Monday 21 March 2016

2016 New Zealand Smiddy Challenge - Day Five

Day five - Arthurs Pass to Christchurch

Ride Stats:

Total Distance: 145.8 km
Total calories burnt: 2565 calories which equalled the beer and wine drunk that night to celebrate
Total climbing distance: 1 171 m vertical climbing (or you can call it elevation)
Average speed: 26.3km/h, which is a really good pace for day 5 when all our legs are tired from the previous 4 days riding
Total riding time: 5 hours33 minutes
Total lapsed time: 8 hours 08 minutes, which means we relaxed a bit more at the breaks and enjoyed the last day of the road crews catering
Minimum temp:1 degree s
Maximum temp: 24 degrees
Winds: hard headwind for the final 50km

Road kill count:

16 x UFOs
1 x NZ $2o bird
1 x hanging possum
1 x normal possum
11 x waterfalls

Day five dawned clear and crisp in the remote little township of Bealey where there is a pub, a lodge and not much else. As we woke up and slowly got ready for the last day on tour the mist in the distance started to roll towards us and got thicker and thicker.

We had a classic "Perkynana" moment as a bleary eyed Kevin Douglas walked out of his room holding a little teddy bear that he had slept with but had no idea how it got there. The other riders helped him out by showing the photographic evidence of Kevin abducting the little teddy from the pub the night before. Kevin tried to act innocent but he was guilty and couldn't hide from the evidence.

The roll out time was 7.30 am but no one was in a hurry because we all knew this was our last day together. Sir Kevvy asked Neil to ring the ceremonial Smiddy cow bell to start the ride which he accepted with great honour. Neil is the oldest rider on tour and an inspiration to us all as he gave everything he had every day to keep the pace and make all the climbs.

The first hour of the ride was in thick fog which hid the scenery. I was about to say "I think it's going to clear soon" but realised I had been banned from mentioning the weather. Eventually the fog did clear and the scenery was again breathtaking. The road was weaving its way through the valley next to a clear river surrounded by mountains. Every climb and corner had another awe inspiring view that took the mind off our aches and pains.

The peloton was riding in complete unison and rolling smoothly as we all took a turn on the front. The riders were quiet and focused counting down the kilometres to the first comfort stop. The road crew were waiting for us at a rest area with a hut and a toilet, which some of the riders missed completely as they headed for the bushes. Sammi-Jo was kept busy massaging and stretching and supporting some weary riders.

The conditions on dayfive were perfect as we gradually descended from Arthurs Pass National Park on state highway 73 towards Christchurch. We had just a couple of medium sized climbs to get through before the famous descent that Killer had warned us about. After a quick safety briefing at the top we were all let loose to ride down at our own pace. Some of the experienced riders quickly got up speed and flew down the winding road while the rest of us more cautious cyclists took our time. It didn't matter as we were all smiling when we regrouped.

Only a few kilometres to go until lunch and we were all hanging in there feeling hungry, tired but exhilarated at the same time. Just outside Sheffield we were joined by a group of Smiddy riders who had travelled to Christchurch for Le Race on Saturday. They had ridden out to meet us and we were very grateful to see them as the wind picked up and the tail wind we had been enjoying turned into a fierce energy-sapping head wind.

The head wind stayed with us all the way to Christchurch and really hurt the New Zealand riders physically but not mentally. Nothing could dampen the Smiddy spirit and feeling of camaraderie that had developed between this group of cyclists and road crew.

The last few kilometres of the tour was through the back streets of Christchurch to our final destination. The roads we had travelled for most of the 700 km had been perfect and enjoyable but Christchurch is still recovering from the 2010/11 earthquakes and the roads are not in great condition with a lot of patching. We had to stay focused and 'keep it classy' as ride leader Coollie would stay.

And then we were done and the 2016 New Zealand Smiddy tour was over. 22 strangers had become friends and everyone was hugging and laughing with shear joy that we had made it. No incidents, only 3 punctures and 2 broken spokes was all that we had had to deal with on this tour. There were some sore backsides, stiff bodies and moans but that's a small price to pay for five days riding through the magnificent New Zealand alpine region.

Dinner that night was a lot of fun and everyone was extremely hungry not because the road crew hadn't feed us well, they had, but because we had expended every ounce of energy on the climbs, long days and maybe a few late nights.

When asked what was your favourite part of the tour nearly everyone said Wednesday when we rode 178 km in the pouring rain and gale force winds. To people who haven't participated in a Smiddy tour this may sound strange but it's days like that when everyone's commitment to the Smiddy values of teamwork, spirit and mateship shine through and you really bond with your fellow cyclists.

At the start of the week the New Zealand 2016 riders had raised $50,000 and I challenged them to get to $60,000 by the end of the week. The fundraising now stands at $60,339 with more funds still to come in. It is just incredible what a small group of dedicated Smiddy riders can achieve and how much their efforts will contribute to cancer research.

The final Smiddy teamwork jersey was given to Ian Bisson. He was hurting on day five but that didn't stop him helping the other riders up the climbs the whole day. It was very easy to choose the 'Perkynana' award recipient today as Kevin's escapade with the teddy bear stood out. And finally the Smiddy rainbow socks, in honour of Maria Smiddy, were given to the top 3 fundraisers Stephen and Tim Russell and Ian Bisson who raised over $33,000 together.

The Smiddy team and all our colleagues at the Mater Foundation would like to thank the 2016 New Zealand riders and road crew for their support and dedication. You are all members of the Smiddy family now and we look forward to riding with you again.


New Zealand is a wonderful country for cyclists and there are many places left to explore. If you are interested in joining us in 2017 please visit www.smiddy.org.au or email the team info@smiddy.org.au. We are planning another tour that will travel new roads and mountains in the South Island. More details to come!

~ Cherie

Thursday 17 March 2016

2016 New Zealand Smiddy Challenge - Day four

Day four - Greymouth to Arthur's Pass


Last night no one had the nerve to predict the weather - so we didn't and today we woke up to beautiful sunny skies.

It is very rare that the Smiddy riders and road crew get to sleep in however Killer, Smiddy ride director extraordinaire, had set the roll out as 8am. It was a rare gift and one we all were very grateful for. Some in the Smiddy peloton took advantage of the sleep in and stayed out until 2am sampling the local fine wines and top shelf liquor. But as they were warned "what goes on tour goes on the blog!"

It's the 17th March and St Patrick's day so the natural choice to ring the cow bell was an Irish person. We didn't have an Irish person in the peloton so we made do with Malcolm, from Scotland, who has been mentioned in every blog so far and needed to have an excuse to be in this one.

The blue skies this morning were stunning but it was still cold and very windy. We had to work together to stay upright and moving forward. As we left Greymouth the wind dropped, the weather warmed up and the scenery was breathtaking. The first stop was at the Brunner Historic Mine Site which had a very tragic history but beautiful views over the river.


There were some very tired bodies in the peloton early on and everyone was quiet as we got through the first 43 km to morning tea. Lake Brunner is a beautiful sight and well hidden. You have no idea there is a lake until you turn the final corner and there it is like a mirror reflecting the mountains. It was the perfect spot to play tourist and take a lot of photos.

Then we were back on the road with only 30 km to ride until lunch which sounds easy but every little climb tested the peloton as we tried to stay together and work together. We rode through a beautiful peaceful valley that was Irish green and the wind dropped. The speed in the peloton picked up as we looked forward to an early lunch. We timed it perfectly as the Scenic Touring Train went past and blew its horn in recognition of our fabulous riding skills.

Lunch was a quick stop as we wanted to get on to the hardest part of the day which was climbing

Arthurs Pass. Nervous energy started to build amongst the riders with some wanting to test themselves and take KOM from last years rider Rod Tanner and others scared they weren't up to the challenge. After a quick briefing at the base of the climb the riders were let loose and given the chance to test themselves mentally and physically.

Nothing can prepare you for the views and the steepness of the climbs. Both are breathtaking and awe -inspiring. Every rider today took on the challenge of Arthurs Pass and everyone has a story to tell afterwards. The best story of the day is from Bisso who decided halfway he had had enough and it was time to find Kevvy and the van. He did and when we all regrouped at Arthurs Pass village he decided to get back on the bike and ride the last 10km however he had "accidentally" left his shoes half way up Arthurs Pass. Oh no the tragedy he wouldn't be able to ride the last day and reach Christchurch. However someone was looking after him as a kind hearted motorbike rider had found Bisso's shoes and tucked them into his jacket and turned back to ride up Arthurs Pass and find the poor rider. Bisso had his shoes back and was back on the bike. This story earnt Bisso the Perkynana award for day 4.

Tonight we awarded two Smiddy jerseys for mateship and spirit. Mateship was for David "the captain" Hill who was everyone's friend, supporter and ride leader "hand of God". He never had a bad thing to say and was always the one talking the riders through the pain. The Spirit award was given to Maria Douglas who rode up Arthurs Pass in tears, in pain and with the support of Paula, she made it to the top smiling and honouring her mothers memory.

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is day 5 and our last day together as we ride into Christchurch. It will be a very special day tomorrow and we don't care what the weather brings. Actually we are all too scared to read the forecast and predict rain, sunshine and/or wind.

It's been an incredible 4 days so far and tomorrow will be just the same!


Oh and Rod, from the 2015 tour, is still KOM. 


Wednesday 16 March 2016

2016 New Zealand Smiddy Challenge - Day Three

Day three - Reefton to Greymouth


Ride stats

Total distance: 176.97 km
Total riding time: 6 hours 52 minutes
Total lapsed time: 8 hours 50 minutes
Minimum temperature: 7 degrees
Maximum temperature: 17 degrees
Maximum wind gust after lunch: 45km/h
Calories burnt: 3090 which equates to 6 Big Macs or 15 Perkynanas



Road kill count:

1 feral cat
1 Weka
6 UFOs
84 roadside waterfalls

Today it rained. It rained all day. Today Smiddy spirit, teamwork and mateship got us through what was an epic day on the bike for riders and an epic day for road crew. 



Today we were silly, we were funny and we laughed at everything including the rain. Today we counted waterfalls that gushed down the side of the mountains like we were counting chocolate eggs after an Easter hunt. Today was made up with so many moments that will stay with us long after we fly home but some I have to share.

1. David 'the captain' Hill was extremely worried as we were riding to morning tea that Saos would be soggy. They weren't and he upset Sammi-Jo as there was no way the Smiddy A-team road crew would serve soggy Saos.

2. Sir Kevvy decided the new Smiddy camping dunny needed to be tried out and the driest place was under the tent at morning tea. Luckily he was only pretending!

3. Amanda had a spare pair of dry socks in her day bag which she was so happy to put on during the lunch break. The only problem was she had left her shoes out in the rain and they were full of water. This earnt her a Perkynana nomination.

4. The singing - John Denver's greatest hits, all Simon and Garfunkel's hit songs, and a bit of George Michael.

5. Maria as she was riding up a climb and being helped by Ken. She couldn't understand why it was so hard and she was working so hard until she looked down and saw she was still in her big chain ring.

6. Sir Kevvy who spent all day drying his slightly damp shorts on the back seat of the car only to have a rider in their sopping wet cycling kit sit on them.

7. Ken hiding in the back of the catering van out of the rain at lunch helping himself to the end of day recovery food. The riders called this the Qantas club.


8. Captain David who was found hiding in the back of the road crew car pretending to be a day bag so he wouldn't have to ride after lunch.

9. A rider, who shall remain nameless, who commented after lunch that if the road crew really wanted to support the riders they would offer to ride their bikes to Greymouth. This person didn't have the balls to actually say this to the road crew.

10. Myself who very confidently predicted the weather for Day 3 - rain between 6 & 8am but clearing as we got closer to Greymouth. Followed by a comment at lunch time "well at least there is no wind" then we rode into an incredible head and side wind and the rain was horizontal. Needless to say I've been sacked as the weather person. 




To finish an incredible day on the bike we had dinner at the local Paroa hotel in front of a roaring fire with lots of good red wine. The food was beautiful and the company even better.

The Perkynana award was a joint award to myself for the weather forecast and to Jillian who said on the radio before morning tea that the rain was clearing. We were both so very wrong but luckily the riders were forgiving.



Tonight the Smiddy teamwork jersey award was given to Tim Russell who has supported the riders over the 3 days and become a ride leader. Thank you Tim!

Tomorrow we don't know what the weather forecast is as everyone is too scared to predict it. But  it doesn't matter as we only have to ride 120km up a little hill called Arthur's Pass. There has been a rumour that it snowed her last night! 


~ Cherie

Tuesday 15 March 2016

2016 New Zealand Smiddy Challenge - Day two

Day two - Hamner Springs to Reefton

Ride Stats

Total distance - 138.8 km
Total climbing - 1620 m
Average speed - 23.9 kmph
Total ride time - 5 hours 47 minutes
Lapsed riding time - 7 hour 31 minutes
2664 calories used up and 2663 eaten at morning tea and lunch. Beer at the end of the day doesn't count.

Day two road kill count:

2 rabbits
4 possums/red fluffy bits
1 Sid from Ice Age (thanks Ramon)
1 flattened winter coat
1 chewed bug
16 UFOs (unidentified flattened object)
2 birds
1 squished caterpillar by Tim Russell's wheel

Maria Douglas - first time Smiddy rider, referred by good friend Berty.
Maria is riding with her husband Kevin as they both love challenging holidays together that they consider a bit 'out there'. However, they are both ex-kiwis and were possibly a bit drunk when they registered, but have no regrets. Maria is riding in memory of her mother who rode the Smiddy New Zealand course on her 1950s road bike in 1950 as a gap year before she started her nursing training. Maria is challenging herself to ride up the similar climbs on her 2016 road bike with all the bells and whistles.

Today was a tough day on the bike for Maria and Kevin. The head wind at the start over some lumpy terrain on yesterday's tired legs meant all four knees and two backs were hurting. With help from our wonderful ride leader Paula she showed Maria how to do yoga on the bike. It may have been more a distraction than therapy, but it worked. By lunch time they needed some special care from Sammi-Jo and hugs from their fellow Smiddy riders. Maria was really doubting she could make the two big climbs after lunch and couldn't believe her mother had ridden this way 60 years ago on a bike with no gears and camping gear. But somewhere both her and Kevin dug deep and rode the whole way finishing in Reefton with smiles and a new self belief that they could finish their adventure.

Last night the New Zealand Smiddy riders and road crew started the 'Perkynana' awards, and the first recipient was Malcolm who couldn't find the tap on the water container. Tonight this very special award has been given to David Solomon who locked himself out of his room wearing nothing but a towel and had to walk through the Old Nurses Quarters for help.

Today we had some fantastic opportunities for the riders to stretch themselves and chase down the Smiddy records from the 2015 New Zealand Tour. Ramon won the King of the Mountain and Cat the Queen of the Mountain for both climbs from Hamner Springs to Reefton. Cat and Ramon battled it out all day to see how was first and it was a tight contest with no mercy given.

But in between the fun contests, there were some tough sections for most of the riders and they all needed to show the Smiddy Spirit and work together as a peloton. After lunch this was really obvious where the group rode together from the final climb to the finish covering 33 km in just 55 minutes at 36.5 kmph.

The weather forecast was for rain but once again the Smiddy riders were protected and it was a lovely temperature for riding and we finished the day under blue skies.

Tonight the special Smiddy jersey has been awarded to Amanda who pushed herself through pain and tears to finish the ride. Her trip to New Zealand is her first overseas holiday and with her brand new passport. Amanda left her husband and kids behind to challenge herself and become a better rider. She had no idea how she would cope with the five days and 700 km of riding, but her Smiddy Spirit is shining through and she has become an inspiration to everyone.

Day two finished with all the riders on a high and smiles all round. The Smiddy cheer and huddle was stronger and louder than the day before with new friendships formed and new respect for all.

Tuesday 8 March 2016

2016 NEW ZEALAND SMIDDY CHALLENGE - HERE WE COME!

Dedication To Maria and David Smiddy
Maria and David Smiddy lived in New Zealand last year and they surprised the riders by flying in to see them on their final day as they rolled into Christchurch. Two short months later Maria succumbed to her battle against Pancreatic cancer. While I will not be there this year, see why below, I would dearly love to dedicate this first up blog to Maria and David. See photo below of these two beautiful people that we at Smiddy and the Mater Foundation, consider ourselves very fortunate to have come into our lives.



Smiddy Crew Will Bring Calm To Christchurch
Okay you have had a break since December from my blogs and now its New Zealand Smiddy time. As I sit here and write this blog my Smiddy workmates, Christian, Wendy, Cherie and Krista are busy packing gear, printing important forms, making last minute phone calls and replying to emails. It is a hive of activity and there is definitely an infectious buzz at Smiddy HQ. The second running of the Smiddy New Zealand Challenge is set to start this coming Sunday in the shaky city of Christchurch. With small aftershocks still hitting Christchurch after another major Quake hit a little over a month ago, the riders and road crew will be relieved once they clear the outskirts of the city and onto more stable grounds.

Happy/Sad Shark
I have mixed feelings about this ride because for only the second time in ten years of Smiddy events I will not be participating this time around. Last year I was a late exclusion from the Midi Smiddy in May due to a back injury, and this year I put my hand up to not go, so that another Smiddy team member could experience what I was lucky enough to be part of last year. So therefore I am a little sad that I won’t get to share that wonderful Smiddy camaraderie with another awesome bunch of riders and road crew, but really happy knowing that the riders and crew will get that same experience whether I am there or not. Smiddy is in good hands!

What No Shark Writing The Blogs?
So you might be wondering who then will be writing the blogs? Well I am kick-starting the process and doing the first intro blog. Then once in New Zealand, our program manager in Cherie Nicolas, will take over. Cherie will be doing two days on the bike and three days as road crew, so she should bring a great perspective to the event. As well, I am sure, there will be one or two guest blog writers from the riders. So without further ado I would like to introduce you to the riders and road crew, that will be entertaining you over five days, in hopefully sunny and not shaky, New Zealand.

Intro To Our Awesome Riders!
A big welcome to the following riders and while it may seem like a small field, and it is by Smiddy standards, these guys and girls are all on board to raise as much money as possible. To date we are sitting at $50,000 and are confident of bringing in another $25,000. This is simply amazing for such a small group of riders and they all should feel justifiably proud of their efforts. Congratulations to all our riders but especially to Stephen and Tim Russell, (Father & Son) and Ian Bisson, who all work at Russell’s Law Firm and are our top three highest fundraisers to date with over $8000 each.

David Soloman
Timothy Russell
Stephen Russell
Ian Bisson
Amanda de Lucy
Kev Douglas
Maria Douglas
Malcolm Eadie
Catherine Haggart
David Hill
Neil Klein
Ramon Maurice
Stephen Russell
Timothy Russell

Not To Mention Our Wonderful Road Crew
Next I would like to introduce you to our road crew as listed below. These guys are our unsung heroes and without them there would be no Smiddy events. A big shout out to our volunteer riders in Ken Woods and Paula Fleming, who have done many Smiddy events between them and are on-board purely to help all our fundraising riders to complete their journey in NZ. As for Kevin and Sami-Jo they need no introduction as two of the nicest people in the world and long-time Smiddy supporters, with Kevin just recently winning the greatest ever Australian Volunteer award in a ceremony in Melbourne just recently. Hopefully Kevvy comes down from his high soon and is ready to sign some autographs for his adoring fans in New Zealand! Meanwhile Peter is from Christchurch and is back for a second time to drive the front vehicle that keeps the riders safe. While Jillian is Peter’s partner, and Sharon wife to Smiddy rider Neil Klein.

Ken Woods Ride Leader/Support Vehicle
Paula Fleming Ride Leader
Kevin Enchelmaier: Support Vehicle
Sammi-Jo So Massage Therapist
Peter Monopoli Support Vehicle
Jillian Walls Catering Crew
Sharon Kerslake Catering Crew

Team Smiddy
Other than that you have the Smiddy staff members of Christian Killeen, who will be riding in the peloton and the captain of the group. I mentioned Cherie before and last but most importantly the lovely and cleverest Smiddy girl we have ever had behind the scenes, in Wendy Muir! How’s that for a plug Wendy?

So if you are reading this far then you are one of our faithful blog readers and I encourage you to support the crew as much as you can. Their journey begins on March 14th and ends five-days later back where they started from and 700 kilometres later on March 18.

Leave A Message Or Donate
To find out more or if you wish to donate to any of the riders then please go to www.smiddy.org.au

There Is Always A P.S.
P.S. If you know any of the crew and wish to send them a message just send it to Cherie.Nicholas@mater.org.au and she will read your message out each night.

Cheers,

Sharky