Surprisingly once sleep came last night at 1:30am I slept soundly until waking at 4:30 thinking I had slept through the alarm. It was like one of those bonuses where you look at your watch and realise you still have an hour of precious sleep to go. The last time I slept in a car was in Italy back in 1993. I was in Rome with my flame at the time and we couldn’t afford accommodation so slept for one week in the front seat of a tiny four cylinder car. It was actually quite comfortable then and last night was no different.
Without boring you with too much detail about my race, really all I need to say is that my diabolical plan worked. While I was not buzzing with excitement or anything, once the horn sounded for my start I just clicked into race mode and did what my body and mind knows best. My wave started reasonably early at 7:16am and 2 hours and 26 minutes later my race was done and dusted. Conditions were a choppy surf in places, an incredible tailwind for the first 20km’s on the bike that saw speeds of 50kmph possible and a crosswind for the return leg slowing the top end speed but still possible to get into the 30’s still. Drafting was pretty good this year with the 3 and 4 minute gaps between waves spreading the field out sufficiently; resulting in no really large packs forming. It was overcast for the majority of the race and the heat was not really a factor. At least not for the earlier wave starts. Different story altogether for the teams not starting until 8:40.
All in all I am pleased I approached the race with the laid back attitude and to be perfectly honest the night in the car and the writing of the blog was just what I needed to clear my head and get back in the game. As soon as I finished today’s race I had an hours wait until I could get my bike out of transition at 11am. I was on the road and back in Brisbane by 12:45pm. Keen to get home to try out my new mower and brush cutter on a lawn that desperately needed some attention after all this rain. A few weeks ago someone decided they needed my mower and brush cutter more than I did. In the darkness of a Saturday night the buggers walked into my back yard, unscrewed the security lights, ripped the lock off the garden shed and walked out with not just the mower and the brush cutter but the can of petrol as well! That same weekend a number of homes in the area were hit and only garden equipment was taken. The cops told me the gang steal the stuff; sell it either at the markets or at Cash Converters, and use the little money that they make on drugs.
Anyway that is my Sunday, the lawn looks good, my body is pleasantly tired from a revisiting of how I use to approach triathlons in the 80’s and I am once again looking forward to my next race at Redcliffe in a month’s time.
I hope your weekend was great!
Take care.
Sharky
Sunday 25 March 2012
Saturday 24 March 2012
Back to basics for Sharky at the Mooloolaba triathlon
As I write this I am sitting in my car at Mooloolaba overlooking the darkness of the surf at 11pm. It is a clear night but the humidity still hangs heavy like a battle-worn trench coat. In just seven short hours I will be competing in my 13th Mooloolaba triathlon. For now sleep does not wish to visit my clouded mind so writing is the best insomnia fix.
It's such a weird and unfamiliar feeling but for the first time in 28 years of competing in triathlon I find myself mentally flat all week leading into the Mooloolaba triathlon. I started the sport in 1985 and have completed in excess of 300 triathlons in that 28 year time frame, and never have I felt this way. My friends often ask what drives me to continue competing. The answer has always been easy; I love the sport with a passion. The camaraderie, that elusive search to find the perfect untapped performance on any given day, that premise of finishing regardless of the course and what Mother Nature throws at you, all these reasons and many more are what fuels the desire within to continue.
But just lately something has been missing; I think I have put my finger on it and tonight is the test. When I began this wonderful sport the races were few and far between; my first triathlon was in Perth and triathlon was such a new sport back then that this particular race was 'The' very first triathlon ever held in Perth. It was April and the year was 1985 and I was living in Perth thanks to meeting a girl on a cruise ship! Which is a story for another time. Anyway the point I am trying to make is that triathlons back then were unpredictable and adventurous in a dangerous rough type of way; nothing was called off regardless of the weather or the size of the surf. I was car-less in those days, so would bus it or catch a lift and sleep at transition to save on accommodation costs. I would wake up sore from lying on the ground with a crick in my neck, but I was young and didn't know better and was loving the freedom of discovering a new sport.
So Mooloolaba this year was to bring me back to my grass roots. For the first time in years I arrived with just enough time to register on the Saturday and get my bike in anywhere I could fit it. Usually I am the one registering on the Friday so as to get priority position by being first to transition on the Saturday as soon as it opens. Heck I remember my first Noosa triathlon back in 1987 and there were 200 competitors and you racked your bike on the morning of the race; I was late of course, there were no racks left, so I leaned my bike up against the one and only tree, which incidentally, still stands to this day in the transition area. Anyway after racking my bike I drove my car to an isolated car-park that overlooked the water and set up shop. The car tonight is to be my bed. I am in sitting in the passenger seat now and once I stop writing the back will be reclined and I will hopefully drift off into a a peaceful slumber for a few hours. It is quite peaceful really; I have the radio on in the background, the windows are down in the car helping to catch the cooling sea breeze, and occasionally a few drunks walk past on their way home, or more than likely heading towards another bar.
But just sleeping in the car was not going to do it for me. Normally I am so particular about my diet, not to mention getting to sleep by 9pm the night prior to a race. Not tonight old mate. So I looked up the movie times and made a beeline for Caloundra and saw the 7pm showing of The Hunger Games in the local cinema. What a joy it was to sit through local adverts again that transported me back to the bad and delightful ads of the 70' and 80's. The movie was watchable but the hype will leave you disappointed. It is long and slow in places and did not finish until 9:15pm, but I couldn't care less, I was having a ball. The small cinema was packed to the rafters, and for such a young crowd I was impressed with how quiet and respectful they were during the entire movie.
Now for dinner; across the road was a Dominoes pizza. I never eat pizza prior to a race. Tonight was pizza time! I ordered a large vegetarian, (no I am not vegetarian) I just enjoy them. Ate the entire thing, crust and all, (I usually leave the crust) and washed it down with a can of coke. How bad am I? Just like the old days, I couldn't care less what I ate, where I slept, how I felt in the morning and how I raced. I just did it for the sheer joy of sweating and beating as many of my mates as possible! There was no complicating things by over thinking and preparing diligently like the world would collapse in on itself if I slacked off in training.
Well it is now 12:15 in the morning and I am still not sleepy but my head does feel better than an hour ago. How will I race in 6 hours time when I line up for my start at 7:16am? I guess you will have to check my blog update tomorrow night if you really want to know.
Cheers and good night.
Sharky
It's such a weird and unfamiliar feeling but for the first time in 28 years of competing in triathlon I find myself mentally flat all week leading into the Mooloolaba triathlon. I started the sport in 1985 and have completed in excess of 300 triathlons in that 28 year time frame, and never have I felt this way. My friends often ask what drives me to continue competing. The answer has always been easy; I love the sport with a passion. The camaraderie, that elusive search to find the perfect untapped performance on any given day, that premise of finishing regardless of the course and what Mother Nature throws at you, all these reasons and many more are what fuels the desire within to continue.
But just lately something has been missing; I think I have put my finger on it and tonight is the test. When I began this wonderful sport the races were few and far between; my first triathlon was in Perth and triathlon was such a new sport back then that this particular race was 'The' very first triathlon ever held in Perth. It was April and the year was 1985 and I was living in Perth thanks to meeting a girl on a cruise ship! Which is a story for another time. Anyway the point I am trying to make is that triathlons back then were unpredictable and adventurous in a dangerous rough type of way; nothing was called off regardless of the weather or the size of the surf. I was car-less in those days, so would bus it or catch a lift and sleep at transition to save on accommodation costs. I would wake up sore from lying on the ground with a crick in my neck, but I was young and didn't know better and was loving the freedom of discovering a new sport.
So Mooloolaba this year was to bring me back to my grass roots. For the first time in years I arrived with just enough time to register on the Saturday and get my bike in anywhere I could fit it. Usually I am the one registering on the Friday so as to get priority position by being first to transition on the Saturday as soon as it opens. Heck I remember my first Noosa triathlon back in 1987 and there were 200 competitors and you racked your bike on the morning of the race; I was late of course, there were no racks left, so I leaned my bike up against the one and only tree, which incidentally, still stands to this day in the transition area. Anyway after racking my bike I drove my car to an isolated car-park that overlooked the water and set up shop. The car tonight is to be my bed. I am in sitting in the passenger seat now and once I stop writing the back will be reclined and I will hopefully drift off into a a peaceful slumber for a few hours. It is quite peaceful really; I have the radio on in the background, the windows are down in the car helping to catch the cooling sea breeze, and occasionally a few drunks walk past on their way home, or more than likely heading towards another bar.
But just sleeping in the car was not going to do it for me. Normally I am so particular about my diet, not to mention getting to sleep by 9pm the night prior to a race. Not tonight old mate. So I looked up the movie times and made a beeline for Caloundra and saw the 7pm showing of The Hunger Games in the local cinema. What a joy it was to sit through local adverts again that transported me back to the bad and delightful ads of the 70' and 80's. The movie was watchable but the hype will leave you disappointed. It is long and slow in places and did not finish until 9:15pm, but I couldn't care less, I was having a ball. The small cinema was packed to the rafters, and for such a young crowd I was impressed with how quiet and respectful they were during the entire movie.
Now for dinner; across the road was a Dominoes pizza. I never eat pizza prior to a race. Tonight was pizza time! I ordered a large vegetarian, (no I am not vegetarian) I just enjoy them. Ate the entire thing, crust and all, (I usually leave the crust) and washed it down with a can of coke. How bad am I? Just like the old days, I couldn't care less what I ate, where I slept, how I felt in the morning and how I raced. I just did it for the sheer joy of sweating and beating as many of my mates as possible! There was no complicating things by over thinking and preparing diligently like the world would collapse in on itself if I slacked off in training.
Well it is now 12:15 in the morning and I am still not sleepy but my head does feel better than an hour ago. How will I race in 6 hours time when I line up for my start at 7:16am? I guess you will have to check my blog update tomorrow night if you really want to know.
Cheers and good night.
Sharky
Monday 19 March 2012
SMIDDY TRAINING DAY TWO
SMIDDY TRAINING DAY TWO
Brisbane to Rosewood return
March 18
Stats for the day:
Elevation:1200 metres
Distance: 145 km’s
Time:05:04:00
Elapsed Time:05:50:27
Avg Speed:28.4km/h
The sound of rain for most of Saturday night promised the possibility of a sleep in. But a quick glance outside at 4:30 Sunday morning confirmed, while it was still very cloudy, the rain was going to hold off. So it was that 31 very fit and fast lads, plus one tough young lady in Natalie Gordon, turned up for the second training day. Our first ride attracted 65 riders and considering our training day clashed with the Cootha Challenge I was well pleased with this excellent turnout.
Our support crew today consisted of good old Captain Kev, also past Midi Smiddy rider in Cath Conway, and her partner and future Smiddy rider in Rob Wingfield. The best thing about Cath helping out, besides her beautiful personality, is the fact that Cath loves to bake. So after the quick 30kmph average to travel 80km’s to Rosewood the riders were ready -and managed- to demolish the three huge cakes in record time. There was no going back for seconds that’s for sure!
For the entire morning everything seemed to run seamlessly. The rain held off, the cloud cover kept the temperatures low, even the humidity was kind to us, our puncture count amounted to a paltry two or three, mainly all belonging to Midi Smiddy rider Brent Chapman, there was very little wind going out to Rosewood, then on our return leg the wind eventually turned it on but we had it right up our cracker and we were flying! What a perfect day for a long ride with some exceptional human beings… It was that sort of day where it would have been criminal not to have been on your bike, and I am pretty sure the assembled Smiddy riders would agree with me.
On each ride there are always memorable stories to share, here are just a few:
• A record was created in today’s ride. In six years of Smiddy training events I have never finished within cooee of the estimated arrival time. I am happy to announce we were meant to finish at 11:30am and we rolled into the University at 11:27. Can’t promise that will happen for another six years…
• Brent Chapman has completed four Smiddy Challenge events and two Midi Smiddy’s. In that time he has never done van time, until today. A puncture and a dodgy spare tube cost him. He will never live this down. Be sure to remind Brent when you see him!
• Team tactics came into play today when Team Columbia fronted up with three strong team members, with their job to protect their captain in Andres Otero. The trio were inseparable and if you tried to come between them there was hell to pay!
• Two of the lads found the going tough today and had to do a small amount of time in the van. To their credit they both admitted that they would train harder and be back with a vengeance for training day number three on April 22. You boys did extremely well considering how fast the pace was, so no being hard on yourselves.
• The Smiddy Huddle was a welcome inclusion at the end of today’s great ride. For some of the riders it was their first time in the huddle and while it may feel a bit strange at first I promise that you will come to enjoy the great positive energy that comes from these celebratory huddles.
• Natalie Gordon was the sole female rider today. The strength and determination she showed today is an indication that this lady is on track to complete her goal of finishing the Smiddy Challenge in September without needing to be pushed up any of the climbs. Last year Natalie had a baby and then completed the 8 day challenge just 3 months later. Nat you are a trooper mate!
Lastly I just wanted to say thank you to all the riders that turned up today, and especially to the guys who helped out a couple of the lads that were struggling at times. These training rides are run so that you can gauge your current fitness levels, and if pulling up a bit short, then go out and train the house down for the next four weeks before the next training day.
The next ride is a cracker of a ride that starts and ends at the Marburg Show Grounds. It is a 30 minute drive from Brisbane city and I promise it will be a traffic free ride through beautiful countryside that will leave you panting for more.
Train hard and I hope to see as many of you as possible for training day number three on April 22.
Brisbane to Rosewood return
March 18
Stats for the day:
Elevation:1200 metres
Distance: 145 km’s
Time:05:04:00
Elapsed Time:05:50:27
Avg Speed:28.4km/h
The sound of rain for most of Saturday night promised the possibility of a sleep in. But a quick glance outside at 4:30 Sunday morning confirmed, while it was still very cloudy, the rain was going to hold off. So it was that 31 very fit and fast lads, plus one tough young lady in Natalie Gordon, turned up for the second training day. Our first ride attracted 65 riders and considering our training day clashed with the Cootha Challenge I was well pleased with this excellent turnout.
Our support crew today consisted of good old Captain Kev, also past Midi Smiddy rider in Cath Conway, and her partner and future Smiddy rider in Rob Wingfield. The best thing about Cath helping out, besides her beautiful personality, is the fact that Cath loves to bake. So after the quick 30kmph average to travel 80km’s to Rosewood the riders were ready -and managed- to demolish the three huge cakes in record time. There was no going back for seconds that’s for sure!
For the entire morning everything seemed to run seamlessly. The rain held off, the cloud cover kept the temperatures low, even the humidity was kind to us, our puncture count amounted to a paltry two or three, mainly all belonging to Midi Smiddy rider Brent Chapman, there was very little wind going out to Rosewood, then on our return leg the wind eventually turned it on but we had it right up our cracker and we were flying! What a perfect day for a long ride with some exceptional human beings… It was that sort of day where it would have been criminal not to have been on your bike, and I am pretty sure the assembled Smiddy riders would agree with me.
On each ride there are always memorable stories to share, here are just a few:
• A record was created in today’s ride. In six years of Smiddy training events I have never finished within cooee of the estimated arrival time. I am happy to announce we were meant to finish at 11:30am and we rolled into the University at 11:27. Can’t promise that will happen for another six years…
• Brent Chapman has completed four Smiddy Challenge events and two Midi Smiddy’s. In that time he has never done van time, until today. A puncture and a dodgy spare tube cost him. He will never live this down. Be sure to remind Brent when you see him!
• Team tactics came into play today when Team Columbia fronted up with three strong team members, with their job to protect their captain in Andres Otero. The trio were inseparable and if you tried to come between them there was hell to pay!
• Two of the lads found the going tough today and had to do a small amount of time in the van. To their credit they both admitted that they would train harder and be back with a vengeance for training day number three on April 22. You boys did extremely well considering how fast the pace was, so no being hard on yourselves.
• The Smiddy Huddle was a welcome inclusion at the end of today’s great ride. For some of the riders it was their first time in the huddle and while it may feel a bit strange at first I promise that you will come to enjoy the great positive energy that comes from these celebratory huddles.
• Natalie Gordon was the sole female rider today. The strength and determination she showed today is an indication that this lady is on track to complete her goal of finishing the Smiddy Challenge in September without needing to be pushed up any of the climbs. Last year Natalie had a baby and then completed the 8 day challenge just 3 months later. Nat you are a trooper mate!
Lastly I just wanted to say thank you to all the riders that turned up today, and especially to the guys who helped out a couple of the lads that were struggling at times. These training rides are run so that you can gauge your current fitness levels, and if pulling up a bit short, then go out and train the house down for the next four weeks before the next training day.
The next ride is a cracker of a ride that starts and ends at the Marburg Show Grounds. It is a 30 minute drive from Brisbane city and I promise it will be a traffic free ride through beautiful countryside that will leave you panting for more.
Train hard and I hope to see as many of you as possible for training day number three on April 22.
Sunday 4 March 2012
NSW SMIDDY - DAY 4 REPORT
GOSFORD TO NORTH RYDE - Day 4
Statistics for the day
Distance: 167 km's
Average speed 23.3 kmph
Maximum speed: 66.1 kmph
Elevation climbed: 1775 metres
Riding time: 7:09:33
Min Temp: 13 degrees
Max Temp: 20 degrees
Average Temp 15.8 degrees
More rain and our amazing bike mechanic Gavin.
Once again the crew awoke to the sight of more rain, and while admittedly it was a whole lot lighter than yesterday it still got the desired effect of giving the riders a good soaking. Now from a bikes perceptive, riding continually in these sort of conditions are not favourable to looking after one's pride and joy. They take a hammering but thanks to one man, our very popular bike mechanic, Gavin Leahy, taking the time each evening to give each bike a thorough service, the bikes remained in a reliable condition and got each of the riders through their 600km epic NSW Smiddy Bottlemart Challenge. So thank you Gavin, your efforts with the bikes, not to mention the amount of riders you helped to push up climbs and back into the safety of the pack, did not go unnoticed.
Another day of climbing and plenty of help at hand
Today's 167km route involved some very long and tough climbs. About ten kilometres out of Gosford we had a climb along a road called Dogtrap Road. Fun to descend but an absolute bitch of a dog to have to go up. On the steepest part of the climb Rowan and I teamed up to help a struggling rider in Greg Casey. We then handed him over to Rocket Ron Steel and later Rocket Rod was seen to be helping out. It continued the great spirit amongst the team to help one another when times were tough. Our final day of riding was a memorable day once again thanks to 1. Another half day of light rain, although it was more the spray from the other bikes that gave us a good soaking more than the rain itself. And 2. Team spirit shone through for the entire day as the stronger riders in the group were always on hand to help out anyone that was struggling on any of the four massive climbs at Wiseman's Ferry Crossing, Galston Gorge, Bobbin Head and Ku-ringai National Park. I mention the stronger riders a lot but please know that it is not that the other riders are weaker; if left to ride any of the four days at their own pace they would surely make each day without a doubt. The pushing and helping allows the peloton to arrive as close to our scheduled time as possible each day. Without this we would be out there a bit too long. The riders that get pushed also deserve a pat on the back, as they put their pride aside and are thinking of the interest of the group, which is admired and very much appreciated by the riders.
The journal reading at lunchtime
In any Smiddy event we try to make everyone feel as if they are an important part of the ride. Regardless of if you are a rider, a road crew member, a supporter or a donor, we are all equal. Without any of us none of this could happen. With the journals, while I might be the one writing them for this ride I feel more comfortable if another person gets to read them out to the group. The journal reading has been an important part of the Smiddy journey since that first year when just the three of us rode to Townsville unassisted with our backpacks for support. Each night I would pen an article and the next night I would read it out to Ron and Ollie, two of the original three for that first year' journey. That tradition has carried over to each and every Smiddy event that we run, only now we invite other riders to contribute in the way of either writing a journal, or to have the honour of reading one out. So at lunchtime today it was decided that the road crew deserved a turn. Now the road crew are an amazing bunch but as I found out all so very shy when it comes to reading out a few words in public. No names will be mentioned here but finally after asking four I got a yes with the fifth and I am pleased to say that Lynette Cleland not only read it out but did a marvelous job.
A dry road/Gavin's crash
This would not normally be big news but I have to admit getting quietly excited when the first piece of dry road was spotted in over 250 kilometres and two days of riding. It came just after lunch and lasted for about 100 metres. Ironically where Gavin was to have his one and only secret crash over the entire four days was uphill and on a straight stretch of road and on another dry piece of road. No one was the wiser to his fall as he is always off the back keeping an eye on the peloton. No it was not until the huddle that afternoon that Kevvy let the cat out of the bag. I had just finished telling the group how awesome and exceptional they were for having so few incidents on what was a very dangerous four days of riding in treacherous conditions. Kevvy yells out "well there was one," apparently our ever reliable mechanic plopped down on the road and was up so quick that he was not entirely sure that he saw him fall!
Sharky's final words
Well the second annual Smiddy Bottlemart NSW Challenge has come to a close and what a most successful event it was. The funds raised from this event are staggering when you consider just 32 riders were involved plus the one day rider in Shane Richardson from Campari. I am pleased to say that the total fundraising effort has topped $200,000! The group rolled into the head office of LMG at North Ryde, lead in by our four inspirational ladies, Lee, Samala, Amanda and Sarah, and emotions were at an all time high with all road crew and riders sharing in the celebratory handshakes, hugs and kisses. We then formed our last and largest Smiddy huddle which had swelled in numbers due to the riders family and friends joining in. I told the riders about the Smiddy spirit and that it can only be experienced by riders and road crew forming an unbreakable bond. What the crew went through these past four days helped to build a camaraderie within the group that helps foster the Smiddy spirit. Each and every rider and member of the road crew exemplified exactly what the Smiddy spirit entails; sacrifice, determination, toughness and most importantly a caring attitude towards their fellow riders and road crew. The crew should all be extremely proud of their efforts, and I have great joy in saying that they are now part of the amazing phenomena that is the Smiddy family. Welcome on board and I truly hope to ride with you all again one day soon.
Final thank you
Without the foresight and fortitude shown by Doug, David and his team at LMG Bottlemart we would not have raised another $200,000 for cancer research. The team at Smiddy recognise how lucky we are to have such a great sponsor as Bottlemart on board. How many companies do you know where not only the staff actually throw themselves in to volunteer to make a fundraising ride happen, but the CEO gets so intimately involved as well? It is a rarity let me assure you. We at Smiling for Smiddy know this and will never take this for granted. We will continue to work with Bottlemart and LMG and will always hold you guys and this company in awe of what you do to help us in our fight against cancer.
Take care.
Sharky
Statistics for the day
Distance: 167 km's
Average speed 23.3 kmph
Maximum speed: 66.1 kmph
Elevation climbed: 1775 metres
Riding time: 7:09:33
Min Temp: 13 degrees
Max Temp: 20 degrees
Average Temp 15.8 degrees
More rain and our amazing bike mechanic Gavin.
Once again the crew awoke to the sight of more rain, and while admittedly it was a whole lot lighter than yesterday it still got the desired effect of giving the riders a good soaking. Now from a bikes perceptive, riding continually in these sort of conditions are not favourable to looking after one's pride and joy. They take a hammering but thanks to one man, our very popular bike mechanic, Gavin Leahy, taking the time each evening to give each bike a thorough service, the bikes remained in a reliable condition and got each of the riders through their 600km epic NSW Smiddy Bottlemart Challenge. So thank you Gavin, your efforts with the bikes, not to mention the amount of riders you helped to push up climbs and back into the safety of the pack, did not go unnoticed.
Another day of climbing and plenty of help at hand
Today's 167km route involved some very long and tough climbs. About ten kilometres out of Gosford we had a climb along a road called Dogtrap Road. Fun to descend but an absolute bitch of a dog to have to go up. On the steepest part of the climb Rowan and I teamed up to help a struggling rider in Greg Casey. We then handed him over to Rocket Ron Steel and later Rocket Rod was seen to be helping out. It continued the great spirit amongst the team to help one another when times were tough. Our final day of riding was a memorable day once again thanks to 1. Another half day of light rain, although it was more the spray from the other bikes that gave us a good soaking more than the rain itself. And 2. Team spirit shone through for the entire day as the stronger riders in the group were always on hand to help out anyone that was struggling on any of the four massive climbs at Wiseman's Ferry Crossing, Galston Gorge, Bobbin Head and Ku-ringai National Park. I mention the stronger riders a lot but please know that it is not that the other riders are weaker; if left to ride any of the four days at their own pace they would surely make each day without a doubt. The pushing and helping allows the peloton to arrive as close to our scheduled time as possible each day. Without this we would be out there a bit too long. The riders that get pushed also deserve a pat on the back, as they put their pride aside and are thinking of the interest of the group, which is admired and very much appreciated by the riders.
The journal reading at lunchtime
In any Smiddy event we try to make everyone feel as if they are an important part of the ride. Regardless of if you are a rider, a road crew member, a supporter or a donor, we are all equal. Without any of us none of this could happen. With the journals, while I might be the one writing them for this ride I feel more comfortable if another person gets to read them out to the group. The journal reading has been an important part of the Smiddy journey since that first year when just the three of us rode to Townsville unassisted with our backpacks for support. Each night I would pen an article and the next night I would read it out to Ron and Ollie, two of the original three for that first year' journey. That tradition has carried over to each and every Smiddy event that we run, only now we invite other riders to contribute in the way of either writing a journal, or to have the honour of reading one out. So at lunchtime today it was decided that the road crew deserved a turn. Now the road crew are an amazing bunch but as I found out all so very shy when it comes to reading out a few words in public. No names will be mentioned here but finally after asking four I got a yes with the fifth and I am pleased to say that Lynette Cleland not only read it out but did a marvelous job.
A dry road/Gavin's crash
This would not normally be big news but I have to admit getting quietly excited when the first piece of dry road was spotted in over 250 kilometres and two days of riding. It came just after lunch and lasted for about 100 metres. Ironically where Gavin was to have his one and only secret crash over the entire four days was uphill and on a straight stretch of road and on another dry piece of road. No one was the wiser to his fall as he is always off the back keeping an eye on the peloton. No it was not until the huddle that afternoon that Kevvy let the cat out of the bag. I had just finished telling the group how awesome and exceptional they were for having so few incidents on what was a very dangerous four days of riding in treacherous conditions. Kevvy yells out "well there was one," apparently our ever reliable mechanic plopped down on the road and was up so quick that he was not entirely sure that he saw him fall!
Sharky's final words
Well the second annual Smiddy Bottlemart NSW Challenge has come to a close and what a most successful event it was. The funds raised from this event are staggering when you consider just 32 riders were involved plus the one day rider in Shane Richardson from Campari. I am pleased to say that the total fundraising effort has topped $200,000! The group rolled into the head office of LMG at North Ryde, lead in by our four inspirational ladies, Lee, Samala, Amanda and Sarah, and emotions were at an all time high with all road crew and riders sharing in the celebratory handshakes, hugs and kisses. We then formed our last and largest Smiddy huddle which had swelled in numbers due to the riders family and friends joining in. I told the riders about the Smiddy spirit and that it can only be experienced by riders and road crew forming an unbreakable bond. What the crew went through these past four days helped to build a camaraderie within the group that helps foster the Smiddy spirit. Each and every rider and member of the road crew exemplified exactly what the Smiddy spirit entails; sacrifice, determination, toughness and most importantly a caring attitude towards their fellow riders and road crew. The crew should all be extremely proud of their efforts, and I have great joy in saying that they are now part of the amazing phenomena that is the Smiddy family. Welcome on board and I truly hope to ride with you all again one day soon.
Final thank you
Without the foresight and fortitude shown by Doug, David and his team at LMG Bottlemart we would not have raised another $200,000 for cancer research. The team at Smiddy recognise how lucky we are to have such a great sponsor as Bottlemart on board. How many companies do you know where not only the staff actually throw themselves in to volunteer to make a fundraising ride happen, but the CEO gets so intimately involved as well? It is a rarity let me assure you. We at Smiling for Smiddy know this and will never take this for granted. We will continue to work with Bottlemart and LMG and will always hold you guys and this company in awe of what you do to help us in our fight against cancer.
Take care.
Sharky
Saturday 3 March 2012
NSW SMIDDY DAY 3 REPORT
POLKOBIN TO GOSFORD - Day 3
Statistics for the day
Distance: 131.5 km's
Average speed 23.5 kmph
Maximum speed: 61.6 kmph
Elevation climbed: 906 metres
Riding time: 5:36:00
Min Temp: 14 degrees
Max Temp: 19 degrees
Average Temp 15.5 degrees
Amount of times Steely got out of the saddle in three days of riding: Zero
Number of falls: Just the one by Richard Large, who quickly dusted himself off and continued, although I did notice his 'slowing' calls were even louder after his low speed spill.
The number of Queenslander's who did not bring a raincoat: Two, Mr Foster and Mr Steel.
The number of kangaroo"s Mark Latowski has seen since living in Australia for four years : Zero
The number of times Steely did not hold his line: Zero
The number of people I cant understand in the peleton: Two. (The two Scots Mark and Lee)
Riders missing in action: One. Marcel Miller
Riders not going on to complete day four due to having a wedding to go to on Hamilton Island: One. Mark McLeod. (Lucky Barsted!)
Number of punctures on our wettest of days: Zilch, none, zero. Seemingly not possible but you read it here so it must be true.
Number of knee complaints in the peleton: Classified information due to organiser's fear of scaring off future Smiddy riders.
Bravest lady in the peleton: All four girls of course, but Sarah especially because a close friends father, who passed away from cancer, was buried today and Sarah thoughts were with them.
The person most paid out on by Rowan in tonights speeches: Shane 'Kermit' Walsh, for his outstanding flexibility!
The most chainring tattoos on a riders legs: Samuel Mead who somehow got three on each leg and one on his face!
The number of crew doing a good cause for Smiddy. 32 riders and nine road crew.
And finally, the number of times Steely's hips weren't in perfect symmetry: Zero!
Rain drops keep falling on our heads - All day!
Holy crap! I cannot believe the diversity of weather conditions these past three days. Last night the rain started at six-pm and once it started it just did not stop. I mean as in I am now in the comfort of my motel room in Gosford at five-pm the next day and it is still raining! We started in the ride, had morning tea and lunch in the rain, and just for something different we rode 130km's in the rain. Yesterday we got hit with a 40 degree day, while today we started out with the temperature sitting pretty on a mild 14 degrees and not getting any higher than an insane 19 degrees. Once again Doug Misener had mapped a route to be proud of through the beautiful Hunter Valley region, only problem was that due to the rain and misty conditions, not to mention fogged up sunglasses, we actual saw very little at all. Doug assured the group it was beautiful when he drove it in his air-conditioned car on a beautiful sunny day and who are we not to believe him!
The Smiddy riders are legends!
I know this statement will sound strange to some but conditions like today bring out the life in me. It is like the stupider the elements become the more I see life through rose coloured glasses. Anyway throughout todays ride I had plenty of time to watch what was going on around me and within the peleton, and let me tell you what I witnessed made me proud to be associated with this present pack of Smiddy riders. I so wish you could have seen these guys and girls in action. Under the most miserable and dangerous conditions to face a peleton of riders at this given time, they all just knuckled down and without as much as a whimper or a complaint, just got on with the job of knocking off day three with as little fuss as possible. The calls and signals for debris on the roads were loud and concise, the pacing was near perfect today as the stronger riders rode to the limit that helped the weaker riders stay in touch, and the encouragement was forthcoming from nearly every rider in the peleton.
Sharky's tells it how it is/Our road crew are awesome!
At the start of the day I told the group to expect a long day due to the amount of expected punctures in the wet conditions. I am happy to eat humble pie as unbelievable as it may sound, we did not get one single solitary puncture! Go figure. Thanks to that statistic and the great riding by the group we arrived into Gosford at 3:30pm and the guys couldn't have been happier. For some it meant the chance to switch off and relax before our nightly function, while for others it was straight to the bar after a beautiful warming shower. For me it means I get to do this journal before seven-pm and get an early night for the first time this trip. As for the road crew that consists of Angela, Lynette, Marianne, Michelle, Janis, Mike, Kevin, Gavin, Greg and Gregg, they never really get to switch off with a million jobs to do that starts before we are up and ends after we are asleep. On behalf of all the riders I really wish to say how much we appreciate everything that you do, not just us, but without you this ride would not happen and we would not be raising another $150,000 for cancer research. Your positive contribution helps us to concentrate on the job at hand of riding a tough 600km loop in just four days.
Amanda and Sammy and Darren are back where they belong
Sammy woke up with a head cold this morning and not only started but loved the cooler conditions and her body responded accordingly as she powered through the day not needing any assistance at all. Amanda did the first two days last year and was tempted to follow suit this year after the toughness of yesterday, but showed the stuff she is made of by fronting up and also getting through the day unassisted. And welcome back to Darren "Dazza" Curtis, who rode day one, who admitted he had bit off more than he could chew and took a breather on day two, only to throw himself back into the skirmish on the shittiest day of the year to show his true tough colours by completing today's ride.
Sharky's final words:
To the Smiddy riders and crew; in just three days you have formed a bond through an experience that has tested you all mentally and physically. You have helped to not only raise significant money to go towards research but have touched the lives of 200 school children who will remember your visit for the rest of their lives. If our actions over these four days save just one small but very important life don't you think the sacrifice, the pain and the effort has been worth it? As I write this I can see you all agreeing with me and I could not be prouder. What ever we awake to tomorrow morning with regards to the weather and the course I know in my heart of hearts that you will all cop it on the chin, look the beast in the eye and come out on top. I am in awe of you all and as much as I look forward to the completion of another Smiddy journey I will always yearn for your distant friendships.
To our supporters out there reading these blogs; thank you for your constant messages of support. If you wish to help by making a donation be sure to go to our website at www.smiddy.org.au and look for the 'Donate Now' button.
Until tomorrow.
Sharky.
Yippee! Journal completed by 6:30pm, time for a half hour kip before dinner at seven-pm.
Statistics for the day
Distance: 131.5 km's
Average speed 23.5 kmph
Maximum speed: 61.6 kmph
Elevation climbed: 906 metres
Riding time: 5:36:00
Min Temp: 14 degrees
Max Temp: 19 degrees
Average Temp 15.5 degrees
Amount of times Steely got out of the saddle in three days of riding: Zero
Number of falls: Just the one by Richard Large, who quickly dusted himself off and continued, although I did notice his 'slowing' calls were even louder after his low speed spill.
The number of Queenslander's who did not bring a raincoat: Two, Mr Foster and Mr Steel.
The number of kangaroo"s Mark Latowski has seen since living in Australia for four years : Zero
The number of times Steely did not hold his line: Zero
The number of people I cant understand in the peleton: Two. (The two Scots Mark and Lee)
Riders missing in action: One. Marcel Miller
Riders not going on to complete day four due to having a wedding to go to on Hamilton Island: One. Mark McLeod. (Lucky Barsted!)
Number of punctures on our wettest of days: Zilch, none, zero. Seemingly not possible but you read it here so it must be true.
Number of knee complaints in the peleton: Classified information due to organiser's fear of scaring off future Smiddy riders.
Bravest lady in the peleton: All four girls of course, but Sarah especially because a close friends father, who passed away from cancer, was buried today and Sarah thoughts were with them.
The person most paid out on by Rowan in tonights speeches: Shane 'Kermit' Walsh, for his outstanding flexibility!
The most chainring tattoos on a riders legs: Samuel Mead who somehow got three on each leg and one on his face!
The number of crew doing a good cause for Smiddy. 32 riders and nine road crew.
And finally, the number of times Steely's hips weren't in perfect symmetry: Zero!
Rain drops keep falling on our heads - All day!
Holy crap! I cannot believe the diversity of weather conditions these past three days. Last night the rain started at six-pm and once it started it just did not stop. I mean as in I am now in the comfort of my motel room in Gosford at five-pm the next day and it is still raining! We started in the ride, had morning tea and lunch in the rain, and just for something different we rode 130km's in the rain. Yesterday we got hit with a 40 degree day, while today we started out with the temperature sitting pretty on a mild 14 degrees and not getting any higher than an insane 19 degrees. Once again Doug Misener had mapped a route to be proud of through the beautiful Hunter Valley region, only problem was that due to the rain and misty conditions, not to mention fogged up sunglasses, we actual saw very little at all. Doug assured the group it was beautiful when he drove it in his air-conditioned car on a beautiful sunny day and who are we not to believe him!
The Smiddy riders are legends!
I know this statement will sound strange to some but conditions like today bring out the life in me. It is like the stupider the elements become the more I see life through rose coloured glasses. Anyway throughout todays ride I had plenty of time to watch what was going on around me and within the peleton, and let me tell you what I witnessed made me proud to be associated with this present pack of Smiddy riders. I so wish you could have seen these guys and girls in action. Under the most miserable and dangerous conditions to face a peleton of riders at this given time, they all just knuckled down and without as much as a whimper or a complaint, just got on with the job of knocking off day three with as little fuss as possible. The calls and signals for debris on the roads were loud and concise, the pacing was near perfect today as the stronger riders rode to the limit that helped the weaker riders stay in touch, and the encouragement was forthcoming from nearly every rider in the peleton.
Sharky's tells it how it is/Our road crew are awesome!
At the start of the day I told the group to expect a long day due to the amount of expected punctures in the wet conditions. I am happy to eat humble pie as unbelievable as it may sound, we did not get one single solitary puncture! Go figure. Thanks to that statistic and the great riding by the group we arrived into Gosford at 3:30pm and the guys couldn't have been happier. For some it meant the chance to switch off and relax before our nightly function, while for others it was straight to the bar after a beautiful warming shower. For me it means I get to do this journal before seven-pm and get an early night for the first time this trip. As for the road crew that consists of Angela, Lynette, Marianne, Michelle, Janis, Mike, Kevin, Gavin, Greg and Gregg, they never really get to switch off with a million jobs to do that starts before we are up and ends after we are asleep. On behalf of all the riders I really wish to say how much we appreciate everything that you do, not just us, but without you this ride would not happen and we would not be raising another $150,000 for cancer research. Your positive contribution helps us to concentrate on the job at hand of riding a tough 600km loop in just four days.
Amanda and Sammy and Darren are back where they belong
Sammy woke up with a head cold this morning and not only started but loved the cooler conditions and her body responded accordingly as she powered through the day not needing any assistance at all. Amanda did the first two days last year and was tempted to follow suit this year after the toughness of yesterday, but showed the stuff she is made of by fronting up and also getting through the day unassisted. And welcome back to Darren "Dazza" Curtis, who rode day one, who admitted he had bit off more than he could chew and took a breather on day two, only to throw himself back into the skirmish on the shittiest day of the year to show his true tough colours by completing today's ride.
Sharky's final words:
To the Smiddy riders and crew; in just three days you have formed a bond through an experience that has tested you all mentally and physically. You have helped to not only raise significant money to go towards research but have touched the lives of 200 school children who will remember your visit for the rest of their lives. If our actions over these four days save just one small but very important life don't you think the sacrifice, the pain and the effort has been worth it? As I write this I can see you all agreeing with me and I could not be prouder. What ever we awake to tomorrow morning with regards to the weather and the course I know in my heart of hearts that you will all cop it on the chin, look the beast in the eye and come out on top. I am in awe of you all and as much as I look forward to the completion of another Smiddy journey I will always yearn for your distant friendships.
To our supporters out there reading these blogs; thank you for your constant messages of support. If you wish to help by making a donation be sure to go to our website at www.smiddy.org.au and look for the 'Donate Now' button.
Until tomorrow.
Sharky.
Yippee! Journal completed by 6:30pm, time for a half hour kip before dinner at seven-pm.
Friday 2 March 2012
NSW SMIDDY DAY 2 REPORT
NORA HEAD TO POLKOBIN
Statistics for the day
Distance: 161
Average speed 24.5kmph
Maximum speed: 69.8kmph
Elevation climbed: 1168 metres
Riding time: 6:34:00
Min Temp: 19 Degrees
Max Temp: 40.1 Degrees
Total value of 32 bikes: $150K
A night to remember
It is now ten o'clock on Thursday night and I have just returned to my resort room from the most amazing night of festivities held at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens. Tonight our amazing sponsor Bottlemart organised a full on, jam-packed evening that was designed to 1.) Provide memorable entertainment (Google Crazy Horse and be amazed at this world class husband and wife acrobat show) for the 150 guests, who were all suppliers of LMG and Bottlemart. And 2.) To encourage them to part with as much money as possible in aid of the Smiddy cause to raise funds for research. I am pleased to be able to tell you that over $100,000 was raised on the night thanks to raffles, auction items and the buying of LMG's Greg Herron's friendship,(Don't ask me to explain) which netted Smiddy an additional $70,000 from two large brewery bosses. As tired as I am from a long day in the saddle, where the temperature today topped out at 40 degrees, I am on such a high from tonight that I feel the need to tap away on the keyboard until I come down enough to be able to get to sleep.
Who rides a bike on a day like today!
32 very stubborn and determined Smiddy riders that's who. Today's ride was in such a contrast to our first day on the road that it was like doing two completely different events in two different country's. While day one handed out the slush and slipperiness of wet roads and humidity thick enough to chew on, day two was all about the incredible zapping, leg cramping, dehydrating, and parched throat drying heat. Right from the bat when we rolled out at seven-am it was damn hot. The radar showed that the rain was gone for the day but the low cloud ceiling ensured that at first the humidity would prep us for the suffering to come later on in the day. Once the cloud cover burnt off by ten-am, the power of that vengeful sun completed the oven-baking of 32 riders where the morning tea stop at Adamstown and lunch time breaks at Raymond Terrace could not come soon enough. The Bottlemart Junction Inn Hotel at Raymond Terrace were kind enough to provide lunch for the exhausted riders at the 90km mark. The hardest part of that stop was the actual leaving. More cold drinks under the shade of the deck overlooking the water, versus another 60km's into the furnace like heat of Hell. Hell won out in the end, thanks to some additional help from our rear support driver Captain Kevin Enchelmaier blowing his annoying whistle and telling us to get on our bikes or he would get mad. Never get Kevvy mad!
Afternoon tea and a murderous 37 kilometres
To all the riders out there reading this let me ask you this; how hard can it be riding 37km's? Normally you would crack that out in a cruisy 80 minutes, 90 tops. Try over two hours... As it was on this section the temperature topped out at 40 degrees, and with a belly full of food sucking all the moisture from our guts, the dryness in our throats was immediately noticeable and it wasn't long before a few of the riders were suffering from mild dehydration. Three of the girls; Amanda Ashbrook, Sarah Holman and Sammy Dewe-Mathews were really feeling the pinch and needed assistance for the majority of this section. I have deliberately mentioned the girls as it is in times of toughness that the group really come together. I saw so many of the male riders really stepping up to the plate to help these girls out when their help was needed most. Big hearted Simon Mariner took on first base, while the quiet achiever Tony Hegarty made a save on second, not to be outdone David Gyte was there lending a hand on third, while on home base Rowan Foster always had a hand on someones back at anytime throughout the entire day. So many helpers too numerous to mention but I spied Rocket Ron Steel, Tim Dalton, Brett Jarvis and our bike mechanic/rider Gavin Leahy also helping out on many occasions.
Time for the girls to have a breather
Our beautiful hard working road crew prepared afternoon tea at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford. Looks of concern were exchanged amongst the road crew as one look at the 32 exhausted riders arriving suggested we had just fought a tough battle since lunch. It was here that Amanda and Sammy made the hard decision to sit out the afternoon section into our finish at Polkobin. I did try to encourage them to continue but once we were out there and immediately turned into a strong headwind, with the temperature still hovering at 39 degrees at 3pm, I knew they had made the right decision. I could not have felt more pride at the girls efforts, and I only hope that they feel the same way. You girls are awesome and we are very lucky to have you both on board.
Who sprints in 40 degree heat?
Well about 3/4 of the Smiddy field. We stopped 12km's out from the end of today's stage and it was offered a go-at-your-own-pace section for eight kilometres. We thought a few might be tempted but were pleasantly surprised when all but eight of us went for it. The big guns up the front really put the hurt into an already hurtful painful day, and it was no surprise when I heard that the greyhound fox Mr Foster took it out, with Rocket Ron second and the big strong bugger Simon Mariner, who spent a ton of energy pushing Sammy into afternoon tea, still had gas in the tank to take out third.
Well it is now 12:30 in the morning and I am definitely down from my high and looking forward to some shut eye. Luckily we have a late roll out time of 8:30 so I should still get
six to seven hours sleep. Thanks for following my blogs on the NSW Smiddy.
Cheers.
Sharky
Statistics for the day
Distance: 161
Average speed 24.5kmph
Maximum speed: 69.8kmph
Elevation climbed: 1168 metres
Riding time: 6:34:00
Min Temp: 19 Degrees
Max Temp: 40.1 Degrees
Total value of 32 bikes: $150K
A night to remember
It is now ten o'clock on Thursday night and I have just returned to my resort room from the most amazing night of festivities held at the Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens. Tonight our amazing sponsor Bottlemart organised a full on, jam-packed evening that was designed to 1.) Provide memorable entertainment (Google Crazy Horse and be amazed at this world class husband and wife acrobat show) for the 150 guests, who were all suppliers of LMG and Bottlemart. And 2.) To encourage them to part with as much money as possible in aid of the Smiddy cause to raise funds for research. I am pleased to be able to tell you that over $100,000 was raised on the night thanks to raffles, auction items and the buying of LMG's Greg Herron's friendship,(Don't ask me to explain) which netted Smiddy an additional $70,000 from two large brewery bosses. As tired as I am from a long day in the saddle, where the temperature today topped out at 40 degrees, I am on such a high from tonight that I feel the need to tap away on the keyboard until I come down enough to be able to get to sleep.
Who rides a bike on a day like today!
32 very stubborn and determined Smiddy riders that's who. Today's ride was in such a contrast to our first day on the road that it was like doing two completely different events in two different country's. While day one handed out the slush and slipperiness of wet roads and humidity thick enough to chew on, day two was all about the incredible zapping, leg cramping, dehydrating, and parched throat drying heat. Right from the bat when we rolled out at seven-am it was damn hot. The radar showed that the rain was gone for the day but the low cloud ceiling ensured that at first the humidity would prep us for the suffering to come later on in the day. Once the cloud cover burnt off by ten-am, the power of that vengeful sun completed the oven-baking of 32 riders where the morning tea stop at Adamstown and lunch time breaks at Raymond Terrace could not come soon enough. The Bottlemart Junction Inn Hotel at Raymond Terrace were kind enough to provide lunch for the exhausted riders at the 90km mark. The hardest part of that stop was the actual leaving. More cold drinks under the shade of the deck overlooking the water, versus another 60km's into the furnace like heat of Hell. Hell won out in the end, thanks to some additional help from our rear support driver Captain Kevin Enchelmaier blowing his annoying whistle and telling us to get on our bikes or he would get mad. Never get Kevvy mad!
Afternoon tea and a murderous 37 kilometres
To all the riders out there reading this let me ask you this; how hard can it be riding 37km's? Normally you would crack that out in a cruisy 80 minutes, 90 tops. Try over two hours... As it was on this section the temperature topped out at 40 degrees, and with a belly full of food sucking all the moisture from our guts, the dryness in our throats was immediately noticeable and it wasn't long before a few of the riders were suffering from mild dehydration. Three of the girls; Amanda Ashbrook, Sarah Holman and Sammy Dewe-Mathews were really feeling the pinch and needed assistance for the majority of this section. I have deliberately mentioned the girls as it is in times of toughness that the group really come together. I saw so many of the male riders really stepping up to the plate to help these girls out when their help was needed most. Big hearted Simon Mariner took on first base, while the quiet achiever Tony Hegarty made a save on second, not to be outdone David Gyte was there lending a hand on third, while on home base Rowan Foster always had a hand on someones back at anytime throughout the entire day. So many helpers too numerous to mention but I spied Rocket Ron Steel, Tim Dalton, Brett Jarvis and our bike mechanic/rider Gavin Leahy also helping out on many occasions.
Time for the girls to have a breather
Our beautiful hard working road crew prepared afternoon tea at Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford. Looks of concern were exchanged amongst the road crew as one look at the 32 exhausted riders arriving suggested we had just fought a tough battle since lunch. It was here that Amanda and Sammy made the hard decision to sit out the afternoon section into our finish at Polkobin. I did try to encourage them to continue but once we were out there and immediately turned into a strong headwind, with the temperature still hovering at 39 degrees at 3pm, I knew they had made the right decision. I could not have felt more pride at the girls efforts, and I only hope that they feel the same way. You girls are awesome and we are very lucky to have you both on board.
Who sprints in 40 degree heat?
Well about 3/4 of the Smiddy field. We stopped 12km's out from the end of today's stage and it was offered a go-at-your-own-pace section for eight kilometres. We thought a few might be tempted but were pleasantly surprised when all but eight of us went for it. The big guns up the front really put the hurt into an already hurtful painful day, and it was no surprise when I heard that the greyhound fox Mr Foster took it out, with Rocket Ron second and the big strong bugger Simon Mariner, who spent a ton of energy pushing Sammy into afternoon tea, still had gas in the tank to take out third.
Well it is now 12:30 in the morning and I am definitely down from my high and looking forward to some shut eye. Luckily we have a late roll out time of 8:30 so I should still get
six to seven hours sleep. Thanks for following my blogs on the NSW Smiddy.
Cheers.
Sharky
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