NOOSA SMIDDY - DAY 4 NOOSA CENTURY

NOOSA SMIDDY- Day 4

Stats for the day

Please note that these stats for the day are off my Garmin and not reflective of the Smiddy rider peloton

Distance: 164 km's
Ave speed: 27.8 km/h
Max Speed: 84km/h
Elevation climbed: 1508 metres
Ride time: 5:53:00
Min temp: 15 degrees
Max temp: 32.4 degrees

Missing in action
With just five hours sleep I dragged my weary butt and heavy head out of bed and met my fellow Smiddy riders for a quick breakfast at five-am. I was shocked to hear from Kevvy that Spotty was taken off to hospital in an ambulance late last night at two-am. It appears the bump to her head in the fall yesterday has left her with mild concussion. We were all worried for her and I knew on a personal level she would be devastated to be missing the final day. Thanks Kevvy and Jess for looking after Spotty last night and insisting that the ambulance be called. Head trauma is something not to be messed with and Kevvy more than anyone knows this.

So Spotty as you missed out today I would like to dedicate this blog entry to you. You came into this event with just two weeks to prepare and fundraise, yet you always come through with your commitment. To all Jodie's donors out there that have put up their hard earned cash, I thank you kindly for showing her such amazing support.

The passing of a friend
On a sadder note I am sorry to say that my friend, Diane Frazer's Mother Frances, has passed away. I got to see her about a week ago and Diane told me today that she remembered my visit and told Diane that I was a nice guy. I don't feel nice at the moment as I am still losing mates to this stupid disease! If anything it is taking me back to 2006 when my mate Adam passed away and I got angry. I guess it keeps me hungry to keep doing what we are doing at Smiddy and the Mater Foundation, but all the same I am saddened each time someone I know loses their life to cancer.

Anyway it was not all doom and gloom. Once we got down to the start all the Smiddy riders were directed to the front of the huge peloton of over a thousand riders. Smiddy is the official charity for this Noosa Century event and a little favouritism was extended our way. With five minutes to the six-am start I turned to Phil Anderson and asked if he was going to have a play today with the lead group? He responded that his normal training regime of a couple of 60 to 80 kilometre rides a week would see him taking today's 160 kilometres at a cruisy Smiddy group pace. I of course did not believe him and I will explain why later. Which brings me to my snap shots of today section. For the remainder of this blog I want you to form a picture in your head for each comment I make, and hopefully you will enjoy the journey that was seen though my eyes today.

Sharky's Snapshots of the Noosa Century

Kilometre 1; Being at the front of such a huge peloton there is a certain amount of pressure to get the pacing right. For the first ten kilometres 40km/h was enough to keep the hounds at bay. Once the road widened the big boys came out to play and the average for the next ten was closer to 45km/h.

Kilometre 1 to 25: I committed suicide today by staying with the lead group until the first major climb at the 25 kilometre mark. I was already redlining it and 'Boom', smoke out the ears, legs imploding, heart comes to a complete stop and in one quick swoop I am passed by hundreds of cyclists within a 30 second time frame. My time to go backwards had arrived...

Kilometre 25; Last thing I see is Smiddy riders Rowan, Toby and of course the great Phil Anderson right there at the front of the lead group. See ya boys and I mentally sent this mind-message to Phil; "mate good to see you riding at Smiddy cruising pace! " The average to that first climb was over 40km/h!

Kilometre 25.1; It will take me until the 95 kilometre mark to recover from that moment of insanity. Each and every climb is torture -of which there are plenty- and my snail like pace guarantees the passing of a further million cyclists! Yep the field had grown...

Kilometre 30 and there is Toby by the side of the road repairing a puncture. I don't stop as I know from my defeat the other day he can repair it in around two minutes. Our eyes lock as I pass and I feel his disappointment. Today was Toby's day to play with the leaders.

Kilometre 35 I am in a small group of eight riders; three riders ahead of me, a touch of wheels, 'Bam!" Rider down with a sickening thud; 'Double Bam' second rider down, glasses dislodged, discarded water bottles, broken bodies, my turn to either fall or get through this mess. Grabbed a handful of brakes, end up in the dirt and ditch on the side of the road but stayed upright. I am shaking but one look at first rider down and elbow bone protruding through the skin and blood everywhere is enough to calm me down to help out. His day is done, other rider will continue. Ambulance called, friends arrive, my job is done.

Kilometre 35 to 60, I am getting passed continually as my progression to the back of the peloton continues. But love the occasions when passed by fellow Smiddy riders, all with an encouraging word, a pat on the back, an offer to ride with me, of which I always decline, it is torture to ride so slow, and to ask that of a mate, I am not prepared.

Kilometre 61 another steep climb, up out of the saddle as per my usual climbing style, disaster strikes with a double whammy, not only does my chain snap but with the full force of my downward leg and no chain to speak of I slam my private parts into the top tube of the bike! I would have screamed like a girl but opted to yell like a man, as I am a man right? So I yelled a word I cant repeat here.

Kilometre 61 but 30 minutes later and repeating the same question over and over again to each passing rider; "do you have a chain breaker?" "Do you have a chain breaker?" Finally a lovely man stops and not only has a chain breaker but a joining link as well. Thank you nice man and I am on my way.

Kilometre 61, but not before helping my new mate Matt, who had sliced his tyre and gone through three tubes and had given up hope. I had a repair kit and we put a sleeve inside the tyre, I gave him my one spare tube and Matt was good to go.

Kilometre 61 to 70, I ride with Matt, who was with the front group when he sliced his front tyre by hitting a fellow rider's rear cluster. I sit on his wheel for that time and eventually tell him it was a pleasure but you are killing me! We shake hands and Matt rides off.
Kilometre 70 to 95 and my slow delirious pace is mentally destroying my confidence. I very rarely see another rider, surely there can't be anyone left behind me?

Kilometre 95 and I am rescued! My beautiful Smiddy road crew are at the official drink stop at Eumundi. I blurt out my close call, my chain -I keep my sore nuts story to myself- I sit on the road and chat and eat and drink for ten minutes. I feel rejuvenated. My Smiddy crew are my energy and I missed not seeing them constantly throughout today.

Kilometre 95 to 160; fellow Smiddy rider Shane Isbester rolls out of that water station with me. He knows I am struggling and refuses to leave my side. The constant chatter and enthusiasm lifts my spirits, we get through the last 30 kilometres of never ending hills. Once on the remaining 35 kilometres of flat roads into Noosa and we are pace-lining and flying once again. I love my Smiddy mates but right at this very moment Shane is my most favourite Smiddy mate of all time!

Kilometre 145; we are with a small group of six or seven riders and a rider goes down in front of me. I can't believe it! I grab a handful of brakes, stay upright and I am back to shaking again with my second close call of this insane roller coaster of a ride. His friends stop, Shane and I carry on, putting distance between the craziness of falling off riders and ourselves...

Kilometre 152; we pass fellow Smiddy rider Simon Chambers repairing a puncture on the side of the road. We stop to help, he is not happy due to the pain in one of his dodgy legs. We get him going again but he insists we carry on as he is cycling one leg only. (On a side note Simon got changed into a bright pink Borat type swim costume and rode the remaining five kilometres to the finish. His boss offered him $2000 to do it, so awesome work there Simon!)

Kilometre 160; Shane and I cross the line holding hands held high in the air. Kevvy and Mike were there at the finish, everyone else had headed back to the resort for a much deserved shower and feed. We then rode an additional five kilometres back to the resort to avoid going up the Noosa Hill, which was the short way. I can't begin to tell you the joy my body and mind felt to get off my trusty stead! Thank you Shane for your support out there. In typical Smiddy spirit you stuck by a mate who needed a mate!

Sharky's final words
Well we got back to the resort and Rowan was there and cheering us in. A small group of Smiddy riders were present in Nathan, Rowan and Phil and Annie. I quickly found out that Phil and Rowan had stayed with the lead group the entire way. But get this, Phil, who is now 55 years of age, not only stayed with the leaders the entire way, but had the misfortune of his gear cable snapping and having to ride the remaining 80 kilometres in just his hardest gear at the back, his 13 teeth cog. Those hills that I was climbing in my easiest clog of 27, he was doing it in his 13! And staying with the lead group! Mind boggling stuff and all a part of the great Phil Anderson Smiddy folklore that will be handed down to future generations of Smiddy riders. All I can say is that I would love to see what Phil could do if he was going out for a hard day!

I hope you have enjoyed these blogs and I look forward to writing again once the Midi Smiddy begins in four weeks time. Until then, this Shark needs to rest his weary fin and get ready for riding with another awesome bunch of Smiddy people!

Be sure to sign up on my blog site if you wish to receive all my ramblings from each event throughout the year automatically into your inbox.

Take care,

Sharky.

NOOSA SMIDDY - DAY 3 Noosa-Gympie Return

Noosa-Gympie-Noosa

Statistics for the day:

Distance: 151 km's
Ave speed: 26 km/h
Max Speed: 87km/h
Elevation climbed: 1566 metres
Ride time: 5:47:00
Min temp: 15 degrees
Max temp: 32.6 degrees

Sharky's Blog Dedication
Todays Sharky Blog I would like to dedicate to two friends I know that are having their own battles with cancer. To my good friend Diane Frazer, who's Mum is in a critical state at the Wesley. And to Declan Hegarty, my nine year old little mate who is undergoing treatment for a cancer he has in his spine. Guys I am thinking of you all and please know that the team at Smiling for Smiddy are in awe of your courage during this testing stage of your lives.

Perfect conditions/Perfect Day Riders = Perfect Picture
Once again the riders were greeted with a picture perfect morning of 15 degrees, no wind and cloudless skies. Talk about hitting the jackpot with regards to the amazingly calm weather we have had for this event. So along for the ride today was the legendary Phil Anderson, and as I have already stated but I will say it again as I like saying it; Phil was the very first non-European cyclist in the eighties to wear the coveted yellow jersey in the Tour De France and got to wear it on 11 occasions. To say the Smiddy riders were chuffed to ride with this great champion would be a huge understatement. Phil also brought his lovely lady along for the weekend and Annie Newell is an avid cyclist herself. She managed to clock up nearly 100 kilometres today before calling it a day. Angus Blackwood is our final day rider who joins us today and tomorrow and has kindly raised close to $2000 for Smiddy, the Mater and cancer research. A huge welcome to these three riders and what better way to get to know them but to take them out for a hilly cycle of 150 kilometres!

So for the rest of my day three reports you are going to be treated to a Sharky top ten list of highlights. As of this blog, the heading 'Lows' as in lowlight, does not exist. I was thinking, and while that did hurt my brain, I have decided that everything that happens during a Smiddy event is all a high regardless of the experience. It is called living; challenging oneself, pushing the extremes, all in the name of an excellent cause that one day may just save the life of someone that these guys and girls know. So without further ado here are my top ten highs from today.

Sharky's top 10 Highlights

1. Rolling out for the third day straight dressed just in short bike attire and raising a sweat within the first five kilometres. Just last Saturday and Sunday, Smiddy riders were wearing their winter clothing for an early morning ride.

2. Riding with our old mate Phil Anderson. Fair dinkum mate, was it just me or the whole peloton that got such a lift from having Phil in the Peloton? I know everytime Phil was within spitting distance of me I would dance on the pedals like Phil does, I would drink and eat when Phil did, when stopping and waiting for a regroup I would stand with one cleat on the rear wheel like Phil does, I would flex my calves, willing them to become larger like only Phil's calves can, but mainly I would look behind as if assessing the competition like Phil use to do when racing as a pro and try and mimic the square jaw intimidating look that only Phil could do back then. Yep I am happy to say I, We, were pretty chuffed to have Phil riding with us today!

3. It would be remiss of me not to mention the little speech at lunch that our lead car driver Geevsey gave us today. These were his words; "Isn't it funny how over the last two days whenever I went the wrong way that all you guys made a point of letting me know. Yet today when I have not missed a single solitary turn I am deafened by the silence!" With that he turned on his heels, jumped in the vehicle and proceeded to get us back to Noosa with his perfect record for day three intact. We were all suitably impressed.

4. Our massage ladies in Wendy and Sammy-Jo have been there working on the tired riders each and every day. Love your work ladies and your caring nature. Sammy-Jo was given the nickname 'The Ninja Assassin', for her ability to inflict teeth grinding pain on the riders. Get this Sammy-Jo stands just 4ft 8" and weighs 40kg but man she is strong!

5. Mike and Peter Dyer are the owners of Sealy Posturepedic and very generous with their sponsorship of Smiling for Smiddy these past three years. They are super keen riders themselves, and while both are here for the event, they are both out of action due to injury or sickness. Thanks again boys for your support and for believing in our dreams and goals and helping Smiddy and the Mater to fund cancer research.

6. Anthony De Domenico, for the third day straight battled with ITB syndrome that is causing him severe knee pain. The man refuses to give in and has pedaled every kilometre of all three days. He does not make a fuss, never complains and is always smiling, or is that a grimace? The entire group are in awe and wish him all the best in completing the final day tomorrow.

7. Lisa Allen and Jos Lablache made a welcome return to the peloton today. Lisa took yesterday off with her illness and was able to ride the entire day today. While Jos has yet to ride an entire day without doing van time. That all changed today when the big fella smashed it and finally had the day he has been searching for and saw out the entire day. Proud of you both for sure!

8. Andreas Schibler is 50 years of age and ridden the bike for 30 years. He is from Bern in Switzerland, coincidentally the same town as Fabian Cancellara. (For non cyclists Fabian is pretty good - Just google his name) Anyway Andreas is always telling us the story of what his coach use to tell him: "Climbing hills is not a problem, just ignore them, they are not there!" I tried it today when we had to climb 220 small hills and I have to admit it worked on one of them, so his suggestion has potential...

9. Okay number nine highlight I have to admit was a kind of lowlight when Jim, Spotty and Angus were involved in a crash just 200 metres from the stage finish back at the RACV. Jim went down on his own accord and said if I am going I am not going down alone. So Spotty volunteered, quickly followed by a very enthusiastic Angus not wanting to miss out on any of the action. But seriously, any crash where no-one was hurt surely still rates as a highlight? Jim was quite proud that he had a little blood on his knee and milked it for what it was worth for the rest of the day.

10. And last but not least was Phil's talk tonight over dinner with 80 guests present. He showed a snappy little dvd showing a young Phil with a pony-tail racing to win a stage in the 1981 that put him in the yellow jersey for the very first time. He then told a few stories about racing and calls of nature while cycling, then opened the floor to some questions from the audience.

Well it was a great night and I would have been happy to sit there all night and listen to him speak. But we still had the matter of a 160 kilometre ride to get through tomorrow.
Once again it is late, 11:30pm and the Noosa Century ride begins at 6am. The Smiddy crew have the privilege of leading out the entire Noosa Century ride, which attracts thousands of riders. I am telling you we have some pretty strong riders in the group and they get their chance tomorrow to show off their form. As once that gun signals the start it is a free-for-all and the Smiddy peloton is no-more until the second edition of Noosa Smiddy in 2014. Stay tuned for my final wrap up of tomorrow's happenings.

Cheers,

Sharky

SMIDDY NOOSA - DAY 2 REPORT MAPLETON CLIMB

Noosa Smiddy - Day Two

Noosa-Montville-Noosa

Statistics for the day:

Distance: 145km
Ave speed: 26.5km/h
Max Speed: 97.3 km/h
Elevation climbed: 1538 metres
Ride time: 5:27:00
Min temp: 14 degrees
Max temp: 33.9 degrees

Doing it tough in Noosa
Staying at the RACV Resort in Noosa, during a Smiddy event, is akin to winning the lottery. At only four and a half star rating let me assure you we are doing it tough! Now combine this with the incredibly lovely weather we are having, plus having to put up with a free massage from either Sammy-Jo or Wendy each day, not to mention the resort type all-you-can-eat delicious dinners, and the road crew that spoil us rotten no matter what the request and you'll begin to understand what we are up against! Yep I can assure you that Belyando Crossing, 1200 kilometres from Brisbane and out in the middle of nowhere, and sleeping in swags under the stars during the Smiddy Challenge event in September is at this point in time, but a distant memory... Oh and don't forget we are actually doing a bit of riding each day!

Sharky and his animal friends
Speaking of riding let me fill you in with the happenings of a day that included one major climb that I have nicknamed the 'Giraffe Neck', which I'll explain later. Also on the agenda were two minor climbs, one of which I named 'The Slippery Eel', and the final climb which I called the Shark Fin. You see today we climbed less than yesterday's total but nearly all of the 1500 plus metres that we climbed came about because of these three notorious animal parts. For you to understand the lunacy of what I am speaking about I need you to paint a mental picture that you are actually a small flea and you are at first on the neck of a camel. Now look up and what you see is a slope so severe that your heart rate immediately spikes out of fear, in this case your tiny little flea heart comes to an immediate stop and your life as you knew it is now defunct. That was the first climb of 12 kilometres up to Mapleton, with the last one-kilometre section at a brain-stalling-heart-stopping 100% gradient, or so it would seem!

More animal stories thanks to our talented mountain goats
It was on this hill that our 'SuperGirl' Smiddy rider Spotty, put a serious scare into the leading mountain goats of Rowan Foster and Rocket Rod, when Spotty crested the climb in fourth position overall. You see the lads had just performed what I term a 'John Wayne experience'. The Duke, as he was known, was famous for his gift with a six shooter. Well our boys had their own 'Duke' out dual to the death, with Rowan being crowned King of the Mountain by a couple of bike lengths. Our esteemed mechanic Toby made a late charge and just passed Spotty near the top. Amazing effort from not just these guys but the entire group for winning their battles over this ridiculous Giraffe neck.

Cruel Photographer Mike and road crew bliss
I cannot begin to explain the terror of seeing road crew member Mike Dyer standing there taking photos of all the riders at the steepest point of this climb. The pain etched on everyone's face is something that no love-one should see... Thanks Mike. But then, just 30 seconds later, the catering crew were spotted perched atop this mountain in the clouds, well nearly, and our terror turned to instant joy and relief. Many of us cried in their arms like new born babies, or maybe that was just me? That morning tea stop was such a welcome respite with 61 kilometres covered and rider appetites larger than the most ferocious of mountain lions.

Razor Back descent
I can assure you that I am done with the animal names and I did not come up with this name. Razor Back is the actual name of this descent but interestingly enough it was actually a 1984 Australian horror film about a wild piggy -not the cute type variety- that went around eating human's for breakfast, and sometimes lunch if the breakfast human was a little on the light side. Anyway as we rolled out from our delicious morning tea stop it was a relief for two reasons to be on our way. Firstly because we knew that what goes up must come down. And secondly, and most importantly from a self-preservation point of view, it was imperative that we got away from the huge array of wild animals that had chased the Smiddy riders up that stupid climb. Hence now enters the infamous Razor Back. Now with a name like that we expected, and received, a descent to rival the Dream World ride called 'The Drop'. Top speed recorded by Kurt Kratzmann was a staggering 97.3km/h. I am extremely happy to advise you readers that Kurt is still alive and kicking, although his hair definitely got messed up by the wind! The big rig Vass Malanos, who coincidentally has raised in excess of $8000 for research, and is doing this ride due to his Mum and Grandmother both being diagnosed with breast cancer within two weeks of one another, also clocked some pretty hair messing up speeds down the Razor Back.

The Slippery Eel and the Shark Fin
So we have descended all the way back down to sea level and each time there was a flatter route to take, the lead car would steer the peloton up another side road, and just like that, we were back amongst the animals! The Shark Fin was first; turn the corner and the fin dared us to climb its shiny black slopes without falling off and into the jaws of what lat below that fin. Meanwhile poor young Anthony De Domenico, who's knee had blown up going up to Mapleton and had recovered somewhat, screamed in protest and slowed the brave man to a knee grinding snail like pace, but give up, he did not. Back down the Shark Fin, right turn along something called a 'flat road' for a massive 300 metres! Then 'Bam', sharp right turn and there was the Slippery Eel. This climb was so deceiving in that every time you thought you had a hold of the bugger, another corner and another slivery mess to negotiate. Poor young Anthony -who was now feeling very old- was last to crest the top but again he did not give in. This man has a huge ticker and he earned the respect of the peloton with his never say die attitude. So down the other side of the Eel and the hills were done and dusted and I have to say we were all pretty happy -actually ecstatic- about that.

To finish this blog you will read about the rest of the day in condensed form in Sharky's top five highs and Lows of the day.

Sharky's top five highs and lows

1. The riders and road crew paid a fun and educational visit to the Noosaville State School. 200 grade one to five students invaded the assembly hall and watched -but mostly screamed- as Rowan and myself got the kids excited with five little-people volunteers race-dressing five fellow Smiddy riders, so they were sun-safe to finish the rest of today's ride. We wrapped up with Toby and I having a race to remove a bike tyre and tube and replace it with a new tube. The kids were split into two groups of 100 and they cheered -actually screamed rock concert like decibels- for their favourite rider. Toby played it well and let me get close to him but in the end he won in a time of 2 minutes 30 seconds, with me finishing a few seconds later.

2. Nic Woollett originally signed up as a one day only rider. He thought the fitness and raising of funds was beyond him. I am so pleased to say Nic not only worked extremely hard on his fitness and has successfully completed the first two days, but that he killed his $2.5 thousand commitment and is closing in on $5000. A nicer bloke you could not meet!

3. Phil Anderson and his partner Annie arrived today just in time to hear the Smiddy chant. They knew they were in the right place. The team welcomed them warmly tonight over dinner and we are all super excited about both of them joining us for tomorrows slog fest to Gympie and back.

4. The RACV Resort have not only looked after the Smiddy group with great rates on their amazing rooms that are big enough to play cricket in, but tonight surprised the group by providing a sumptuous barbecue by the pool area, complete with a free three-hour drinks package. A huge thank you to management and staff who looked after us tonight.

5. Riders comments after climbing the 'Giraffe' today. I used the iPhone and asked a few of the riders in 10 words or less to describe what their immediate thoughts were of today's major bump in the road. Here are their responses.

Anthony Hawkins: "It was quite scenic, actually I was watching your butt the whole way up!" (Ed note:Ant was referring to sitting on my wheel the entire way up the climb.)

Anthony De Domenico: "The knee was blowing up but good to make it without stopping."

Kurt Kratmann: "if it wasn't for the downhill part I would not have done it!"

Jim Houston: "Are you talking about the uphills or the downhills?" ( Ed Note: I informed him the uphill.) "Oh that was a barsted!"

Rocket Rod: "Yeh it was tough, a bit steep, Row pipped me." (Ed note:Exactly 10 words from Rocket)

Vass Malanos: "Heart wrenching but awesome to see the jeep at the top." (Ed note: Most were happy to see road crew or the food?)

Annalie Houston: "Lunch tasted very good because of it." (Ed note: It was actually morning tea but we were all a little delirious by the top)

Andreas Schibler: "Well it was all good until I chose to ignore it, what climb again?" (Ed note: Andreas past cycling coach told him to treat each climb like it is not there.)

Erik Anderson: "I was disappointed, I thought it was going to be tough, I had to do it with my left leg only and using the big chain ring!"

Shane Isbester: "Strong, steady, on and on and on but well worth the effort to get to the top." (Ed note: I think he was referring to the free coffee that one of the riders bought from the cafe.)

Jodie "Spotty" Spottiswood: "I loved it! Bit of a pinch at the top. When Toby went past I was disappointed he did not push me!"

Simon Chambers: "It was a stretch, a very hard push for me."

Nic Woollett: "Hardest climb I have ever done but I made it, very happy."

Well it is now 11pm and as much as I have enjoyed writing this blog I really need some sleep. If anyone out there can help the thoughts get out of my head faster as I get more tired I will let you ride up the 'Giraffe' three times for fun.

Thank you to all the supporters and donors out there. The donations are rolling in and we are closing in on $85,000 from this event. Which is simply amazing considering just 20 riders are involved.

Cheers,

Sharky

NOOSA SMIDDY DAY 1 REPORT

Noosa to Brisbane

Statistics for the day:

Distance: 170.27km
Ave speed: 26.0kph
Max Speed: 77.3kph
Elevation climbed: 2,136m
Ride time: 6:33:30
Min temp: 12 degrees
Max temp: 30.5 degrees

A dawn service as our send off
I am ashamed to say that up until this morning I have never attended a dawn service. Another in the same boat was one of our esteemed road crew members in Wendy McQueen. I was chatting to Wendy today at lunch and she told me this story: "Sharky I am ashamed to say that I have never attended a dawn service." I informed Wendy that I too had never been to one. Wendy continued: "Sharky I found it all so beautiful but emotionally draining as seven years ago my Father passed away from cancer on Anzac Day." My heart went out to this beautiful lady. It was a thoughtful and profound ceremony enjoyed by not just Wendy and I but all the Smiddy riders and road crew.

Laying of the Wreath
One of our riders was asked to lay a wreath on behalf of Smiling for Smiddy, and that man was Shane Isbester. Shane has done the ride up to Townsville, is a Melanoma survivor and has raised in excess of $22,000 for research over the years riding with Smiddy. Shane earned this privilege as his Grandfather Harold Procter was based in Darwin in WW2 and was captured by the Japanese and held in Changi prison in Singapore for three years before returning home at the end of the war. Thank you Shane for representing Smiddy and honouring the memory and sacrifices of your Grandfather.

So after paying our respects Rowan did a short safety brief and introduced the road crew. It was crunch time and the small compact peloton were on their way to Noosa by seven-am. A huge thank you to Smiddy rider Jim Houston, who arranged for the Smiddy crew to attend the ceremony, and to Greenslopes Hospital for allowing us to use the grounds for the send off.

Keeping us safe
Our road crew keeping us safe out there for this event is the ever reliable Kevin Enchelmaier in the follow vehicle. Captain Kev, as he is known, has been keeping Smiddy riders safe since his first event in 2007. Since then he has attended nearly every Smiddy event, up to five a year, plus some training days. Not just out of the goodness of his heart but because he lost his own Father to cancer. It is his way of giving back and tackling the disease that has robbed him of his Dad. I have to tell you here and now just how lucky we are to have the services of this great man. Thank you Kevvy! In the front vehicle is Chris Geeves; Smiddy rider since 2007 and has transferred to road crew the past two years. Geevesey loves Apple products and his lead car is festooned with every Apple electronic gadgetry known to man. At times (actually four times) Geevesey was so engrossed in his Apple mobile lab that he lead the riders off in the wrong direction. But seriously the role that Chris and Kev play is deadly serious and they are both professionals at what they do. I know I speak for the peloton when I say that safety is never an issue when Kev and Chris are behind the wheel. Thanks guys.

So the day went well with the peloton containing some very strong riders indeed. Going into lunch we kept splitting up and the group was asked to think of their mates in the pack that were struggling. From lunch through to the finish at Noosa the guys made a real effort and kept the group together for the remaining 50 kilometres. The Smiddy spirit is in each and every one of these guys and they showed it by their actions this afternoon.

To finish with here is my top five highs and lows of the day:

Sharky's Top Five

1. Seeing Lisa Allen seemingly return from the dead. This morning young Lisa was not a well girl at all. 30 kilometres into the ride her hands were shaking, she had stomach pains and was physically ill on the bike. Common sense, of which girls have plenty, saw Lisa take herself out of the ride and sit it out and listen to Kevvy's vast array of stories until our lunchtime stop at 120 kilometres at Palmwoods. Well I am pleased to say that Lisa rejoined us after lunch and was back to her young strong machine like state. Good to have you back Lisa.

2. Geevsey going the wrong way four times!

3. Rodney Enkelmann spoke on the first day! This needs some explaining... Rocket Rod did the Challenge ride up to Townsville last year. He is rather quiet and it took until day eight for the words to flow. Well today Rowan and I were in shock when old Rocket strung together 20 words prior to morning tea. We eventually had to tell him to shut up, too much chatter Rod!

4. Jos Lablache had a shocker of a first day today. He has trained hard and has been riding well, but today his legs were screaming at him to stop on every climb. When he didn't stop they would then cramp. When the cramps failed to bring the big fella to a halt his heart would stop beating. This had the desired effect and Jos had to do a little van time to recuperate. But not for long, out again he came and cramps again were ignored and soldiered on to finish a very tough first day into the Noosa RACV Resort. A happier more relieved man could not be found. Friday is your day champ!

5. Jodie "Spotty" Spottiswood now holds the record for doing the most different Smiddy events. She has done the full Challenge, the Midi, The Half and now the Noosa Smiddy. And along the way has raised close to $20,000 for research. How lucky are we to have Spotty as a Smiddy supporter? Spotty was great mates with Adam Smiddy so is very passionate about the cause. Thanks Spotty, we love you heaps.

That damn hill!
There was one more highlight but it was kind of a low highlight that was very steep and high! Out of lunch the group had to negotiate this ridiculously steep climb that would not have looked out of place at Dream World as the worlds highest roller coaster ramp. It was only short but heart rates maxed out in 30 seconds, riders fell off, some walked, some yelled obscenities, others phoned a friend for help and those that made it were ordering trophies at the top via their iPhones to be collected in Noosa! Yep it was a tough mother and I hope I never see it ever again!

Okey dokey catch you guys later. Time for this weary Shark to get to bed and dream about the plentitude of climbs that await us tomorrow.

Cheers,

Sharky

Sealy Noosa Smiddy Challenge- 630km's/10,000 Vertical Metres/4 Days

Inaugural Noosa Smiddy Challenge is upon us
Tomorrow is Anzac Day and the inaugural Sealy Posturepedic Noosa Smiddy Challenge commences with a dawn service at Greenslopes Hospital. Twenty one Smiddy riders and six Smiddy road crew members will attend this important service of remembrance. The riders will then embark on a 170 kilometre epic journey to the beautiful seaside town of Noosa. The idea behind this ride is, as per usual, to raise awareness and as much money as possible for research into Melanoma, Prostate, Breast and Ovarian cancers. Smiling for Smiddy’s beneficiary is the Mater Foundation and the funds are distributed to the Mater Research.

How tough is this event? Well let me tell you!
This Smiddy event differs to our past tours in the sense that we will not stay in a different town each night. The first day, we ride to Noosa, and then spend the next three days and nights residing in Noosa and riding 160km loops from, and back to Noosa. In total our gutsy riders will endure 630 kilometres of cycling, which will include in excess of 10,000 metres of climbing in just four days. Or looking at it from another perspective, they will ascend the equivalent of sea level to another thousand metres above the height of Mt Everest. It is a huge challenge for the 18 male and three female riders, but one that I know they will achieve thanks to the support of their love ones and their many supporters who have donated generously to this great cause.

A salute to the riders
So without further ado I would like to introduce you to our next batch of Smiddy hero’s that will be flying the flag for cancer research over the next four days. Girls first of course with Lisa Allen, Annalie Houston and Jodie Spottiswood. The males are Erik Anderson, Anthony De Domenico, Rodney Enkelman, Rowan Foster, Anthony Hawkins, rider and mechanic in Toby Hood, Jim Houston, (Father of Annalie) Shane Isbester, Kurt Kratzmann, Jos Lablache, Vass Malanos, Andreas Schibler, Nic Woollett and some dodgy guy named Sharky. We also have five day riders in David Lynch, Andrew Denford, Angus Blackwood, Annie Anderson and our guest celebrity rider in Phil Anderson. A huge thank you to all these guys and girls who have given up their valuable time to help Smiling for Smiddy and the Mater Foundation towards our goal of raising $1 million dollars this calendar year for research.

Where would we be without these amazing volunteers?
I can assure you without the likes of Mike and Peter Dyer, Chris Geeves, Kevin Enchelmaier, Wendy McQueen, Sammy-Jo So, Toby Hood and Jessica Ebelt, this event would not be possible. Each Smiddy event we are gifted to know such wonderful human beings who give up their valuable time to help our events run like clockwork. On behalf of Smiling for Smiddy and the Mater Foundation we are indeed indebted to you all. I know the next four days are going to bring riders and road crew together like the tightest of family bonds. Thank you, thank you and thank you for your sacrifices over the next four days!

Who is Phil Anderson?
My love interest in cycling began in the eighties, back then an Australian cyclist by the name of Phil Anderson was my hero and he was showing the Europeans that it was possible for an Aussie to mix it up with the best cyclists in the world. Phil Anderson, OAM, is arguably Australia's greatest cyclist. He is a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, a winner of key Spring Classics and he has held the coveted Tour De France yellow jersey 11 times, rising to number one in the world along the way. Phil was the very first non-European rider to wear the yellow Jersey. He pioneered cycling in Australia at a time when cycling was mainly focused on Europe and European riders. Anderson went to the world's greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, and finished in the top 5 and won two stages. This quickly shot Anderson to stardom and he was affectionately nicknamed "Skippy". Phil joined the Smiddy peloton for the first four days of the Challenge ride up to Townsville with us in 2009. We are very lucky to have Phil as our guest rider for the Noosa Smiddy Challenge. As well as riding with us on the Saturday and Sunday he will be speaking at a special function for 70 riders on Saturday night at the RACV Resort at Noosa.

Over the next four days I look forward to bringing you all the news of the highs and lows on this brand new Smiddy journey. So until tomorrow, thanks for following our journey and if you have any messages you would like to send to the riders and crew just email them to me at sharky@smiddy.org.au and I will read them out each night.

Cheers,

Sharky

Mt Mee Training Day - Smiling for Smiddy 07/04/13

The weekend just gone saw 22 enthusiatic Smiddy riders descend on Adam Smiddy Park for a 5:30am ride to the top of Mt Mee and back. We organised this ride for those riders doing the Noosa Smiddy 4 day event that starts on Anzac Day on April 25, the Midi Smiddy 3 day ride which begins on May 17 and the French Alps trip on June 16th. All three events are notorious for the amount of climbing involved, so the Mt Mee ride was a most appropriate course.

Perfect conditions greet riders

You could not have asked for better conditions with the rain staying away and overcast skies keeping the temperature in the low 20's. Our ever loyal Smiddy helper in Kevin Enchelmaier once again provided his professional tailing services to keep the group safe from behind. Kevvy, on behalf of the riders, thanks again for giving up a few hours of your time on Sunday to take care of the bunch.
The riders managed to stay together until Samford but the hills out of Samford split the peloton and we had a regroup at Dayboro. From there the riders went at their own pace up the infamous 6km Mt Mee climb and the Dayboro Bakery was a welcome 20 minute food stop. For ten of the Smiddy riders it was their first time up Mt Mee and the joy was evident as each one made it back to the bakery.

Getting to know Kevvy

Getting back to Samford the sun tried to make its presence felt but mostly it stayed away. The group rode well together and only split up on the climbs back into Samford. We said goodbye to Captain Kev here, who then turned around and drove back to Dayboro, which is where he lives with his very understanding and supportive wife Mary. Kevvy is amazing as he volunteers for nearly every Smiddy event, plus all the training days and never asks for a thing in return. Kev lost his Dad to cancer and since that day has endlessly helped out where he can for a variety of causes, but his loyality has been with Smiddy since 2007. How lucky are we!

Jim loves climbing!

It was in Samford that I informed the group we would be going back via Settlement road due to less traffic. Jim Houston, who loves climbing massive hills, loudly said, "there is a reason there is less traffic that way, as there is a stupidly steep climb involved." With that said he took off like a shot up the Samford climb and attempted to get the jump on the field. It was a pretty good try by the experienced man but failed miserably! Going up Settlement road we had a regroup at the top and while we were waiting word got to us that one of the riders was lying on the side of the road. Chappy, our helpful shepherd, was off like a shot to make sure the said rider was okay. It appears that he was okay, just exhausted and needing a little R&R. He was all smiles when he crested the top 5 minutes later. to the applause of the group. Name withheld for protection of rider!

The story of Smiddy Park

Back at Smiddy Park we had our customary Smiddy Huddle and I thanked the group for their enthusiasum and inspiring efforts for not only putting time into getting ready physically, but for taking their fund raising goals seriosuly as well. I told the group the story of Adam Smiddy Park, how we flew Adam's parents down from Townsville in 2009 and surprised them with the opening of a park that was named after their son. A park that would be there long after you and I have passed away. A park to always honour the memory of a mate whose life was tragically cut short due to cancer. How on that day, when Counciller Peter Matic unveiled the sign, that the Smiddy family and half the 150 people present got caught up in the signifcance of the opening and shed a few tears.

All up it was a great day out and really nice to see that some of the riders who were struggling on previous rides have stepped up to the plate, put in the hard yards and shown significant improvement. Keep April 21 free for the next Smiddy training day.
Cheers.

Sharky