HP Tour de Kids

TDK 2007 - Day 7 - A Mountain Conquered

2008-01-10T17:32:00Z

We split into 3 groups - the slow, the slower and the slowest. The enthusiasm for racing exhibited during the past couple of days had well and truly dissipated and today would be all about survival. Many of the riders had the scares of 5 years ago when only 13 riders from a possible 28 made the final climb to Thredbo. The others were ferried up the mountain in the support vehicles with their heads bowed in defeat. I must say, this group had a different "feel" about it. There was a high degree of confidence and willingness in the peloton, primarily due to two factors:

Technological Advancements: many of the riders had brought a climbing gear (a 27 or 29 tooth gear on the back cluster). This gear significantly reduces the resistance or power required by the rider, effectively allowing them to "spin" up steep inclines. This technology was not available in 2003 when the tour last ascended Dead Horse Gap (the final ascent).
The Shame of failure: the riders who didn't make the climb in 2003 have never been allowed to forget it. The video and photographic images of cyclists being "chauffeured" up Dead Horse Gap is imprinted in the memories of the 2003 tourists. Those who failed have constantly been reminded of their shortfall by those who succeeded in conquering the mountain. Being a member of this "soft" club was not a comfortable position and for many Saturday March 17th 2007 provided the opportunity to finally cancel their membership.

We took off in half hour intervals, each pack with a support vehicle. The weather was incredibly hot an humid which was not typical of Corryong and it wasn't long before my jersey was soaking wet with sweat. Having ridden in the mountains before however I remembered how variable the temperature and weather conditions could be so I made sure I carried a wind vest in my jersey pocket.

During the first 40km we climbed to Murray Power Station 1, an elevation of 1000m. This was a difficult climb and warmed up the legs nicely for what was to come. The first timers by this stage were getting most concerned and the following conversation was heard numerous times:

"How does Dead Horse Gap compare to that", first time rider.

"Much steeper".

"Oh $%^&!". (Turning to the support vehicle). "Can I get a carbo gel".

As I suspected, the weather turned and we entered the "cloud" zone just before the descent - time for the wind vest. The descent from Murray Power 1 is fantastic however not for the faint of heart. If the weather is clear it is a great rush for the down hill demons however on this occasion the ride was severely hampered because you could only see 10m in front of you and there had been oil spilled from a truck - a great combination when you're travelling 80km/h on 23mm tyres.

After the descent the road undulates through some magnificent country and it's a really peaceful segment of road that leads to Tom Groggin at the bottom of Dead Horse Gap. The calm before the storm ...

After a short stop at Tom Groggin to refuel the water bottles and dump as much sugar you can into your system it is off to the world of hurt. The first 6km section of the climb is the worst. It is constant climb of 13% with no relief, apart from the switchbacks which allow you to change direction. I purposely wanted to do this section of road solo so I waited until all the gathered riders had departed and then started the climb alone. There was only one group behind me, the Joey Vernados group (more on that soon).

I wanted to ride solo for one reason - to thank God for my blessings. Many of us had been so humbled during the week by the people we had met, people in less fortunate positions than ourselves (the autistic kids and their families in Tassie, the indigenous kids building belief in themselves at Shepparton, Jack with Cerebral Palsy in Albury), and the list goes on. The challenging first section of this climb provided me this opportunity and as a husband of a beautiful wife and father of 2 beautiful kids I wanted to thank God for my family and their health and safety - in retrospect it was an amazing experience.

The shared experience of conquering the climb with my fellow riders also came during the final 12kms. I shared the experience with two originals - Foxy and Gibbo. Foxy was doing it particularly tough this day and I think he appreciated the company and encouragement as we edged ever closer to that sought after summit. (In fact I don't think I have ever seen someone "scull" a can of coke quicker than Foxy as he clambered on ascent for a sugar hit).

The summit is a magnificent sight after a long week of riding and as each rider crossed that magic line they fell into the arms of their comrades and thus began the long series of embraces, congratulations, image capture and reflections. Each had a story to tell and a collective sense of accomplishment filled the chilly Thredbo air.

Over an hour and a half passed between the first rider summiting and the final group reaching the peak. However no one complained of the cold, windy conditions and with a warm heart each rider eagerly anticipated the arrival of the final group. And what a finale it was!

With the final group in sight, comprised of big 120kg Joey Vernados and his domestiques, the riders and supporters made a human tunnel. Big Joey, with tears of joy flowing, led the group through the tunnel as a collective cheer rang through the mountain range - an amazing accomplishment for the big man!

The job was done, the journey complete and a huge congratulations to all the riders and the wonderful support crew that may the week so special.

The riding statistics for the day were:

Distance: 102.29 km
Riding time: 4h:41min
Avg Speed: 21.8 km/h
Total Ascent: 3039m

To conclude, here's a few interesting and "eye-opening" consumption statistics from the tour. The riders consumed:

• 19.25 kg of Snakes (lollies)

• 104 kg of Bananas

• 4 litres of Sunscreen

• 5 tubes of Zinc cream

• 5 tubes of Butt/Lip cream

• 384 Power Gels

• 8 litres of powdered Endura

• 128 Massages

(A big week by any measure)

Thanks for your support and reading our blog.

Westy

A Note from Wardy:

Backing up a few days in a row is something I am not used to, and my knee let me know about it. I had given myself what has now been diagnosed as Patella Tendonitis, which turns out to basically be a sore knee from overuse. As a result, I was not able to ride at all on day 5, and could only muster 25km’s on day 6 so I was forced to spend some time in the van trying to rest and recover for the last day. I had come to finish the TDK for all sorts of reasons and I wasn’t going to let a bit of pain get in the way of climbing to Thredbo.

I went off on day 7 with the first of 3 groups. The ride towards Dead Horse was at first fairly standard. Undulating roads leading into the valley, but the mountains were looming in the distance. The first of the “pinches” was a fairly good climb that took us about 400 meters above sea level, and what I though was well on the way to the top of Thredbo. However; the descent on the other side took us to a lower point then where we started….compounding this was the fact that I had just been told at the bottom of this descent that Thredbo was almost 1400m above sea level. Great!!

My knee was holding out and actually seemed less painful when I was climbing. This was quite fortuitous as I only had one way to go, and that was up. After what seemed like hours of riding (actually it was hours) the real climb actually began. All week I had been hearing about Dead Horse and how it had taken its toll on the group a few years before. I tried to keep up a bit of speed for the first few km’s but was eventually beaten back to a painful 8km/hr and there were times when zig-zagging across the road was needed to stop me falling sideways from lack of speed. Gel shots, snakes, bananas and powerade was going down as fast as I could get my hands on them. Bonking (running out of energy) was my biggest fears this day.

After 5.5 hours of riding I could only muster an average speed of 19km/hr such was the climb, but managed 85km/hr on a descent. I had used 4010 and my heart rate had reached 176 beats per minute. However; regardless of stats the most important thing was that I finished. I had made it to the top!! I didn’t think riding a bike would/could be so emotional, but it was. I had conquered the “hill” that everyone was talking about, and I had done it for all the right reasons. There were a few tears behind the sunnies I can tell you….

Wardy

TDK 2007 - Day 6 - The End is Nigh

2007-03-20T00:46:00Z

Conditions for cycling were a lot better today with both the weather and the terrain in our favour. The day was controlled by the tour virgins (first time TdK riders) with a sprint theme put in place prior to departing Albury. Any road sign displaying the distance to the next town was effectively the finish line inspiring riders to leap from the saddle and dash for the signs as they came into view. Depending on the visibility ahead this could be a very short sprint or a long and painful affair. Each team accumulated points for sprint victories with the last place team shouting drinks at the bar after the ride. Thankfully team HP won’t be digging into the kitty. All up a good idea from the tour virgins and a fun way to pass the hours in the saddle.

Two other highlights of the day included a 10km fast hit out into the town of Walwa where we broke for lunch and an even faster smash fest into our destination town of Corryong. Prior to lunch yours truly was suffering from no fuel in the tank and I was dropped when the pace topped 50km/h but after lunch and three cans of Coke (go-go juice) managed to hang on to the lead bunch of ten or so riders for a fast dash into town. Now that was a lot of fun! On arrival some interesting looks from the locals as 40 men in lycra ride down the main street.

Once again the TdK support crew did a sterling job ensuring water bottles were always full and everyone fed at all opportunities. As I write many of the riders are being massaged back to health, relieving the aches and pains caused by the cycling position.

Tonight we fuel up again and bunk down for the final day tomorrow…..the climb into Thredbo. The difficulty of this ride has been a point of discussion for most of the week punctuated by equal doses of myth and facts. Tomorrow all will be revealed…..

Ged

TDK 2007 - Day 5 - A Long Hot Day

2007-03-20T00:36:00Z

We thought yesterday was hard and hot but today took things to another level. All day we fought against strong head and cross winds. It was definitely the hardest day on tour and a day to be long remembered by the riders. For those peddling on the left side of the peloton it was particularly hard as you leaned your bike towards the wind whilst trying to maintain forward momentum.

As a comparison on the day try the following ….

Turn the hair drier on the hottest temperature possible, point it at your face from a distance of 30cm and hold in position for 7 hours. If it gets too hot, hold it even closer and you’ll get thirsty so keep a jug of boiling water handy to drink from. Now rub sea salt into your forehead and trickle some of the boiling water across your forehead so the salt falls into your eyes and you can’t see properly. Now get someone punch you in the stomach until you feel nauseas.

This goes someway to describing the feeling following our 185kms in 41 degree heat. Riding through the country also gives you an immediate appreciation for the sever drought conditions faced by Australia. The land is dry, dead and barren with limited stock. It has been this way through the route (even in Tasmania). It is quite depressing and confronting.

During this atrocious day, the HP team’s preparation and organisation was outstanding. The day ran like clockwork and we delivered the riders safely to Albury by 3:30pm.

Now you won’t believe the next task we were asked to complete: a bike race. Are you kidding? After 180km in dreadful conditions we were asked to race the local Albury Cycling Club in a John McLean foundation fund raising criterium. There were 3 grades and many of the TDK riders dug deep to enter either A, B or C grade. Not only did they enter the race but featured very well with places in all three grades.

At the criterium presentation we presented a wheel chair to a young Cerebral Palsy sufferer, Jack. It was a special chair that Jack could use to have a shower. This will make a huge difference to Jack and his parent who had been showering him on a towel for the last years (this quickly makes you realise why we spend long days like today turn the pedals over).

Needless to say all the riders slept particularly well this night, even the ones sharing with snorers … now there’s another story!

Ross.

TDK 2007 - Day 4 - Coooking and Carnage

2007-03-15T21:50:00Z

The day started slowly with a leisurely rise at the Melbourne Airport Hilton Hotel. We had to wait for the truck to come off the Spirit of Tasmania ferry so it was a well earned sleep in followed by a very large breakfast (which is the norm each day actually).

The day had 180+km in store for the riders. Fatigue started to take its toll and I was certainly one of the casualties. Everything is hurting at this stage. My legs are tired, my back is sore, my hands are numb, and what can I say about my backside? Plenty actually, but nothing that’s printable!

Wednesday had a bit of everything. The late start meant we had to ride through the heat of the day. It was a long, long day with strong headwinds. To break up the boredom at times, their were designated sprint points marked by distance road signs. Usually the rider who takes the most signs is awarded the green jersey that night (although not guaranteed). On this particular day there was carnage! During a powerful stroke of the pedal, Tommy (team Virgin) pulled a foot loose and fell forward over his handle bars. His other foot then unclipped and left him with his chest on the handle bars and legs flapping wildly - all at over 50km per hour. Needless to say this had to end badly and Tommy's got the scars to prove it. Of course the important question to all cyclists, "how's the bike"? Well I'm happy to report the bike survived the incident remarkably well.

At the end of the day we rolled in to a school that supports Indigenous and remedial programs for kids that don't integrate so well in mainstream education. It was a fantastic reception with a lot of people (and food) which you come to expect from wonderful country hospitality. To hear the kids speak about their experiences and how the school is helping them reach their potential was truly inspirational.

We arrived at our hotel absolutely "cooked" from our long day in the sun. All I could think about was sleeping and a comfortable bed because apparently tomorrow's ride is ever longer and harder. Team HP is on duty tomorrow to organise the peloton so we need to be on our game.

Remember, if you're not riding you're walking ...

Wardy

Today’s Statistics:

Avg Speed - 31.8km

Distance - 182km

Time - 6hours

Avg Temp - 31

Max Temp - 41

Min Temp - 21

Ascent - 630m

TDK 2007 - Day 3 - See ya later Tassie!

2007-03-13T05:54:00Z

The early morning start began with the entire peloton singing happy birthday to 11 year old William Bishop which was filmed and emailed back to young Will. Happy Birthday Will !!!!

It was still dark when the peloton set off from the hotel on route to Giant Steps, some 80km’s away, which is a special school for autistic children and young adults. The ride there was very picturesque following the Tamar River out of Launceston, climbing through the hills before levelling out for some steady riding before arriving in the beautiful town of Deloraine. At Giant Steps we enjoyed morning tea and a talk from the school principal who thanked Tour de Kids for donating funds enabling the school to purchase a new mini van. What a great outcome! After meeting some of the kids and taking photos the peloton set off for the remaining 50km to Launceston Airport.

On arrival at the airport we enjoyed a great lunch on the lawn, got changed and packed the truck with the bikes to set off for the ferry to Melbourne.

One of the highlights of today’s ride was the HP train launching off the front of the peloton attacking at the sprint stage to launch team captain Ross West on his way to victory. Led bravely and early by yours truly and David Allen the HP train was set for victory from the beginning. Although we have seen a lot of native wildlife (sadly dead) on the side of the roads, the term road-kill should be applied to Team Colonial who put up a brave fight but had nothing in response to team HP.

I’d just like to reiterate (in case you’re wondering) the Tour de Kids is not a race, but when the racing starts make sure you can hang on!

For those of you inclined toward cycling statistics, today’s details include:

Distance: 130km’s

Time: 4.5 hrs

Average Speed: 29km/h

Ascent: 1500 metres

Today we leave beautiful Tasmania for Victoria for the next 4 days of Tour de Kids riding up to Thredbo…..now the fun starts.

Follow us through the next stage of the ride on this website.

TDK 2007 - Day 2 - HP boys are “bringing sexy back to the peloton!”

2007-03-12T05:59:00Z

Now on to the serious stuff, the riding. Day 2 from Swansea to Launceston was a 160km hit-out. The legs were a bit tired from day 1 but the HP Gucci Boys weren’t going to show it. The cold Tassie winds had crept in over night and as we started to make our very gradual climb away from town, the temperature started to drop. Not sure what it was but a lot of the guys had arm and leg warmers on for the whole day. Wind was again our enemy. After doing our 1200m of vertical climbing it was time for a few descents (yes!!). The only problem here was another nasty crosswind like yesterday. 40 riders at 70km/hr downhill, 1m apart with a major crosswind can wreak some havoc. Luckily, everyone including Ben stayed vertical today.

Towards the end of this descent, and closing in on lunch, the paceline started. What a beautiful sight!! The teamwork was outstanding and even with a few headwinds the peloton was hammering into Cressy at a cracking 45km/hr. I think the boys could smell lunch which was at Longford, 12km the other side of Cressy. After another al a carte spread the pack headed for Launceston. The run was steady and incident free. Mind you, a public holiday in Launceston is obviously the best way to clear the roads here and we controlled the streets as we made our way through town to our hotel.

This afternoon a few of us tour “virgins” made a trip to the Children’s Ward at the Launceston Hospital. This is the whole reason we are all here. We met a couple of Captain Starlight’s and said hi to a few of the kids who are in hospital. They are amazing kids, and amazing Starlight staff. Keep up the awesome work.

Wardy

TDK 2007 - Day 1 - Windy Undulations

2007-03-11T21:46:00Z

An important point to note is, the HP riding 'kit' was by far the most attractive. Since arriving the other teams have been extremely jealous of the colours and design. We knew the team was already off to a great start by winning this all important fashion contest. Those of you who cycle will know this is an extremely important - if you can't ride well then at least look like you can.

The day ahead was described as an undulating day. If you ever read such a description, read "lots and lots of hills". Hobart is surrounded by mountains and the only way out is over the top. We'd only travelled 15km and the first of these "undulations" met us in a screaming hurry. It lasted 6km and resulting in most of the riders abusing the individual responsible for the reconnaissance and route description. I guess it didn't seem so steep in the car! This particular undulation has subsequently been found to be named Bust-Me-Gall hill.

The other complicating factor on Day 1 was the wind. It is one thing riding 148km, it is another doing it over "undulations" in windy conditions. A northerly wind was blowing all day and on several occasions became very gusty. This is very unpleasant! Not only is it hard, wind gust blow the peleton about so it becomes quite dangerous avoiding riders who have been blown off course. Unfortunately one of the riders (Ben Bishop) did kiss the bitumen however no long term damage was suffered - he's just a little bit sore and sorry for himself. I wouldn't be surprised to see him take an award home tonight for that effort.

The HP boys all made it through the day tired yet satisfied. We know it will be a long week and the work has only just begun. Now where is that masseuse ...

Oh, If you want to keep up with our live progession through the tour, take a look at this link.

TDK 2007 The start of another adventure!

2007-03-11T21:15:00Z

Well the time has finally arrived and we're off to the Tour de Kids 2007 charity ride. This year three HPers are riding - Ged Collins, Jason Ward and Ross West (me). Jason is riding his first tour, Ged his 2nd and I'm in my fifth.

We boarded the Virgin flight to Hobart, Tasmania with butterflies a plenty in the stomach. It's great to be part of a wonderful charity knowing the difference it makes in the lives of kids and their families.

As the riders assembled in the Wrest Point casino it was a time to renew acquaintances and meet new riders who no doubt will become close friends over the next week. It's also a time when quite whispers are heard, "he's looking fit ...., hasn't he lost some weight ..., he's a really strong rider ...." etc etc. And that's when the doubts start - " have I done enough ..., I don't want to be the worst ..., I hope I don't get dropped on the first hill ....".

The riders' briefing was held which outlined the tour route and established the rules of peleton etiquette, rules which no doubt will be all broken within the first hour of riding tomorrow. For various reasons and "off season" infringements, the following riders were awarded the competition jerseys for tomorrow's first day of riding:

White: Angelo Vernados

Green: Warwick Negus

Polka dot: David Baxby

Yellow: Brett Godfrey

TDK 2006 - Day 7 – Gloucester to Newcastle (the home stretch!)

2006-04-10T17:19:00Z

There is always a sense of excitement and anxiousness on the last day as we pack our bags and prep our bikes for the very last ride.

From the outset we knew it would be a fun day, the roads were good and there was no substantial rises (though we have been fooled before). Some of the boys were gearing up for a bit of a hit out.

We rode from Gloucester to Stroud – stopping for the last country Italian coffee of the tour.

From Raymond Terrace into Newcastle a ‘rock group’ of riders went out front for a fast paced hit out. The HP team was well represented making up three of the six riders out at the front.

Once we made it to Newcastle – we stopped in at the John Hunter Hospital. We spent time with the kids in the Starlight Express Room.

This year Tour de Kids raised 500,000 for Starlight – an effort we were all very proud of.

This takes our total funds raised in six years to $2 million a pretty mammoth effort for a bunch of ‘cycling madmen’.

Finally – we rode into a local reserve to be re-united with our family and friends. It was time to re-cap - the crazy conditions, classic quotes and maybe the odd cycling sledge as we wound down from what was a crazy and amazing week.

Final thoughts: It was a brilliant ride, great to catch up with some of the ‘veteran’ Tour de Kids riders as well as ‘welcome’ some of the newbies…

There is already talk of Tasmania for TDK 2007!

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!

The riders spend time in the Newcastle Starlight Express Room

Tour de Kids hands over the funds raised in TDK 2006.

Photos of HP team on Tour de kids

The team on tour

On the road

Nice and fast

Smile everyone

HP team ready to roll

HP get ready for the moiuntain ahead

Big Mal rides for Team HP

HP takes out the criterium

Smile!

Taking a break .......

Coffee is very important

and so is rest....

and a little time to think.

But it wasnt all hard work....

Clowning around

Thanks for being part of the journey everyone - Ged and I really appreciate your support before, during and after the ride. Thanks again

Over and Out
Ross

TDK 2006 - Day 6 - Armidale to Gloucester ...the longest ride

2006-04-08T02:25:00Z

When you set out and its only 7 degrees you know its going to be a cold NSW day ( again). We left Armidale with a mission to get to Walcha for a morning tea stop (more on that later)

The quicker and further we got in our first run the easier or less hellish the day would be. The wind was icy and strong – difficult but not as hectic as yesterday.

First stop – morning tea at Walcha.

Now I’m sometimes asked what IS IT with riders and their coffee? Why are some set on their skinny lattes while others firmly on a flat white. To answer that - think about a fine tuned sports car or off-road special vehicle – if its set for diesel or unleaded then you had to fill it up correctly or you could be in serious trouble…

So with that in mind we had a hectic and demanding morning tea stop in Walcha waiting for various types of fuel to be correctly delivered.

No time for frappacino’s though mate - time to push on to Nowendoc.

The boys kept together nicely – lots of us were tired but moved through slowly and steadily, helping a brother out if he fell off the pace.

Second stop - Lunch was provided by the lovely ladies at the Nowendoc motel. Where the boys were able to stop have lunch and refuel for the next 90 kilometres…psyching themselves up while we polished off the egg and lettuce sandwiches.

A lot further on , and after some hard climbing (about 160 kilometres in) we were rewarded with one of the craziest descents I’ve done in a while – the watch recording a max speed of 97 kph. Rockin.

At the same time the peleton was joined by a local lad Joe, who had teamed up with his mates from school to raise funds to support the Starlight Foundation. We met some of the local kids and received a generous donation on behalf of Starlight. Great effort Gloucester!!

Time to rest up enjoy the last night of the tour and prepare for day 7 …the final day!

Final Day: Gloucester, Stroud, Newcastle!

Ross

Our Progress

Serious coffee business

HP on top

He'll be coming down the mountain..

Gloucester supports Starlight

TDK 2006 - Day 5 - Dorrigo to Armidale...how wind can affect a ride ;)

2006-04-07T06:16:00Z

A very hard day today folks – riders did it very tough on this leg.

A quick recap of today's events before I hit the sack;

Conditions: Wind (weather not gastro in case your wondering) affected a good portion of the ride today – at times it was a crazy cross wind (from the side if it isn’t obvious) and at other turns it was head on. When we rolled out of Dorrigo it was also about 14 degrees. NSW: Truly hot one day …freezing the next : )

Food: We rolled into the only existing café in Ebor (population 12) and scared the bejesus out of the owner when we ordered morning tea for 40. It was a great place to rest and re-fuel – like your nanna’s place. While the place I am writing about would struggle to get a phone connection let alone internet access, I though I better say thanks. So - thanks to the owners for the top notch food and service!!

The Criterium: (= Crit or crazy street race) Even after a full day of riding I was still pretty keen on being involved in the crit organised by the local cycling club. Not to get too carried away but I was feeling alright (ok I was on fire!). The race was about endurance and speed but also about strategy and in the end I raced home in front of the Armidale lot. It took strength and smarts to cross first… and I have both :)

All jokes aside – a great race. Well done boys.

Right now everyone is getting ready for a good nights rest. Lying in bed thinking how on earth will we back up for 208 km’s tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Armidale – Uralla – Walcha – Nowendoc – Gloucester – pass out.

Ross

Our Progress

HP being top dogs....

Crossing the finish line!

After a hard days work...

TDK 2006 - Day 4 : Grafton to Dorrigo ( incl the coffs big banana!)

2006-04-06T01:17:00Z

It’s a brave man who rides up a 14 kilometre mountain after having already ridden 120 kilometres in 30 degree heat. Well…brave or completely insane, you be the judge.

This, my friends is the tale of the hill.

Starting out at 7am – riding from Lismore into Coffs Harbour the riders and the pace were relatively smooth and easy. We rode pretty slowly through Nana Glen (didn’t spot Russell though) and then down lifted the pace as we came into Coffs Harbour. First quick stop - Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.

A quick re-fuel, visit with the local Starlight Captains and we were back on the road – the support vehicle only stopping long enough to get more bananas (and that will be my one and only banana reference).

We managed a crazy stretch of the Pacific Highway next, then headed into the peaceful postcard town - Bellingen.

The local bakery couldn’t get the carbs up fast enough. Sausage rolls, pies and a hot cross bun or two (settle down - still talking about lunch here people).

As we rolled out of Bellingen some locals waved us on – probably thinking, these boys are a few spanners short of a toolkit.

We start the climb at Thora – with the first kilometre dividng the peleton up a bit. Everyone was pacing well – forming small groups to egg each other on. The talking seemed to pass the time – but the legs were getting weary.

The road winded around the mountain like an overstretched slinky – and we were sliding up nicely ( well as nice as you can ) the sweat was pouring off us like a waterfall.

Bout 9k’s into the climb we had 500m of respite from the crazy ascent.

At this stage the lactic acid had creeped in and we were all struggling, some boys fell right back but we were all still pushing.

There was a motel at the end of it - the lookout motel. Nice view funnily enough.

As we rolled (stumbled) into the motel the team tucked right into the iced water, rolls and sandwiches that Lyn and Di had prepared. It was time to sit back enjoy the view.

A little weary but feeling good – ready to enjoy the benefits of today’s climb ….tomorrow’s descent.

Tomorrow: Dorrigo, Ebor, Wollomonbi, Armidale.

p.s watch out for tomorrow’s update – including me blitzing the pack at the Armidale Cycling Club Criterium that’s been organised for the arvo.

Our Progress

The team psyching up for the big day

HP on the hill...

TDK 2006 - Day 3 : Lismore to Grafton (big river country)

2006-04-04T21:11:00Z

The rumour was running rife among the boys that today was going to be easy!

It was still early - we were yet to set out - but everyone was talking it (themselves) up. "Oh yeh easy, its just under 130 kilometres" , "pretty smooth ride bud" and "flat roads all the way through into Grafton".

Last thing I heard before we set out was "Piece of cake mate...piece of cake"...

Well life wasn’t meant to be easy now was it!

It was damn hot – one of the riders fancy European sports watches recorded 29 degrees early on in the day.

We knew soon after we left that it was going to be a right scorcher.

Undulations (cycle talk = small hills) well there were a few of them. Nothing mental – but enough to take the wind out of your sails…and then some.

At about 10 we stopped at a small town called Whiporie for some rest and a quick sugar, water and carb re-load.

From then on in, it was melt the shirt off your back heat for the last 40 k’s into Grafton.

The peleton started to split up and if it wasn't for the ‘media’ that was expected at the finish, the boys would have slowed right down.

A few cattle trucks, some country yahoo’s and a wallaby or two later and we were done for the day.We were glad to see the sign of the comfort inn…

Ross

All riders were today reminded not to take it personally when:

- Nanna’s chase the peleton down because they need to get to bingo

- Country folk don’t understand why men need to wear lycra bike tights

Tomorrow: Grafton- Coffs Harbour – Belingen - Dorrigo

Our Progress

Synchronised riders: riding in formation..

We'll wait for the bus!

Take me home country road

TDK 2006 - Day 2 - Gold Coast to Lismore (via NIMBIN!!)

2006-04-02T21:39:00Z

Carbs: check. Fresh kit: check. Sanity: check

We love this stuff … a long hard day on the road – a massage, some carbs then right back on the bike again for another 150 km of it. We were ready to get out of the city though.

Today we drove out of the Gold Coast (escorted by the boys in blue) heading for Tomewin Mountain, Nimbin (strangely no police escort here) and through to Lismore.

Mount Tomewin was a killer - hardcore ‘mean’ by anyones standards. Eleven kilometres of climb – with the first kilometre just downright cruel. The boys stayed together – the peleton was neat and strong and with the spare breath some boys were even whistling dixie tunes on the ascent?!

The descent was fast – Terry Kempnich (Big T, Mr T, Tezza or just plain Terry) was up the front to take a ‘rock’ group of crazy kids with no fear, down into the valley of thrills.

Then all of a sudden – it was over. I knew something felt a bit strange but it was time to cross the Tweed River, head out of god’s country and into New South Wales…

As we rise (pun intended) into Nimbin – the air feels even stranger, and the altitude seems to have affected some of the friendly locals. The peleton was tight but I did see some of the boys take a side trip… to get something to repair their bikes they say.

The road and scenery from Nimbin into Lismore was good then before I knew it we were done for another day. Too easy mate.

Ross.

p.s. we are now checked in getting re-couped, re-charged and getting our heads re-read.

Tomorrow : Lismore - Casino - Grafton

Our Progress

Apparently there are three i's in team ...

Bugger

WELCOME to NIMBIN riders!

TDK 2006 - Day 1 - Brisvegas to the Gold Coast

2006-04-02T19:27:00Z

A supportive 7am send off from the Hon Judy Spence (Queensland Minister for Police) then a VIP police escort out of the bustling metropolis that is... Brisbane.

Some would say me and Ged in our HP kits would be enough to stop traffic, but the police escort probably helped.

The peleton ( = group of riders... for the uninitiated) was joined by a few famous locals - Mal Meninga (Rugby league legend) and Peter Ryan (Bronco Great) as well as the lovely Sara Carrigan (Athens Olympic Gold Medallist). Sara and Mal rode with the peleton for much of the first day...we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did guys! Thanks for supporting us and the kids.

We were also joined by the under 11 champion Sean Grimes. Only a pint size little guy - but proved it could be well and truly on for young and ...old. Thanks Sean, we hope you had a great ride and we know we will see and hear more from you in the future!

We also kicked on through Beenleigh to our first real serious challenge. Mount Tambourine - also known as Mt Tamborine, Tambourine Mountain or bloody big mountain ;)

When it came to the mountain - Ged was certainly the man to beat - having ridden the 8K climb from the tender age of three (so he tells me). Tall tales Ged.

The climb gradient is steady but its the distance thats the killer. After the mammoth effort to get up the mountain it was definitely time to re-group and re-fuel.

Electrolytes anyone? All hands on deck from the support team made sure that all types of drinks ending in 'ade' were in steady supply.

Off again - the descent off Tambourine was awesome to start, a bit rough in parts with some unfinished roadworks but generally alright.

We hit the last big steep climb for the day and the boys really dug deep. A proud peleton! No way was anyone going to let the gradient get the better of them.

After that it was cruise time, as we followed the beach strip into the land of the bling bling....Gold Coast.

Day one - Over and Out
Ross

Our Progress

Team HP (& Sara C)

HP, Starlight and the boys in blue.

Big Mal & Little Sean

Me checking out Sara C's gold shoes.....

p.s. We are now tucked away at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast...getting our well deserved sports massages.

Tomorrow: Gold Coast-Murwillimbah-Nimbin(!!) and Lismore.....