2016 MEL AND MICK'S CONTINUED JOURNEY

Two Smiddy riders decided to continue on to Darwin after completing their journey up to Uluru with team Smiddy. From a peloton of 58 riders down to a peloton of two. With nowhere to hide when the winds hit, it is their determination to succeed that continues to drive them towards their destination of Darwin. Captain Kev is once again backing up with another ten days on the road to look after this pair who have energy to burn at will. Mel's Son Conner is there to help out as well and to keep Kevvy company. Below are Mel and Mick's words of their first four days on the road from Alice Springs.

Day minus one
Yalara to Alice Springs
Distance 400+
Avg speed 127
Avg cadence 3200
Road kill. Nearly one camel

This morning we left Yalara behind in the darkness of early morning as part of the Smiddy convoy to Eldundra. Stopping at the roadhouse for coffee and breakfast before bidding farewell and safe travels to the rest of the crew that were heading south on their trip back to Adelaide.

We bummed a lift to Alice Springs in the back of the Krista and Claire mobile. When I complained to our travel Mums that Melissa was being mean to me, I was told to sit down and be quiet or they would leave me to the dingos on the side of the road. Thanks for the tough love Claire.

Into Apollo to pick up Kevvy's camper van and we manage to squeeze the four of us, all our gear and nine days worth of food for two hungry cyclists and two equally hungry road crew inside.
The afternoon was spent doing the tourists thing, checking out the old telegraph station and then preparing our gear for the 1800k journey that lay ahead.


Day one Alice Springs to Ti Tree
Distance 204k
Ride time 8:15:23
Avg speed 24.7
Max 33.2
Elevation gain 736

Day one began with a quick look over the city of Alice from ANZAC hill and then we were on our way north and there to greet us was our old friend, the 30k/ph head wind.
It didn't take long for the peloton of two to gel and get 5 minute rotations happening and setting the standard of 35k before the 1st yellow room was called.
Traffic was great and we had several toots of encouragement, the truckies were very considerate and gave us plenty of room on the road.
The landscape was in constant change, from green grass and stunted trees to rocky outcrops and mountain ranges. Red dirt and ant hills to a mango farm, which had the best mango ice cream.
A quick 10k TTT into Ti Tree before the ice cream melted so we could have ice cream at the end of our first days ride
Thanks to our road crew Kev and Connor for setting up camp for the night

Day two Ti Tree to Devils Marbles
Distance 200k
Ride time 7:30:38
Avg speed 26.6
Max 44.3
Elevation gain 490

Today I awoke to the rain softly drumming on the corrugated iron roof and the warmth of the still smouldering coal in the fire place. Then my alarm went off and the drumming sound was rain on my swag. I lay there wondering how do I get out of this thing without getting everything inside wet.

The rain eased and with no breeze to speak of we left our road crew snoozing and headed off toward morning tea at the infamous Barrow creek pub, 90k down the road. We rolled into Barrow creek a little wet and had the remainder of last nights dinner heated up on wraps. The bar tender had yarns of a Smiddy group that had visited the day before. You have got to try the burgers he told me, the other guys said you can't beat them.

Further down the road at Ali Curung, Captain Kevvy was stopped by the local police and was asked to participate in a roadside breath test, passing with flying colours.

The clouds were forming spectacular shapes and layers and in those clouds was more rain and we rode the last 17k in the wet.

Hot showers and a comfy bed and dinner in the Wauchope pub, drifting off to sleep to the sound of rain on the roof and Kevvy snoring on the bottom bunk.

Day Three Devils Marbles to Tennant Creek
Distance 116k
Ride time 4:54:51
Avg speed 23.5
Max 30.9
Elevation gain 610

One of the things I wanted to see on this trip was the sunrise at Devils Marbles. But Mother nature had other ideas. It rained from the moment we arrived at our overnight stop at the Wauchope caravan park until after we rolled out the next day. A short 10k roll to Devils Marbles but we missed the sunrise due to the cloud cover but were treated to the wonderment of rock formation. We walked around in amazement at what nature has developed.

Today was also the first time I have ever seen Kevy with a camera, yes he took some pics and no it was not a box brownie.

We came across an Italian guy 'Romeo', who was spending three months cycling around Australia before heading to Alaska. We rode with him for awhile as he talked of his adventures and love of travel. His bike and gear weighed in at around 50kg.

Into Tennant Creek, domestics done, crew fed on a great minestrone soup. A call from long time Smiddy rider Kate Warren and then off to bed.

Day Four Tennant Creek to Renner Springs
Distance 160.8
Ride time 5:23:14
Avg speed 29.9
Max 60.2
Elevation gain 739m

Awesome day with a tailwind for most of it.
Stopped in at the three ways servo, is that a coffee machine I spy? Well yes it is, make sure you try the coffee.
Stopped in at Banka Banka for lunch, what a great place and wonderful hospitality. Can you find the pot of gold.
There is a hut that was constructed in the 1920 from mud bricks made from the local anthills. The roof of the hut was made to prevent the sun drying out bricks.

A sunset trip to Lubars lookout just south of Renner Springs produced some great photos. The colours from the sunrises and sunsets on the trip have been nothing short of spectacular.

The score card stands at
60 signs are a tie
Mel two up on the windmill count.
Road crew are one up in the pool comp.

Bye for now.

Mel, Mick, Kevvy and Conner

ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY 2016

DAY 9 Roadside Camp to Uluru

Final Blog By: Sharky

Stats For The Day
Distance:161 km's
Average: 29 km/h
Max Speed: 43.1 km/h
Climbing: 254 metres
Riding time: 5hrs 33min
Temp Min: 1 degrees
Temp Max: 23.6 degrees
Wind Conditions: Tailwind for most of the day

As I sit and write this final blog I am on the Virgin flight home to Brisbane via Sydney. Waiting for me at Brisbane airport will be my dear Wife Alyssa and a baby bump that I am sure has increased in size since I left home on May 30. Most of the riders flew out yesterday, while the road crew all left in convoy this morning at 6am to return the six hired vehicles to Adelaide. For the road crew they are rundown and tired but return to Adelaide with an enormous sense of accomplishment, of a job well done, riders delivered safe and safe to their destination at Ayres Rock.

Blog Dedicated to Road Crew
Our job as riders is hard, bloody hard as this trip proved, but without those amazing individuals that make up our esteemed road crew, who gave up two weeks of their time to work from before the sun came up and long after the sun went down, there would be no way any of us would have made it to the big red rock. Therefore I would like to dedicate this blog to our 'Up The Guts' road road crew that consisted of my Brother Terry, my Auntie Marie Barker, Captain Kev, David Smiddy, Sammi Jo So, John Curran, Wanyne Smith, Racel Pennisi, Nigel Harris, Colin Cross, Cath and Mick McDonald, Denise Barnett, Colin Fairchild, Trevor Menhinick, Laraine Dunn and Lynton Stretton.

On Behalf of team Smiddy of Cherie Nicolas, Wendy Muir, Krista Page, Christian Killeen, the Mater Foundation and myself, a sincere and heartfelt thank you. You guys rock!

A Cold Start
So back to the final day and packing up our final camp on what was the coldest morning of the entire trip. Frigid hands made slow work of the monumental task of packing up a camp built for 80 people. A welcome hot breakfast of eggs and bacon and Auntie Maria's heart warming porridge was again appreciated by the hungry riders and helped to warm our tummies. Our scheduled 7:30am start saw us get on the road close to 8am. The air temperature was one-degree and it was ever so good to be on the bike and moving and not standing around shivering and waiting for the start. Thankfully by the first toilet stop at 28 kilometres it had warmed up sufficiently to shred a layer or two of clothing.

A 160 kilometre last day was still a formidable distance, especially after already having 1600 kilometres in our tired legs. But on our side was our third day straight of tailwinds. The strength had gone out of the wind but the important thing was that it was still up our cracker and made the going a little easier, for which we were all extremely grateful.

Road Crew Surprise at Morning Tea
With 84 kilometres to cover to our morning tea break this distance was dispatched in around the three hour mark. Waiting for us was the final road crew surprise of the trip when we pulled up to the smell of freshly cooked pancakes! Hundreds of pancakes, coated with maple syrup and bananas were demolished in record time. It was here also that family members of some of the riders came out to greet us, which provided a lovely buzz throughout the peloton. A couple of former Smiddy riders were there as well in Claire Schneider and Alicia Cross-Newman.

Uluru - Here We Come and The Final Chuddle
From morning tea the final stage of a further 50 kilometres began and Ayres Rock kept getting larger and larger the closer we got. It truly is a mesmerizing sight and I understand now why they say you can't truly appreciate it from photos and seeing it on the TV. Lunch was at the Rock, as was the final huddle, which was turned into a Chuddle. I invited David Smiddy to stand in the centre, the girl riders were invited to crush him, then the road crew, followed by the many supporters that turned up to see us finish, then finally the male riders. Brendan Whipps and Matt Muir were then invited to say the final words for this final day 9 Chuddle. They spoke magnificently and with passion and emotion and I could not have been happier.

I wanted David to be infused with so much positive energy from this group that he would go out and be strong and survive until the next Smiddy infusion in August for the Brisbane to Townsville Challenge.

After the Chuddle the final road crew prepared lunch was devoured as we viewed the majestical beauty of the enormous Rock. Riders were then invited to do the 10 kilometre lap of Uluru to take in the Rock from all sides or to make their own way back to our accommodation at Yulara. Most chose to do the lap while a small group scuttled back to the comfort of a lovely Hotel room and hot refreshing shower. The journey back to Yulara measured 30 kilometres. Which in my head fitted nicely to make up that missed 30 kilometres on day four due to the dangerous crosswinds where we were transported 30 kilometres to camp 1 in the Smiddy vehicles.

Final Smiddy Function
The final function of the event was held at the Sails Resort and with so many family members present the group expanded to over 110 guests. All the usual Smiddy traditions took place! With a few little extras that included Bretty and Roger asking each rider to stand up to acknowledge their Adelaide to Uluru nickname. The two boys sat at the back of the peloton to shepherd the group and to pass away time would make up nicknames for everyone. It was entertaining and one of those things where you had to be there to appreciate it. I assure you it was funny and they did a great job on it.

Also thanks to some last minute big money donations coming in on the night the fundraising total was pushed beyond $400,000. Thank you to David Gyte for pumping up his LMG customers to throw into the kitty in excess of $10k and to Smiddy rider Zane Williams, who sponsored Whippsy to get his legs waxed by 7 of the lads to the tune of $10k. All I can say is that I am gobsmacked! From an idea to ride up the guts of Australia, has made for the Mater Foundation, a massive amount of money that will got towards the cutting edge research that we know is making significant inroads to cancer care through Mater Research.

Thank you Smiddy Riders
Before I go I just want to to thank the riders for their perseverance, determination and extreme patience over the past nine days. It is never easy taking on a new event, let alone an event that travels through the Australian outback. It tested the team at Smiddy and it pushed the road crew to the brink of their volunteering capacity. But in the end, as always, human perseverance prevailed; mateship and pushing aside individual egos is what got us through those past nine days. We accomplished our goal only because we did it as a team. For that alone, you are to be congratulated. Each and every one of you should feel extremely proud. The next time a breakthrough happens in cancer care, please know that in our small but significant way we had a part to play in that.

Think about that... How special to be able to say to family and friends that you helped to save someone's life?

I am humbled to have been in the company of such great people.

A small piece of you will always remain with me in my soul.

Please take care and I hope one day I am fortunate enough to share your company again.

Cheers

Sharky

ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY 2016

DAY 8 Kulgera Roadhouse To Roadside Camp

Blog By: Sharky

Stats For The Day
Distance: 208 km's
Average: 31.3 km/h
Max Speed: 42.2 km/h
Climbing: 328 metres
Riding time: 6hrs 41 min
Temp Min: 5 degrees
Temp Max: 15 degrees
Wind: Tailwind all day - You little ripper!

Today the planets aligned and the rider group was gifted with the utmost perfect conditions for a human to be on a bike. With a 208 kilometre stage needed to get to our second roadside camping spot we needed this day like no other. What was delivered on a silver platter to the very appreciative riders was a continuous tailwind of 206 kilometres, with the last 125 kilometres a direct tailwind that measured 35km/h. Only for two kilometres did we feel that same wind become a crosswind when the road tilted back to the North.

Spirits were incredibly high in the group and for the first time all week we were coming in early for the scheduled stops. The rider leaders did an incredible job containing the cheetahs in the group to keep the average speed at a constant level. Parts of this incredible day the entire peloton was whizzing along comfortably at 40km/h! What a gift and what a buzz it created.

Once again the road crew excelled in providing food fit for a king and the highlight of the day was definitely lunch when we were treated to a hot stew. As lovely as the sandwiches and wraps are the hot food was truly a lovely change and most appreciated by the eating machines called Smiddy riders. Maria Smiddy was always in charge of the food for the ride up to Townsville and would quite often surprise the group with treats such as what we got today. So thank you road crew, for I know Marie would be incredible proud of you lot, for, not what you did today, but for every day that you have been on the road.

Thanks to the awesome conditions today we got into camp early at 3pm, which gave everyone time to set up their swags, have a shower, prepare all their stuff for the final day into Uluru tomorrow, but most importantly plenty enough time to get stitched up to the high nine for the Hawaiian themed night. The outfits are hilarious and in the middle of Winter here we are, 80 silly buggers, perfectly comfortable dressed in Hawaiian attire. The atmosphere has been electric all day, especially since we made our first left hand turn in over a thousand kilometres at the sign that said Uluru/Ayres Rock this way...

As we bled the last of the daylight a group photo was taken in the beautiful calming and subdued orange glow of a sensational sunset as we stood on top of a small mound of dirt with Mt Conner in the background. It was all very peaceful and somehow life-affirming. For me personally it has been a hard tour, both mentally and physically. Becoming a first time Dad I am experiencing emotions a little foreign to me. I have struggled mentally being away from my Wife Alyssa as I yearn to share every single solitary minute of the 9 month baby bliss journey. Yet at the same time, being around this latest lot of Smiddy inmates has been another one of those moments in time where I would not swap this experience for all the material possessions in the world. Tonight, as we gathered around the camp fire and shared all the usual Smiddy transitions, which included two great but sad talks by Steve and Bretty, I decided on the spur of the moment to share my thoughts with the group.

The whole day yesterday I felt extremely emotional and was thinking a lot about Maria, Adam, Geoff Honey, Declan Hegarty, Herman Herlaar, Brad Hartman and so many other Smiddy friends we have lost over the years, but strangely enough there were no tears. I knew that David Smiddy was struggling yesterday as well and I sought him out and assured him I was in the same room, that dreaded room of pain. Well those tears may not have rolled then but they surely did this afternoon as we rolled into our roadside camp.

Another dream so close to becoming reality, shared with 46 other riders and 20 road crew, who are all on the same wave-length. This delightfully refreshing and energetic energy this group is generating could power a small city. Once again a positive bubble of Smiddy energy has engulfed the group and as I said to everyone tonight; "If we could bottle this energy and sell it to the world there would be no evil or diseases in this beautiful world." While I know thats not possible, in my head I know we are making a difference to a lot of people anyway.

So in closing I will give you a few highlights from today

How often do you get to do a ride that gifts you with a 206km tailwind? Not often let me assure you, and today that was the highest of highlights.

2. How often do you get to see one of your fellow riders ride nude for 20 kilometres as a means of raising thousands of dollars for Smiddy and the Mater? Well only once I am hoping as the sight of Richard stark naked in the middle of the peloton saw many riders bring up their afternoon tea!

3. Kirsteen you deserve a million dollars for being the first wheel behind Richard for that longest ever 20 kilometres!

4. Dig In Dougie was the proud recipient of the special category jersey for living up to his knickname. Doug has dug in every day to complete the stages up to day 8. One to go champ.

5. Road crew Mick and Cath were awarded the special category jersey tonight because they have supported the Swarbrick riders for 3 years now and always done it in an unofficial capacity, that is until this journey. They are a retired couple and two of the loveliest people you could hope to meet. Congratulations guys.

6. Adrian Cross and his Father Colin were given the honour of doing the huddle this afternoon. What a lovely experience for Father (Road Crew and Son (Rider) to share a Smiddy experience.

7. Smiddy rider Nick Thorpe was given the honour of ringing the Cow Bell by Captain Kev as Nick lives in Darwin and we crossed the border into the Northern Territory yesterday.

8. The Kill Man was acknowledged due to pouring his heart and soul into this event since 2014. We hope after tomorrow's stage and final run into Uluru that he can let his hair down and enjoy the fruits of his labour.

9. To love ones back home that have a rider or road crew member that is part of this event. Smiddy always, and I mean always, attracts like-minded people that care enough to get out there and do something for people that can't help themselves. Sure we all do it for other reasons; the adventure, the travel, the friendships, the comaraderie, the fundraising, the early prevention tests and ultimately the cure for cancer, but after a few days of being engulfed in the Smiddy bubble, they all soon realise they are doing it to help ease, the great man, David Smiddy's pain. He hides it through his jokes, his smart arse demeanor, his big hearty laugh, his enormous hugs that could only have been learned from Maria. But inside this beautiful kind hearted man is someone that is hurting so bad that his heart feels like it's being crushed in a vice. So you see, your love ones, that you have so kindly supported to allow them to do this event, are helping us to save a man that I would take on as a Father if I did not already have that Angel already in my life in Ozzie Smoothy.

Over the past 8 days I have seen all of them, riders, road crew, pour out the depths of their soul to get to where we are today. They have suffered like dogs, they have cried and they have laughed so hard it hurts. Their determination to complete each stage is beyond belief. None of us could do it on our own, yet together we refuse to give in and support each other as if we were at the height of a battle, which in same ways we are.

So I guess what I am trying to say is be proud of them for what they have achieved over the past week. They will all return to you better people, they were good people before this event already, but now they are folklore great!

I know a big loving hug awaits all you love ones when you see them again. Thank you again from myself and the team at Smiddy and the Mater Foundation. We are in awe of them all, and in awe of your support back home.

Take care.

Sharky

ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY 2016

DAY 7 Marla To Kulgera Roadhouse

Blog By: Melissa Speare and Mick Farrag

Stats For The Day
Distance: 181 km's
Average: 28.9 km/h
Max Speed: 42 km/h
Climbing: 340 metres
Riding time: 6hrs 16min
Temp Min: 4 degrees
Temp Max: 14 degrees
Wind: Light Tailwind all day from the South


"What do you need to grow? Love!"

Dedicated to Geoff Honey

With a late start of 7am today, riders and road crew began the day with a warm breaky served at the Marla Roadhouse.

As the sun rose this morning in Marla we took a quiet moment to remember our good friend and fellow Smiddy family member, Geoff Honey, who shared in many of our adventures from Sydney to Townsville. As we rolled out, those of us who have ridden with Geoff, remember and shared stories of the true gentleman who we were so lucky to get to know. We were fortunate to begin our Smiddy adventures with Geoff in 2012 and join with him again in 2014. Many others shared rides in 2013 and 2015. Those who had not shared adventures with Geoff, shared in our sadness of his passing, knowing how incredibly special all of our Smiddy family is.

While we may ride our bikes ridiculous distances, in stupid crazy conditions, none of this would happen without so many of our family and friends joining the Smiddy family, whether they realise it or not. We know that day after day of being battered on our bikes, we need to boost each other to get us all safely to our destination.

More than ever, we see that it is not just us riders that make up this magnificent family, but each of our families is indeed such a special part of this enormous Smiddy family, whether they realise it or not.

We may not have all met but we have a common bond and care for each other as they cheer us on day after day with messages of love, holding the fort at home and work, caring for children and taking on the full load of looking after home and other responsibilities.

The care and support we see and feel...the Smith family helping out mine to ensure my son gets to Uluru safely so I can hug him at the finish line. Thank you so much Smith family. It means the world to me..

...The love messages from work mates that fill inboxes and message banks that you hear coming through as we ride into mobile range...

...The care packages that riders open each morning with words of love and encouragement that are recalled and sometimes shared during the struggles and joys of our days on the road.

To our family...Its your magnificence and the love of you all that allows us to grow, take a risk and achieve our goals...thank you!

As for our day on the road...

Well it was pretty spectacular where the peloton seemed to roll effortlessly from beginning to end. 181km day - our shortest day yet saw the first toilet break scheduled for 45km bought forward to 15km. A little early for many, I know, but for me the timing could not have been more perfect. From here on the day seemed to whip by with morning tea upon us by 10.30 am.

From here our schedule changed to take our lunch break at the SA/NT border where happy snaps galore took place to commemorate the last 7 days journey from Adelaide. From lunch we mount our bikes with a new excitement and buzz amongst the group, particularly as Raymondo, Gytey and Diesel strive to take the crown of cadence king. Raymondo grabbed the jeweled adornment with gusto with an average cadence of 100 over the distance of the day. Makes me dizzy just thinking about it.

With the peleton working like clockwork all day long, we make great time as we hit our resting place for the night by 3.15.

An all time first smiddy huddle led by Peter Taylor in the driveway of the Kulgera roadhouse
The days pricilla award won by Mal Bourke for holding up the prime real estate of the ladies toilet.
Teamwork awards went to Deb Gillespie and Neil Sherrington.

Derek - our resident cycling poet has bought us to tears with his recollection of the days events. He has penned yet another spectacularly hilarious recollection of todays antics which we're sure you'll enjoy, however, I think we'll have to leave the publishing to another Smiddy blog, as we have expired our word count.

Goodnight.
X
Mel and Mick.

ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUYS ODYSSEY 2016

Day 6 Coober Pedy To Marla

Blog By: Sharky

Distance: 237 km's
Average: 26.9 km/h
Max Speed: 34 km/h
Climbing: 400 metres
Riding time: 8hrs 45min
Temp Min: 3 degrees
Temp Max: 18 degrees
Wind: Very light winds all day from the side and tailwind evening

Geoff Honey
Blog Dedication to Geoff Honey, who tragically passed away today after suffering a heart attack a week ago. - 3 time Smiddy rider for the Brisbane to Townsville Challenge. Our thoughts go out to Geoff's family and friends. Many of the Smiddy riders doing this current event knew Geoff and we are all devastated and extremely sad. Tomorrow morning we will have a minutes silence prior to roll out to think of our fallen mate.

Today's stage from Coobey Pedy to the small town of Marla was our biggest stage of the entire trip at 237 kilometres. We prayed for favorable conditions to help the weary riders complete such an epic day and that is just what we got, a brilliant day that allowed us to finish in daylight at 5pm. Everyone is extremely tired and the list of rider injuries climbs each day. Riding 237 kilometres fresh is a hard ask, but 5 days in and over a 1000 kilometres on weary legs is another thing. But as per usual everyone just sucked it up and got on with the job of completing today's stage. The peloton rolled out at 6:15am and were treated to a spectacular big country sunrise an hour into the ride.

Right from the get go there was always a very slight westerly wind, which basically meant that it was at our left side but pushing us forward, hence the reason we were able to get in before dark. I'd hate to think what time we would have finished if the winds from the previous day's had returned... Anyway we were all extremely grateful and felt we had earned the good conditions on a day we duly needed it.

I am really struggling to write again tonight so please understand when I say I need to sleep and will finish with 10 Sharky top highlights from today.

Brendan Whipps had to sit out day 5 due to saddle rash so severe he went to Coobey Pedy Hospital to get patched up. The Doctor on duty took one look at it and said; "I don't get paid enough to go anywhere near that!" So the nurse was given the honour of patching up Whippsy cheese grater bum cheeks. Anyway the big man came back today, wearing just 1 pair of Knicks, no double knicking for 'Buster Butt Cheeks Whippsy' and he completed the entire stage today.

2. Malcolm Bourke was out sick with the flu yesterday as well and made a welcome comeback for today's stage from lunch onwards. It was good to have him back as that man loves to whistle and sing really bad tunes, which helps to keep us all awake.

3. Tamara Vella has also been out for the past 2 days not feeling well but is hoping to join us again for tomorrow's 180 kilometre stage. We miss Tamara's happy demeanor and long for her return.

4. Gary Stewart joined us this year for his first Smiddy event and completed the first 2 days before he had to retire with an achillies that blew up to golf ball size proportions. Tonight he won the special Smiddy jersey for helping out road crew while injured and then making a return to the peloton today to complete the entire 237km stage.

5. Special call out to Sammi-Jo So, Rachel Pennisi and Tony Ganter, who without their expertise in Physio and Massage so many of us riders would not be able to continue. Rachel and Sammi-Jo worked tirelessly all day and then into the night after the main meal and festivities. While Tony rides all day and then steps up when needed to help the girls at night. Amazing effort guys.

6. Our bike mechanic in Trevor Menhinick is our most indispensable guy. Each day the que to see Trevor gets longer and he is always there for us. Thank you so much mate for keeping our bikes in tip top shape and allowing us to keep getting closer to the big red rock.

7. Another group that we could not get by without are the crew that keep us safe on the road. Nigel and Colin, John and Wayne in two lead cars alerting traffic to our presence and providing snacks and water, and of course Captain Kev in the Smiddy rear car and Rachel and Trevor in the bike van that travels behind Kev and always ready to swing in action when needed. You guys rock and it is so nice knowing you are there and always looking out for us.

8. Roger Hawley and Kim Grylls did the huddle tonight and spoke proudly of how well the group had pulled together over the course of this event. Roger also confessed that he had a bad day for the first 200km's but came good for the last 37km's. This made Peter Barnett very happy as Peter had to sit out today with achillies problems and was amazed that someone as strong as Roger could have a bad day.

9. Fantastic to see the group really bonding and riding as a team. We could not do what we are doing without each other and it shows out there more and more each day. It happens in every Smiddy events but the longer and harder the event the more so. It is beautiful to behold and I want to take them all home with me when this event wraps up, but we only have one guest bedroom!

10. Road crew, what can I say that has not already been said? Besides all the normal day to day and nighttime duties these amazing people do for us, here is just one story of the extent they will go to to look after a fellow rider. Melissa Speare lost her bike shoes and had to sit out day 5 of the ride. Road crew tore every vehicle part, every suitcase, every day bag and finally every swag and finally they were found inside Mel's swag! Road crew you are unique and Mel, well she won the nightly Priscilla Award as voted by her peers.

That's it from me and I am pleased to hand the blog over to Mel and Mick Farrag for day 7 who have volunteered to give me a night off.

Cheers,

Sharky

ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY 2016

DAY 5 Roadside Camp to Coober Pedy

Blog By Kirsteen and Janet
We dedicate this blog to Professor Rick Speare and his loving family.

Distance:202 km's
Average:26 km/h
Max Speed: 36 km/h
Climbing:425 metres
Riding time: 7hrs 43min
Temp Min: 8 degrees
Temp Max: 17 degrees
Wind: Crosswind morning/Tailwind evening

A day in the Peloton on a Smiddy ride always gives you time for reflection & today was no exception.  The theme of gratefulness has been on our minds. The last time we wrote the blog was in 2013 on the Brisbane to Townsville challenge when the 3 Powerpuff Girls from Townsville were so weary in Clermont we could hardly process our thoughts. Tonight we are probably no better and are only 2 missing our 3rd Powerpuff Girl.... We did offer Johno an honary membership but he politely declined- can't think why.

Our day (not at Bon Bon) to Coober Pedy started with an amazing cooked breakfast from the amazing road crew. Time was of the essence as we had to make up our kms from the day before. As in previous days the weather forecast sounded promising. With optimism in our hearts roll out was on time and we were sent on our way with the traditional bell ringing by Cath a fellow north Queenslander.

There were a few riders sadly sitting out the days festivities in the sag wagon due to a variety of ailments, aches and pains and the mysterious case of a pair of missing cycling shoes. Now for the cycling uninitiated you can't ride your bike with funny pedals without special funny shoes. So for one rider a frustrating day indeed.

Gone with the wind
Now the wind was teasing us with a tantalising taste of a tail wind but it was erratic to say the least. The vista from the bike was kms of semi - barren wasteland, beautiful in its own way. Again we were tested with side winds and the occasional head wind for good measure. A few things also  went flying - water bottle , a hanky - which landed in a wheel,a pseudo snake and a few tempers.

After lunch we saw a return to a peloton yeehaa with speeds nudging into the 40's. This was not to last with the return of you guessed it -the crosswind!

Shortly after 5pm we rolled into Coober Pedy and after feasting on fine Italian dining we are all underground for the night. Our cosy environment makes us grateful to be out of the cold and wind. Tomorrow is another day,  big one of 237km to back up our 200 km day today. We pray for the weather gods to take pity on our weary bodies and we are reminded of all the things we are grateful for.

Grateful to wake up cosy in our swags to the beautiful stars this morning.

Grateful for the wonderful road crew that look after us all so well. Be it cooking breakfast, laundry, massaging and patching us up , we are eternally grateful for all you do for the riders.

Grateful for packing our gear up and grateful to Trevor our wonderful mechanic.

Grateful for the Ya Ya  Sisterhood of the Travelling lycra pants. Our peloton has a cohort of strong female riders. Their spirit has been tested in many ways by the elements but they have all remained strong - that is the Smiddy way. We are grateful for their company and friendship.

Grateful for the weather yes really! Because without it we wouldn't know we could be driven to the brink and how strong we can be. We wouldn't have the opportunity to feel alive although at times battered by the elements.

Grateful for the friendships and connections that happens because of Smiddy. On Sunday night a message came to Kirsteen from Carleen. Someone she met in Africa. Carleen wanted to make a donation and mentioned her friends were here to! Carleen sent a hug to Denise and the connection was made. Late in 2013 they had met previously at the school of St Jude in Tanzania. How amazing is the Smiddy family that joins us all together.

Everyday we see mateship, sprit and teamwork on this adventure and for that we are humbly grateful.

Signing out
Janet, Kirsteen & Johno.

ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY 2016

DAY 4 Woomera to Roadside Camp

Blog By Sharky

Distance: 147 km's
Average: 20 km/h
Max Speed: 25 km/h
Climbing: 339 metres
Riding time: 7hrs 21min
Temp Min: 4 degrees
Temp Max: 16 degrees
Wind: Crosswind/Headwind 50km/h
Windmills: nil
White horses: nil

Thank you to Ollie Clissold for last night taking on the extreme stress of writing the blog on a day that reminded us why we love to ride our bikes. Ollie had the blog written by 5:30pm thanks to the early arrival of the peloton into Woomera at 3:30pm. I was immensely jealous.

Your messages of support were very much appreciated by the riders as they were read out tonight In Coober Pedy. Keep them coming as they make a difference marksharkysmoothy@gmail.com

After yesterday's run of amazing weather it was back to the hard yards as we rolled out at 6:40am in blustery wind and rain.

Day 4 was 205 kilometres and took us from Woomera to Bon Bon, which is just a rest stop by the side of the road. But things took a turn for the worse, when at the 147 kilometre water and toilet stop, the tough decision was made to cancel the days stage.

All day the riders were battling ever increasing crosswinds that were as strong as 50km/h and gusting even higher, which saw the peloton averaging just over 20km/h. Basically at the 147 kilometre point it was already 3pm, and realistically to cover another 63 kilometres would see us finishing well after dark. Once the decision was made, the riders had to leave their bikes where they were and bodies were ferried to the newly relocated and closer campsite 30 kilometres down the road.

As many road crew vehicles were used as possible to shuttle the riders, but many riders were left behind and had to seek shelter where they could out of the wind. By the time the last of the riders were brought to the camp it was close to dark and there were some very cold bodies that needed some serious warming up.

The road crew worked furiously to set up camp and prepare food as the riders got changed into warm clothes. No one bothered to even have a camp shower as it was just too windy and cold. A fire was our saving grace and it was there that we congregated tonight to eat and continue on with a few of our traditions. The huddle was completed after we had all eaten and was a Smiddy first around the campfire. Matt Muir was given the honour of doing the huddle due to being involved in a crash at around the 135 kilometre mark. Thankfully it was a low speed crash and will be a little sore but in good spirits and is definitely riding tomorrow.

I will finish now by saying how proud I am of the peloton that they all just accepted the decision that was made and set about helping make the process run as smoothly as possible. I was not surprised as they are Smiddy riders and made of the right stuff. None sweat the small things in life and are grateful just to be alive. We choose to be out here doing what we are doing. Having cancer you don't get a choice. These tough days I dedicate to those that can't do what we are absolutely privileged to be able to do.

To put this day into perspective; in 10 years of Smiddy events, today and a part of a stage in Tasmania in 2013 was missed due to inclement and dangerous weather. The important thing is that everyone is safe and still in good spirits going by the laughter around the campfire tonight.

Another Smiddy first tonight and this time by me. At a touch over 600 words this is the shortest blog I have ever written!

Tomorrow our beautiful Townsville ladies in Janet and Kirsteen will be delivering the blog as I look forward to another night off and a bit more sleep.

Take care.

Sharky

2016 ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY

DAY 3 Port Augusta To Woomera

Distance: 178km's
Average: 26 km/h
Max Speed: 42km/h
Climbing: 675 metres
Riding time: 7:30
Temp Min: Minus 9 degrees
Temp Max: 19 degrees
Wind:Very light crosswinds and tailwind in the afternoon.
Windmills: nil
White horses: nil

Blog By: Ollie Clissold

What a pleasure it was wake up without the wind and rain of the first two days. The forecast was good and the skies were blue as we assembled and signed in for the day with the usual bountiful breakfast put on by our amazing road crew. We were all looking forward to a day of flat dry conditions on the Stuart Highway.
We started the ride with our acknowledgement of the traditional owners of the countries through which we were to ride today, the Nukunu and Banggarla people. We paid our respects to the people, their culture and their elders, past, present and future. Sadly, both the Nukunu and Banggarla languages are now moribund, with no known speakers since census and research in the 1970s. In recent years, the Banggarla people have undertaken a language reclamation initiative to try to revive the language based on some 170 year old documents. We reflected, as we do each morning, on the long history of the people who inhabited these regions and the importance of recognising and acknowledging their special relationship to the land.

It was a relatively late start today, at 7 am, but we felt we had deserved the lie in after the brutal 215 kms from Clare into that headwind and rain. We turned right out of town to be greeted by a sign directing us to Alice Springs and Darwin, which listed the names against some intimidating numbers of kilometres to the north. The cold temperatures had us wrapped up in our various colours of outer layers and you might not have recognised it for the Smiddy peloton had it not been for the excellent formation riding and discipline, assured by the great example set by our ride leaders. We snaked our way northwards as the sun rose to greet us and warm our weary limbs. As the temperature rose, the peloton slowly exfoliated layer after layer until, by morning tea, we were, for the first time this trip, all proudly displaying our recognisable Smiddy attire. We settled in to a good rhythm and without the wind and rain we could finally enjoy each other’s company and get to know each other through the traditional passing conversations and jokes up and down the line.

We all know that starting a Smiddy day can be cold, dark and confusing, and people can be forgiven for making silly mistakes. Dougie Hughes however, has managed to pick out mismatched socks for three days in a row. Fluorescent pink on one side and yellow on the other, you’d almost think that he was doing it on purpose!

We were pleasantly surprised by the road surface, pretty smooth and very few holes to point out. The only real danger was the cattle grids every few kilometres, especially with the unpredictable location of the expansion breaks. Some riders managed to hop almost the full grid while most of us just rose to the occasion to save our bruised behinds. The rattling over the second grid saw Andrew Freebie lose his front light while Kevin Moultree blew a spoke.

At morning tea, we noted that Jayden Swarbrick had ‘been here’ from the graffiti over the latrines, although he denied any connection!

Some of us were fooled by what appeared to be Uluru in the distance, almost like a scale model on the horizon, a mirage perhaps!

We had covered most of the ‘serious’ climbing in the first two days, but we still seemed to be doing a fair share of uphill, albeit very gentle by Smiddy standards. Some of us decided we would need to redefine the categorisation system for the climbs on this trip, and declared the 2 percenter that we were on a ‘Cat 3’ climb by these standards. Perhaps the only ‘HC’ climb on this trip would be Uluru itself. A friend of mine told me he would sponsor me $100 for the ride, as long as I promised that I would not be climbing Uluru when we arrived there; he felt strongly about that issue. I’m always looking for smart ways to increase the sponsorship for this fantastic cause, so I told him another friend had already offered me $200 if I did climb Uluru. He promptly increased his offering to $200, and made me wonder what other types of auction we might create to raise more funds!

There would certainly be no ‘king of the mountains’ award on this trip, but we did have a couple of Queens of the Desert awarded the night before and Andrew Freebie and Adrian Cross dutifully wore their rainbow gloves and other adornments for the whole day.

Lunch was served at the Maria Café by a pipeline that seemed to go on forever, some of us sat on the pipe to eat our lunch, I think that just being able to sit on something that wasn’t a bike seat was a welcome relief! As we left the lunch area, Harry Notaras managed to get himself involved in a single vehicle accident by trying to balance against a guide post, which turned out to be one of the fallover types!.

Bretty Geoble worried Kim Gryllis by repeatedly asking ‘have you seen my glasses’, she replied ‘they are on you’; ‘where’ he said, patting down his pockets and looking around himself; ‘on you!’, Kim insisted, ‘on your face’!
We had a welcome guest on our ride today, Aaron, who became a great supporter and sponsor this year. He joined us for dinner and caught the midnight bus back home to Port Augusta; what a legend!

We had a few road trains roar past us today, some blaring their sirens as they past, and demonstrating a full range of the Doppler Effect to our ears.

As we approached Woomera, we were pleased to note it was still light and something triggered one of those amazing Smiddy hug-fests, the end of a hard day and the celebration of friends, old and new.

Cheers,

Ollie 'Oozo' Clissold

2016 ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY

DAY 2 - CLARE TO PORT AUGUSTA

Distance: 215 km's
Average: 23.1 km/h
Max Speed: 67 km/h
Climbing: 1158 metres
Descending: 1155 metres
Riding time: 9hr 20min
Temp Min: Minus 6 degrees
Temp Max: 14 degrees
Wind: Crosswind with plenty of sideways rain
Road Kill by: 3 Skippies, 1 Dove, 1 UFO (unidentifiable fat object) 1 Body lying on the side of the road holding a camera (Denise - Photographer)
Windmills: 11
White horses: 5

Port Augusta Function
As I write this we are halfway through, what will be, the final official function at Port Augusta until the end of the trip when we reach Uluru. Besides all our Smiddy traditions of road kill, stats for the day, category jerseys, which were won by Tamara Vella for day 1 and Harry Notaras for today, and blog reading, we had our first speaker of this Smiddy tour in Kevin Moultrie, who tonight shared with the group the story of his 20 year old Son, now 21, who was diagnosed with Leukemia and was a survivor thanks to the research into this cancer. Thanks mate for breaking the ice and paving the way for our other speakers on each of the nights.

Also a special presentation of a framed Smiddy event jersey was made by Nigel Harris to recognize the wonderful support of LMG since 2007 to Simon Rowe and David Gyte. What amazing loyalty from a company to stand by our side for 9 years now. In that time Bottlemart and LMG and now South Australia Sip and Save, have been responsible for raising many hundreds of thousands of dollars for Smiddy and the Mater.

Lastly we had a couple of fun awards where a couple of riders get to wear fancy dress over the duration of the next days ride. Adrian Cross was awarded one for owning up, under pressure of course, that he prefers to wear ladies bike pants over male, purely for the fit right mate? No other reason right? We believe you old mate... And good old Andrew Freibe was duly paid out on thanks to enjoying the final descent so much that he failed to stop at the designated regroup station. This resulted in a lift in the road crew car and luckily missing out on the special Paris-Roibax and Hell of the North combined 20km bumpy road into Port Augusta.

Demons In Your Head
So today's stage from Clare to Port Augusta was one of those days where you questioned why you were out there. You constantly fought the demons in your head that wanted you to stop. You questioned your sanity to continue. For me personally I had all those thoughts and more circulating constantly in my frozen and sodden brain for the first 100 kilometres, which, coincidentally, I can tell you, took us close to 5 hours to complete at an average speed of a touch over 20km/h. That in itself will tell you the hell we went through.

But anyway I wanted to share with you a mantra that I repeat in my head on days like yesterday and today. "If it was easy then everyone would be doing it." I am kind of proud that I, along with my Smiddy friends, get to do stuff on the bike that most would deem stupid and irresponsible, but we get to do it and save lives. Pretty amazing hey? Anyway this mantra of mine was used that first ride up to Townsville, and pretty much every ride since, but mostly I needed it to get my butt around Australia. I definitely used it over and over these past 2 days. Actually I find myself using it more and more over the years as my aging body protests to any extraordinary activities. Which is basically every Smiddy event! Anyway there is a reason you don't see any cyclists riding to Uluru from Adelaide. It is a tough gig, and as all the new Smiddy riders will now attest, doing it with Smiddy means the distances alone are going to test you. Throw in inclement weather conditions and your chosen Smiddy event will try to bring you to your knees. Try as it does, Smiddy riders are made of stern stuff and quitting is not an option.

So as it is now 11:30 pm and I am bone dead tired and my brain is struggling to make sense of the words that are appearing on the screen, I am going to finish this up with a few quick high and lows from another epic 12 hour day.

1. I asked Mick Farrag what was his prediction on today's weather, he said; "showers in the morning and afternoon and strong crosswinds." He then proceeded to start the ride without his rain jacket and the heavens opened and we were drenched and freezing cold.

2. Nearly 4 hours to cover 77km's into morning tea. That mantra was needed and boy were we hungry when we arrived.

3. I can't believe how good this present crop of riders bladder control is. The first toilet stop was some 2 and a half hours into the mornings stage. In that time I stopped twice and scrambled each time to get back on the peloton. Thanks Zane for pacing me back on. No-one else went, they all held on. You guys are amazing!

4. We started in darkness and finished in darkness some 12 hours later. That is a long day in anyone's book.

5. Ride leaders today put in some bloody hard yards. Hats off to you guys for all the help you offered different riders throughout today. Also to anyone else that stepped up to help out, which I saw a lot of today. Nice work.

6. Getting through that crosswind section after morning tea that had the group pinned at 14km/h for up 20 to 25 kilometres. The battering we took was legendary and I hope never to experience that again!

7. The entire day the way the group worked together, the rotations just got better and slicker. How good we will be when we strike a good conditions day...

8. The 6.5km climb and similar distance descent was a last chance for the lads to have a hit out. While Andrew won the KOM he was disqualified and fined $250 by Whippsy for enjoying the descent a little too much.

Okay that's it from me and I am so excited to let you know that tomorrow I have a guest blogger in Ollie 'Oozo' Clissold. Ollie is a great story teller and has been involved with Smiddy events since 2008. Thanks Ollie, I get a night off and get to go to bed before 9pm!

Take care everyone and cheers for your support to all the team. If you wish to send any messages to any of the riders just email them to me at marksharkysmoothy@gmail.com and I'll be sure to read them out to the group each night.

Sharky

2016 ADELAIDE TO ULURU - UP THE GUTS ODYSSEY

DAY 1 - ADELAIDE TO CLARE

Distance: 183.28 km's
Average: 22.4 km/h
Max Speed: 58.5 km/h
Climbing: 1501 metres
Descending: 1155 metres
Riding time: 8hr 10min
Temp Min: Minus 9 degrees
Temp Max: 12 degrees
Wind: Crosswind with plenty of sidewise rain
Road Kill by: 1 Cat, 1 lamb, 1 Rabbit and 1 padlock!
Windmills: 6 and 2 dead windmills (frame only - very sad!)
White horses: 3 live ones and 3 on a gate

Day 1 of any Smiddy ride is a game of pot luck. If the dice turns up a great day you can count your lucky stars. When the dice are not on your side then the alternative is downright scary and it happened today. The forecast was for rain and crosswinds and good old Mother Nature delivered in abundance.

Photos On The Jetty
Roll out was for 6am and the 170 kilometre day looked good on paper to provide plenty of time to meander the 15 kilometres down to Glenelg Beach, get a parting photo on the jetty with all the riders and road crew, and be sipping on a good red at one of the many Vineyards at our final destination in Clare by 2:30pm. But as experienced Smiddy riders already know, anything can, and does happen, during any Smiddy event.

Gifted With Dry Roads For First Two Hours
Already the wind was up but the rain was yet to be seen, for which we were extremely grateful. Once the happy snappy was taken, off the peloton headed in a northerly direction and directly into the headwind. Eventually after 20 kilometres of beautiful ocean views, a last glimpse was afforded as we realised no more water in an oceanic form would be enjoyed for the remainder of the journey. For any rider that was sad on leaving the Great Southern Ocean, they would not have long to wait before that very same ocean water, that had been very busy evaporating and forming heavy leaden clouds of water, would soon greet the fresh and enthusiastic peloton in not one downpour but many throughout a bloody long first day on the road.

Many Shivering Smiddy Riders
Two and a half hours into the ride and the heavens opened and in an instant we were all soaking wet. Unless of course you had a mudguard, which afforded one dry spot on the left butt cheek. Many a rider without a mudguard scrambled to sit behind the few that had them to avoid the dreaded rooster tail of water that hit you dead in the face. The windchill factor, combined with the rain, meant that temperatures were below 5 degrees for the run into morning tea. The only time any of us were warm was thanks to the continuous 20 kilometres of undulating climbing, but the regroup at the exposed top and then the long descent into the township of Gawler chilled the group to the bone. The beautiful road crew were ready and waiting and boy did they have their work cut out for them. A vast majority of us were shivering and struggled to strip off wet clothes and replace with dry ones. A special thanks to my Brother Terry and Auntie Marie for paying me some special attention.

Getting into Lunch
Thankfully the rain stopped long enough and we rolled out after a 20 minute morning tea and beautiful warmth seeped into our bodies and the constant shivering abated after approximately 10 kilometres. Our next stop was for lunch at Rhynie at the 132 kilometre point. The going was so slow due to the crosswinds and getting hit with another 3 rain squalls that each time wet the group to the bone.

Tough Days In Smiddy - This One Ranks Highly
In 10 years of doing Smiddy events I have seen some tough days and this one was right up there. I was struggling mentally and I know a few others were also. But gee I can't tell you how incredible proud I was of the group as a whole as they just sucked it up and got on with the job. For them to show this fortitude so early in the piece was just unbelievable! If anyone out there is reading this that has a rider doing the ride, please know that you would have been so bloody proud of them too. It's always hard to describe suffering in conditions such as what we experienced today. You kind of have to be here to fully understand. But when Mother Nature turns nasty it is probably best that you are not here as I know you would worry about them. The road crew do that for you and boy do they do a good job looking after us.

Rail Trail Surprise
After lunch Christian had a surprise in store for the riders; a series of rail trails that kept us off the main road for the last 34 kilometres into Seven Hills Winery. The sun came out briefly and the while the trail was beautiful it was definitely harder going than being on the main road. I do feel it will be one of those experiences we will all look back on and feel very fortunate that we were able to do it. The closer we got to Clare the colder the weather turned. Clare is at a tad over 700 metres and is definitely high enough to feel the change in temperature during winter. The only hiccup was when we all rode past the winery that we we're meant to visit. This meant an added 10 kilometres on the rail trail, with 5 of it back uphill. It was here where I food-bonked and as each rider passed me I asked for food, the first 4 were all out and then Adriel Cahir saved me as he handed me a half eaten Megaburn bar. Thanks champ.

Winery Visit
With darkness descending quickly the visit to SevenHills had to be quick. The place was warm and they provided some great cheese and crackers and free wine tasting. The hosts were lovely but the riders concentration levels were at an all time low due to an 8 hour day in the saddle and longing for a hot shower and a good meal.

Michael Stark Gets Lost
Back on the bikes and a mad scramble to beat darkness but failing miserably as lights were switched on for the 3 kilometres back to the van park. Commiserations to poor Michael Stark, who took off first and timed trialled like his life depended on it to get some warmth into his body. Unfortunately he was so quick he beat the road crew, who we're scrambling to put out a sign advising riders where to turn off the rail trail. Michael did an extra 20km's looking for us and eventually ended up at a Caltex Servo. He was eventually retrieved a good hour later after the rest of us had arrived. A huge apology from us mate.

Tonight road crew treated the group to a barbecue, road kill was read out, Cherie did a recap of the day and Stinky and Bretty delivered the day's stats. I finished by reading out yesterday's intro blog and congratulated the riders for being so awesome on day one.

It is now 11pm and I need to get some sleep for the big 200 plus kilometre day tomorrow. Rain and crosswinds are predicted yet again and I fear we could be out there even longer than today. Just a quick mention and to publicly say thank you to Trevor Menhinick, our bike mechanic, who at 11pm is still going next door cleaning and servicing bikes to be ready for tomorrow. Legendary effort mate!

Cheers,

Sharky

2016 ADELAIDE TO ULURU SMIDDY CHALLENGE - INTRO

Dreams Can Come True
When my mate Adam Smiddy passed away I promised myself if I had a dream I would act on it. I thank Adam for showing me the strength to pursue a few of those dreams:

1. To do that first ride from Brisbane to Townsville back in 2006

2. To ride around Australia: Completed in 2014

3. To be proactive at finding my life partner - Alyssa Coe finally comes into my life in 2013 after I join a dating site called eHarmony.

4. To ride to Darwin from Adelaide - Happening as we speak

5. To start a family: Wow, at 54 I am about to become a Dad: Due date November 11 this year!

How To Get To Uluru And How The Whole Crazy Idea Came About
Welcome to the very first blog to kickstart our brand new Smiddy adventure with a 9 day ride up the guts of Australia to Uluru. Ayre's Rock has been on my list of places to visit ever since I became a cyclist some 35 years ago. Some rules were applied many years ago.

Rule number 1: Driving there was not an option

Rule number 2: Riding my motor bike was not acceptable

Rule number 3: Flying there was a definite no no

This left the only option available; travelling by pushbike was not only acceptable but the most enjoyable way of getting to the Red Centre. Therefore a plan was hatched in my mind back in 2014. That year was the final year of my 7in7 journey around Australia when nearly 40 riders joined me to complete the last leg from Melbourne to Brisbane. I knew after riding around Australia that my craving for adventure would not end there. With 3 days to go of that Melbourne to Brisbane odyssey, I pulled Christian aside and confessed to him that I was going to ride from Adelaide to Darwin and that I wanted to turn it into a Smiddy event, but that I would give myself 2015 off and do it in 2016.

Christian got that look on his face that said; "Oh no, run for the hills, another Sharky idea!"

He then said; "Okay Sharky I'll back you but please don't say anything until we get through this event."

"No problem mate I excitedly agreed."

Two days later, on that final day into Brisbane, we pulled into the Gold Coast for the only coffee stop we had for the entire two weeks of riding. What happened next I totally blame on a coffee high that messed with my brain.You see, my normal order of a half-strength cappuccino made with skinny milk but extra hot, was ditched for a full-strength cappuccino made with full-cream milk. After consuming that coffee I called all the riders in and asked for a show of hands of any rider that would like to join me if I was to ride to Darwin in 2016. It was very pleasing to see 3/4 of the riders that day shot their hands in the air. The bond formed during that trip in 2014 between the riders and road crew was exceptional and I think that all present on the day wanted to experience that high again.

I am so happy to welcome those hands, and the riders that belong to them from that 2014 ride. You have all helped to invite new Smiddy blood to this inaugural event, and on that note, a huge welcome to every one of the 57 riders and 20 road crew members present today.

I turned again to Christian that day as we rolled out from that coffee stop and said; "Sorry mate I couldn't help myself."

His reply was what I was longing to hear; "It's okay Sharky, I'm with you, but now we have to convince the Mater!"

To fast forward those meetings at the Mater, it basically came down to the Executive Fundraising Director at the Mater, Lesley Ray, saying to Cherie Nicolas, program manager of Smiddy, "Let's run with it because Sharky will do it regardless." It was Lesley that showed faith in me back in 2008 when Rowan Foster and I approached her with the idea of bringing Smiddy into the Mater family, and once again she showed faith in my idea and I am sincerely grateful once again. The only proviso was that it had to be run over a two year period. Adelaide to Uluru this year and Alice to Darwin, via Kakadu National Park in 2017. Lesley's reasons were sound as nearly 4 weeks on the road was just too long and stressful for Mater employees to be away from the office. I eagerly agreed and 18 months later here we are, a day out from yet another dream coming true for not just myself, but for everyone here today.

Ideas Are Great But People Who Make Them Happen Are Greater
I will readily admit that I am the ideas man in many facets of my life, Smiddy just one of them. But ideas are useless if you are not surrounded by people to help make them a reality. Therefore I would like to thank Lesley Ray and Nigel Harris CEO of Mater Foundation, for allowing this event to go ahead. Cherie Nicolas for her direction and leadership the past 2 years. Wendy Muir for everything that happens behind the scenes to enable these events to become real, and let me assure you for this event Wendy's list of things to do was huge. Krista Page for her enthusiasm and passion to help out where she could while juggling the other Smiddy events she is in charge of. Christian "Killer" Killeen; head chief honcho of Adelaide to Uluru and without him and his belief in my crazy idea we would not be here today. Not to leave out all the riders, many old returning Smiddy faces, along with many new first timers and our incredible established road crew and the newbies that you will get to know through these blogs over the next 9 days.

Last but certainly not least, Mr David Smiddy, for once again giving his permission for this ride to proceed, for without the support of this gentleman for 10 years now Smiling for Smiddy would not have even begun!

Final Wrap
So all the riders have arrived, all the trucks and vehicles are packed and ready to go, although a small hiccup occurred with the refrigerated 'Terry Tucker Truck' that started perfectly fine in the engine department, but the fridge side of things was a no go. Many hours were wasted as another truck was delivered and hurriedly repacked. As I write these last few words a function for everyone involved in this event begins shortly, so with our rent-a-crowd of 57 riders and 20 road crew making up the bulk of the numbers, a further 30 very important family members and sponsors should mean a good atmosphere for our send off dinner at the Hotel we are staying in called the Arkubra. I am hoping that it starts a little late as it is 6:40pm and I need to get my butt down there.

I look forward to delivering day 1 blog tomorrow so until then all the best and thank you for following and supporting yet another Smiddy journey.

Sharky

P.S.
Just back from the function and guess what? The proceedings had started and I tried to sneak in but all the party lads were seated at the entrance and spotted me and yelled out; "Hey Sharky." Which resulted in 110 sets of eyes turning my way. I tried to remain cool and aloof but in reality I was so embarrassed. Some founder I am hey? Can't even be on time for the send off function to launch an event that started from my idea. If anyone of the riders and crew are reading this my sincere apologies.

If I may, a huge thank you to LMG and Simon Rowe for donating 20 auction items, mostly grog, and to Wayne Smith for donated a handmade quilt in honour of the big red rock, with all combined netting Smiddy an extra $5000 to add to the growing total that has clicked over $320,000! Also to the Harcourts lads who showed why they sell homes so well as they controlled the auction superbly. A special mention to Brendan Whipps, CEO of Harcourts Qld who celebrated his birthday today and was gifted a very large cake that he shared with all present. Lastly the slide show tonight of messages from love ones was warmly received and very appreciated by the riders and road crew.

Sharky definitely over and out this time around...