepare for the ride
There is really no substitute for road miles (and hills).....plus gym and of course cold beer helps (you wouldn't want to dehydrate.....)
13. What is the longest distance you have covered in the past over one week, and how did you handle it physically and mentally?
About 600km.....but that was a while ago when I raced on Road & Track (a long long time ago - Shelly)
Your supporters...
14. What would you like to pass on to your personal supporters?
I would like to thank Rio Tinto for supporting the event - in particular, Andrew Cole and Helen Rathbone for their passionate support.....and of course I have to thank Shelly for being a fantastic "Bike Widow"....