Friday 11 September 2009 – Belyando Crossing to Charters Towers
Day 7 – Ascent 431m
Day 7 - Belyando Crossing to Charters Towers
202kms - Average 31kms/per hour - Average temp min 9 degrees up to 40 degrees
The Westpac Road Crew are writing this while sorting laundry and conducting our daily road crew meeting, after 10 o'clock at night. Our role is to make sure the riders are fed, watered, clothed, happy, healthy and safe over the course of the 8 day ride. Kevvy says "We are truly wonderful people, and although sometimes we may appear a little angry or frazzled we really are lovely people. AND WE NEVER CRACK!"
A lot of preparation and planning goes into each day and today was no different. Before we go on the road we have to sort morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea boxes, cut salad vegetables for sandwiches and make sure we have everything we need to keep the pack on the road. The day started with a wonderful breakfast spread prepared by (who else?) the road crew, with Maria's special poached eggs a big hit with everyone. With 18 kettles on the boil in various motel rooms, and 50 hungry/hung over riders eager for their morning heart starter, the road crew was kept on the run!
Before leaving we farewelled Andrew Thornton who had to pull out due to back spasms. At 67 Andrew was our oldest rider and was very disappointed to have to leave the tour, as we were to see him go. Andrew was an inspiration to the other riders showing true grit and determination to ride through the pain barrier. To date, Andrew is also our highest on-line fundraiser. We wish him a speedy recovery back in Geelong.
We rolled out a little later than scheduled, at 7.50am. We were very sorry to leave Belyando Crossing and Hogg who, as usual, was a charming and very generous host. Just before the last of the road crew left, we called in to say goodbye and thank you. Lesley introduced Maria and explained she is Adam's Mum. Hogg remembered meeting her the previous year. They had spoken over the phone when making bookings for this year as well as talking about some personal issues which helped to make the Smiddy cause close to Hogg's heart.
We'd like to thank Hogg for generously donating our accommodation and meals. When Lesley offered to pay for these Hogg said, "Princess, who made you boss? Don't you know that I make all the decisions around here?" Lesley could only thank him on behalf of the Smiddy riders and gave him a hug and a kiss. We'll see you next year Hogg for a night which is a highlight of the trip.
Even after we left Belyando Crossing, Hogg's generosity continued, with a donation of beer and $200 from David Moore at the Enterprise Hotel in Charters Towers (which came about after a call from Hogg). Hogg - you're a legend! A special mention must also be made to Mick Young and Lewballs for the beer they shouted for when we rolled into the Crossing.
A special mention to Nick and Matt from the Australian Defence Force (Lavarack) who set up tents and bedding for the riders at Belyando and who continued on with us to Charters Towers. They also helped out with diesel (in short supply at Belyando!) and ridding the women's toilets at CT of green frogs! Thank you guys!
Morning tea was set up 65kms up the highway from Belyando, just over the bridge of the North Burnett Creek. Last year many may remember Lewballs did a ‘nudie ride' on this day, Day 7. The girls, not wanting to be left out, decided to stage a similar stunt, to great effect. Rolling out after morning tea the girls stayed behind the main pack and shocked the boys with a tit for tat maximum exposure, going jersey-less but not bra-less. Bright red lipstick was also part of the deal. Trying to keep everyone safe, Kevvy alerted the oncoming road trains of what was happening and to be aware of a small group of female cyclists "riding topless for a camera crew, and if they took a glance to the left their patience would be rewarded."
The guys, not to be outdone, fought back by staging a tandem ‘nudie ride'. Bryn and Lewballs stripped off completely in the harsh midday sun and with cheeks emblazoned with sponsor's names they streaked past the pack to much cheer and comment which is not suitable to print in this journal.
Kim, our laundry Queen, set off for Charters Towers with one mission: to wash, dry and hang out 50 sets of cycling kits as well as other personal laundry items before the riders rode in. This is a massive effort and one which is greatly appreciated. This is Kim's third year on tour and she holds a special place in the hearts of Smiddy riders, who like to put on clean clobber every day.
Kevvy, our Rear Vehicle Safety Coordinator, was feeling a bit tired and emotional and handed the reins to apprentice Jimmy, to try and whip him into shape. When Kev needed to relieve himself against the wheel of the car (his own ute!) Jimmy decided to take the opportunity when Kev was in mid flight and in full concentration to slam his hand on the horn scaring the wits out of Kevvy.
Lunch was at the entrance to Old Victoria Downs station. Amongst the cow pats and ants' nests the tables were laid with sandwiches, lollies and every treat we could find.
We rolled into Charters Towers at 5:10pm to great fanfare and a wonderful spread courtesy of John & Anne Clark of School of Distance Ed. John and Anne also happen to be Adam Wills' parents in law and good friends of Maria & David Smiddy and we only realized later that John and Anne donated all meals & accommodation: their way of contributing to the Smiddy Spirit! The local Rotary Club made a donation to Sharky on the night and and friends helped with the preparation and cooking.
Dinner proved to be a meat lover's dream - mountains of sausages, rissoles, steak and chicken satays - just delicious! This was all accompanied by lots of drinks and even home made desserts. Thanks John and Anne and Rotary! Rev Peter Harvey was our cook for the night! A generous donation was also presented from Charters Towers Rotary club.
The evening concluded with the usual lists - the famous Schindler's List and Jimmy's List (a comprehensive listing of all the daily bicycle repairs) These are:
• Morning inflation for 50 riders
• New tyres - 5
• 1 saddle adjustment
• 1 front derailer limit screws adjustment & cable adjustment
• 2 rear derailer adjustment
• 2 broken spokes in 2 different rear wheels
• New cleats
• 1 headset adjustment
We'd also like to add that, after 7 days of feeding, watering, laundering, bicycle repairing, administering first aid and providing emotional support (as well as massages!) we are now writing their journal for them too....!
But in true Smiddy spirit we do it, we love doing it and we'll do it again next year....co's that's how we roll!
The 2009 Westpac Road Crew: David & Maria Smiddy, Kay, Kevvy, Shane, Lesley, Kim, Lauren, Jimmy, Glenn & Lisa
SCHINDLER'S LIST by Andy Schindler
Sponored by Steph & Adam, $25. Their comment: "If any little roadkill survive please save them." Sorry guys, they were all dead.
Day 7 will now be known as 'the slaughter house'. While others in the pack saw the beautiful North Queensland countryside all I saw was enough blood, guts and bone to start a small pet food store. The day's kill had beaten the previous record of 73 by morning tea.
- 249 roos (54 still fresh, the rest were from last year)
- 8 birds
- 3 pigs
- 4 rabbits
- a bear
- an emu
- a cow
TOTAL 266!
To view a map of today’s route visit:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Belyando-Charters-Towers
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