Day 3 - On The Road with Team Vittoria

It was a pretty full on start to the day for Team Vittoria. Mark Starr, aka Marky Mark, left the Comfort Inn All Seasons to go to Cafe Vittoria and present its owner Ben with a limited edition box of special Vittoria coffee beans. A local haunt for many of the cyclists in Ballina, Ben was really appreciative of the gift. Marky Mark then returned to the Comfort Inn All Seasons to enjoy some more Vittoria Coffee and an excellent pancake breakfast with Leesa and Mel from Canadian Kitchens. These guys sure put on a great spread, and don't we love it!

After consuming many espressos and our pancakes, the pelaton hit the road, only to see Team Vittoria quickly take charge of the pack. Once again Team Vittoria carried Sydney City Lexus for the first 30kms at a blistering pace, that even scared the cattle on the side of the road! Lead by Stifler and Patches, the front of the pelaton was in great shape as it briskly averaged 33kms/hr heading through the cane fields of Ballina. Marky Mark had the centre of the pelaton well under control and naturally the 2 Vittoria Coffee mechanics, DC and Wonder Boy Alex, took a firm hold of proceedings at the back of the pack. Thankfully it was a day that wasn't marred by too many punches and the boys were given a bit of respite as they were brought up the rear of the pelaton.

As we passed the 30km mark, the smallest man in the pelaton known as Pantani (Adam Elias) showed great courage and guts to break the wind (a cycling term that has no reference to bodily functions) for the rest of the team. This small man put in some incredible surges as he continued to power ahead, reminicent of his stint at the front of the pelaton on Day 2. Team Vittoria had to once again concentrate and lead the delicate pelaton through some extreme conditions of road works, gravel and broken glass. But it seemed everyone was secure in the knowledge that Team Vittoria was in control.

After riding for close on an hour and a half, the posse hit a terrific rest spot on the banks of the Richmond River in Woodbyne (dubbed Woodstock by the guys). This was a superb location as selected by our logistics crew Dave and Eric. These guys are masters of knowing what we need. After muffins, coffee and a quick live cross on air to ParadiseFM, the team once again hit the road. We went from the cane fields of Ballina into mainland Australia bush for a flat stage towards lunch.

As we turned off the highway the pace quickly picked up and the pelaton burst apart with surges, attacks and an all out sprint for lunch. Four riders quickly broke clear of the pack - Stifler, Cougar, Tricky and Patches broke away by a large margin and then settled down to battle out the bragging rights over lunch. Although the jury is still out and we're waiting for the photos to be developed, Stifler raised his arms in dubilation as he believes he's got the judges decision. This wouldn't really surprise anybody given the fact that he is a Team Vittoria rider. Cougar was left to lick his wounds in 2nd, with Tricky and Patches dead heating for the podium position of 3rd.

Once the pelaton regrouped we had a spectacular lunch put on by the Treasure Chest Dragon Boat team of Dragon's Abreast. The spread was put on in their club house at Maclean withthe special guest being Councillor John. John gave a very impressive speech and welcomed the riders with open arms and proceeded to hand Sambo a very large cheque on behalf of the Clarence Valley Council. Most of the pelaton then stripped down to their shirts and sat on the bank of the river to take in some lunch and a well earned rest. After a couple of Vittoria Coffees the pack were back on the road and crossing some very rickety bridges that once again took us toward the cane fields.

Our own Cougar (Geoff Coombes) was a special guest at lunch, particularly once the ladies found out he's not only the best looking guy in the pelaton, but he's also an Australian Dragonboat representative in 2007. Geoff then gave a quick tutorial on the finer arts of Dragonboat racing which was appreciated by all.

After a half hour ride, the pack came to the Clarence River Dairy. This was a particularly special time for the guys as the deck hand's grandfather had actually died of Cancer on that day. Although a somber note, it just gave the pelaton more drive to do what needed to be done to finish another special day in the Tour de Cure 2007.

Team Vittoria took a firm hold on the pelaton as we drove towards Grafton. DC emerged from the back of the pack to issue instructions to the pelaton on how we could instigate the Team Vittoria base line. All pelaton members were participants in this event as the speed picked up and we cruised as a team towards Grafton. There were special shout outs to Flick (Felicity) who was awesome on the front, taking the pack home.

As we hit the down town area of Grafton, Paris (Con Athans) took over the role left by Marcel, in throwing himself into roundabouts to stop traffic for the pelaton - it must be an ethnic thing, as our Greek adonis bravely combatted peak hour traffic of both the cars in Grafton!

It was a welcome sight for the pack as we hit our Quality Inn City Centre in downtown Grafton. Most riders jumping in the pool full kit and all! There wasn't even time to take off their jersey and nicks. The Tiger beers flowed as did the music and conversation as the pack re-checked bikes, did the washing, washed the trucks and unwound before going to dinner at the Senior Citizen's Centre, 2 blocks from the hotel. Team Vittoria have had a big day in guiding the pack, winning the sprint and taking out the yellow jersey with Stifler, for talking up a storm and having the right attitude throughout the day. The Team Vittoria mechanics then took hold of the hardware and finely tuned the pack's gear for day 4.

Jersey winners:
Yellow Jersey for Attitude - Stifler
Pink Jersey for Support - Pantani (Adam)
Blue Jersey for Guts - Flick (Felicity)
Polkadot Jersey for focus - Eric & Dave, our team logistics managers.

The comment of the day came from Leer Jet for the Boost Mobile Team, who was overheard saying that his team was really starting to gel. Noone's quite sure whether they're getting along really well, or if it has something to do with lubrication.... we'll give them the benefit of the doubt on that one!

Many thanks to Max who has worked tirelessly worked to download and perfect our photo gallery, and also to Dani who's working tirelessly back home to keep the PR machine rolling along on the road.

More from Team Vittoria on Day 4 - so stay tuned!

DESPERATELY MISSING YOU!

To my darling Tour de Cure team members, Eric, Dave, Sam & Robyn included.

I miss you TERRIBLY and read the blogs feverishly each morning. Where is the one from last night? WHERE!? I HATE being out of the loop!

I am so proud of how well you are all doing and continue to work hard from Sydney to get as much word out there about the Tour as possible.

Today we had a ripper little article in the ESSENTIAL section of the SMH so pick it up if you can in town!

Also had ABC Mid North Coast do a little interview with moi on your ride in to coffs, and am expecting TV and Print media to greet you on your arrival.

Hope you all did your hair and makeup!

Good luck, keep riding well, and can't wait to see ya'll in Gosford. Stay safe and keep rattling them tins!

xx Dani
PR to the stars (e.g. YOU)

On The Road with Team Vittoria

Very eventful day on the road today between Tweed Heads and Ballina.
Highlights of the day included Marcia's 4 blowouts, Alex having to change 14 flats, torrential rain through Byron, and Dragon boating and lunch from the Dragon Boat team at Lennox Head. The ladies put on a real home made lunch that only mums could have bettered and everybody chowed down after putting in a solid day of almost 120kms.

And just to set the record straight (by rider reply)regarding washing, you didn't see us do it, you can't prove anything, we've got nothing to do with it!! We're not sure how it happened but it wasn't us.......but in all seriousness, Denver, you're socks are in room 6!

Stay Tuned for more exciting events from the Vittoria Team live from the road of the Tour De Cure!

TDC breaks the drought

The Tour de Cure Breaks the North Coast Drought………..

Day 2 of the Tour de Cure
Tweed Heads – Ballina
121km
Weather Conditions:
Intermittent showers……..change that………..down pour in Byron Bay

After leaving our sensational accommodation at Quality Resort Twin Towns at Tweed Heads and being wished all the best by the local law enforcement, Joel and Jules borrowed their guns and quickly set the Tour De Cure underway.

The group quickly found day 2 legs and once again Team Sydney City Lexus were controlling the bunch, pace was similar to the Tour De France. The other teams on tour were once again in awe of their ability and strength.

LOTS AND LOTS of hills followed yet the Peleton continued to surge and mountains became molehills, the words of young Jay “never give up” certainly helped. Surely this terrain could throw more at the tour. As we weaved our way the scenary was inspiring and we continued to think about our Vittoria coffee stop at Brunswick Heads.
The great breakfast by Canadian kitchens (Mel and Leesa) and the fantastic location chosen by our support crew (Eric and David).

The tour then forged its way to Lake Ainsworth at Lennox Head.
A mad sprint down the beach at Lennox head brought us in to experience the cream of north Coast hospitality.
The towns finest LADIES (Dragon Boats Abreast) produced a meal fit for a king, making their finest dishes turning on a spread reminiscent of Christmas holidays of old.

Showing the Tour de Cure how to paddle a Dragon Boat on their Tea Tree brown lake was a great experience for all the TDC.

A wonderful donation from the Ladies was appreciated and put towards our growing total.

See picture of Beautifully adorned Pink Dragon

Cold Beers at Ballina as we watched the Outriggers paddle past in their Be A Man shirts
A welcome committee from the Ballina council and The Prostate Cancer Foundation brought the team home in front of the picturesque Richmond River.

Patani (aka Adam Elias) lead the TDC peleton in arguably the toughest conditions of the day. Our smallest rider showed courage and determination leading a weary and strung out group through the hills of Bryon and Ballina. Thanks Buddy………..!!

Our PR Princess Dani Lombard continued to preach the Tour de cure to the World. Radio, print and the internet are buzzing with the movement and momentum of the Tour de Cure. In it’s first year the PR in unprecedented for a Charity bike ride!

King of the Mountain (Our Sensational Support Crew) changed an unprecedented 14 flat tyres in the wet and dirty conditions. Their support was invaluable today and we would not have been on time for any of our engagements today without their help.

Lemo and Scabs (aka Patches) outsourcing the laundry duties…………….Only these 2 could get away with giving the Choice Hotels Propertier babe in arm on the shoulder, the dirty, smelly,

Special mention to the Sandbar restaurant in Ballina for opening especially for TDC and providing an absolutely fantastic dining experience.


Category Jersey Awards
New Idea Pink Jersey for Support = Josh Mcbride for outstanding work supporting the riders at the back of the peleton………….No Worries Meg that debt is now repaid
The Pratt foundation Blue Jersey = Marty for his Guts leading the TDC through some treacherous conditions
Myer Yellow Jersey = Denver for his attitude
The Intelligent Investor Polka Dot Jersey = Alex for his support (14 flat tyres, 4 blown out tyres,

Rock star receptions

The start of the Tour de Cure has finally come. Already enough water has flown under the bridge to solve Brisbane’s water crisis. What a day!

By 7:15am we’d already been up, breakfasted and ridden 17km to Myer at Queen St Mall ready for the ‘start’. The crowd were fed fruit skewers and yoghurt while cold bacon tormented them and us alike. The bbq organisers forgot the gas bottles, a slight oversight but one guest-MC Duncan Armstrong took in his stride. Once the gas arrived and the smell of bacon and egg rolls wafted down the mall, the crowd tripled in size, helping raise awareness for this wonderful cause and making us question the allocation of funds – heart disease anyone?

By 9:30 Gary and Geoff had spoken to Kerri Ann, the gun was fired and we were on our way, led by olympic triathlete Maxine Seear and soon to be world champion road cyclist Lorian Graham.

Crowds line the streets

With Brisbane local Marcel ‘Buddha’ Bengtson directing traffic like High Tower, we made our way out of town. Some of us stared wide-eyed as Con’s own barmy army lined the streets. But we hadn’t seen anything yet.

John Paul College, the school Con’s two children attend, turned on a reception the likes of which we’d never seen before. Marching bands and cheerleaders led us to thousands of youngsters high-fiving as we rolled through the school. The Tour de Cure means a lot to many people. When the children line the streets you realise how much everyone appreciates what we're doing and, just as importantly, the things we've already done.

Next stop was Movie World for lunch just as the rain started to fall. A big thanks to the crew at this Gold Coast theme park for their gifts to Jay - Camp Quality representative, cancer sufferer and supported of the Tour de Cure.

Dog launches kamikaze attack

Who could possible have it in for this wonderful cause? It’s hard to imagine but they’re out there … be afraid. Not long after the fuel stop (gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, apple crumble and caramel sauce) a dog, reputedly trained in the caves of Afganistan, launched itself at us from the back of a speeding ute (headed in the other direction). Fortunately for us, his physics left a little to be desired and the dog landed a metre or so short and tumbled down the road (on a serious note, we do hope the poor dog is ok. If you’re the owner, let us know).

We cranked the speed up after that and, as the odometer for this 105km stage ticked past 110 and 120, the formerly boisterous crew became silent. The big question the peleton was afraid to ask was: how were these stages measured? Will the supposedly 173km Taree-Newcastle stage be the same percentage out? Only time will tell.

Roger from the Prostate Cancer Foundation organised us a sterling reception and meal at the Twin Towns Services Club. It was happily devoured by all and, as we lodge our blog, everyone has retired for a well-earned rest.

Today’s Jersey winners

The Intelligent Investor Polka Dot Jersey for focus went to Dave Cottee for his relentless efforts to keep everything in order at the back of the pack.

New Idea Pink Jersey for support went to Con Athens for his support, and those near to him, of this wonderful event.

Myer Yellow Jersey for attitude went to the taskmaster Robin. In addition to loosening a few of the lads’ muscles up before the day started she was, as they say, everywhere today.

Pratt Foundation Blue Jersey for guts goes to Garry ‘Scab’ Bertwhistle for riding with stitches in his leg and arm. Great effort Scab, you’ve raised the roof that far you’ve lifted it clean off.

Signing off, Rick, Steve and Ian ‘that’ll do, does anyone read these blog things anyway’ Hogbin.

'Along For The Ride' Promo Video

... is now on YouTube! Click here to view it.

Update: You can now view the full-length clip here.

Good luck from NBCF!

Hi Everyone

On behalf of the team here at the National Breast Cancer Foundation I would like to wish all of the Tour de Curers good luck as they set off on their big adventure on Monday.

I would also like to say a big thank you to the cyclists and all of the team invovled for all of their hard work. I hope you know how wonderful we think you all are!
It has just been amazing watching this all come together from that very first meeting with Geoff and Sam. Your enthusiasm and dedication has inspired us all and, obviously, so many around you. We have been in awe at the amount of reach this event has had and the many people that you have touched (Dani, fantastic job with the media coverage as well).

Our thoughts are with you. We look forward to following the ride and will be at the 'welcome home' event with bells on.

Safe travelling! We will be with you every pedal of the way (........from the comfort of our cushy chairs...)

Renée HampsonCommunity Relations Officer
National Breast Cancer Foundation

Good luck from the PCFA

To all of our dear Tour de Cure Friends

The time now looms for your glorious ride and we shall be with you – all the way.
Just to think it was less than a year ago that Geoff first spoke to us about this dream.
Back then its seemed great but there was so much to do – but it has just been like a Field of Dreams

…..“if I build it they will come”

And so Tour de Cure has been built – and you have all come together and given so much of your time and your energy.
And you have helped us reach so many people with some vital messages about cancer – and what people can do to help.

Last year, as my brother, Kensit, was going through his battle with cancer I read up on Lance Armstrong – this is from him.

"I don't have any more bad days. I have good days and I have great days.
Cancer no longer consumes my life, my thoughts, or my behavior.
If I have a tough week, all I have to do is sit back and reflect on what I went through, and look at my son, and things don't bother me anymore.

When you almost lose your life to cancer, and then win the Tour de France, and then become a father, it grows you up fast.
Before, all of my questions were directed toward the "me," as in "Why me?" or, "What are my chances?"

But now I've started looking at other people."
Lance Armstrong

They were words I kept in mind when we lost my wonderful brother aged 50 in September last year.

Its just one of the reasons that I consider myself so lucky to be working here for the Prostate Cancer Foundation,
to be helping men and their families fight cancer, and to have the fortune to be to be working with inspirational people like yourselves.

So from all of us here at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, we wish you a great ride !!!!!!!

Cheers and best wishes,

Wendy Farrow
NSW State Manager
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

Reaching Primary Schools

This week saw Kate at two primary schools helping to spread the Tour de Cure message - firstly to Sydney Grammar and then joining me at Artarmon Public School. The enthusiasm of the kids, (not to mention the teachers) their interest in what we're doing and achieving is so motivating.

They were fascinated by our bike kits and our bikes and their questions did not stop. Kate covered her fiance's, Stu's, Year 4 class at Grammar, and together we covered the APS primary school assembly then a Year 2 class followed by all 3 kindergarten classes. Phew! But it really was a privilege and a lot of fun to speak to the kids and be a small part of their busy day's learning.

We have arranged for Camp Quality to present their fabulous puppet show to the kids of APS next month to help the students understand more about kids with cancer.

I wonder if one or two of the kids we met this week might join Tour de Cure 2030? If they work on their dreams to become reality, that may be a safe bet.
Learjet

Our Beautiful Maddie

Hi

Just wanted to say what a wonderful group of people you are.

We are friends of Craig Cairnduff's and cancer took our baby daughter Maddie at the age of
15mths.

Over dinner, he told us of your cause and how much time & effort you are all unselfishly
putting in.

We watched our daughter for six long months, go through the most horrendous treatment,
all in vain and held her in our arms as she took her very last breath. It has changed our lives
forever and it comforting to see all of you trying to raise the much needed funds to find a cure
for all of these terrible cancers.

Craig told me that after his visit to the children's hospital, getting up at 4am to train is
not so hard. It is a very hard life indeed living in a hospital helplessly watching your child suffer.

People like you all are my inspiration to keep going, it is not until you go through something
like this that you meet the most wonderful people like yourselves and all of the doctor's and
nurses.

We will be watching your progress and will ask our angel in heaven to make your journey a
safe and profitable one.

Thanks to you all & Good luck to you all.

Danielle & David Vine

Kaitlyn's 8th Birthday

Kaitlyn had a wonderful 8th Birthday. I have emailed you a beautiful couple of photos, she had a sleep over on friday night with some of her freinds, her camp quality companion came up for dinner on the saturday night, and she compiled a cd with all the songs that her and kaitlyn share and enjoy together, it is so cute.

Sunday we had all the family up for coffee and cake (and party food) in the morning. So she had a big weekend!!! 1st photo of the girls on the sleepover (they did a facial) second one, with her cake. Thanks Heaps Love you all Yvette

New Idea Rides for a Cure

Dani has been getting amazing press coverage for the team and here is a great article in New Idea's May 2007 edition on the Tour de Cure, outlining what it's all about, the road map and photos and some pretty handsome riders decked out in TDC kit.

And whilst the photographers have been out and about in parks, on roads, at The Vault, at breakfast functions and in hospitals taking shots of the TDC team, the odd budding artist has been taking time out to put oil to canvas, or texta to paper, to create their own TDC images.

Below, 7 yo Olivia Heath, depicts some of the TDC team riding skills in her latest work. Would make a fun gift card!

Armstrong on the Road for Cancer!

The Tour de Cure has it's very own Armstrong taking up the fight against Cancer. Australian Swimming champion Duncan Armstrong will join the Tour de Cure riders on the first leg from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

'I’m privileged to be involved with Tour de Cure . Anyone who has been very sick understands the pain and anxiety of feeling dreadful, now multiply that by 1000 and you might have an idea of one single day in the life of a person battling cancer. There are thousands of courageous men, women, and children taking the battle to cancer every day. So it’s up to the rest of us to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work of funding research for a cure. The Tour de Cure is an opportunity to put our healthy bodies to work for people in need of a cure from cancer. As one talented youngster who is in the fight of his life has stated, “I’ve got cancer, but it hasn’t got me!” Isn’t the health of this true Aussie champion worth riding a few hundred kilometers for?

Come and say G'day to Duncan and the TDC team on May 28th in the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane.

TDC, Community Spirit and Zoe

The Tour de Cure stall was presented at last Saturday's Artarmon Fair on the lower north shore in Sydney with our promotion moving out into the community; face-to-face. The stand, designed by Mark Starr, attracted plenty of interest with mannequins displaying the spanking brand new TDC jerseys (and the jerseys look fantastic!), the charities' materials, our sponsors and plenty of other goodies. Two bikes, one adult road bike and one kid's mountain bike on wind trainers provided a fun focal point, plus a large plasma screen with the TDC powerpoint show and Drew McAlister's 'Along for the Ride' pumping out, with plenty of cycling training shots - all added to the festive atmosphere.

The day provided a wonderful opportunity to chat to families and people in the community about Tour de Cure in detail, about the charities and the sponsors' great support. Donations were flowing, with more pledges to follow.

The TDC team and their families made a big effort to ensure the stall was a success and thanks for all the support from Geoff Coombes, Kate Cosgrove, Denver Bevan, Eric Cairnduff and wife Joan, Alex Cairnduff and daughter Sophie, Josh McBride and g/f Meg, Natalia Heath with kids Nicola, Olivia and Lachlan, Natalia's uncle and my parents, and Lance Creed. Lance supplied the generator, managed to override some technical glitches and was invaluable support in bump in and bump out.

But the Gold Star for community spirit goes to 8 year old Artarmon girl, Zoe, who attended the TDC stall. Zoe came to the Fair with $5 to spend and after she heard what TDC was all about, she said she really didn't need those other things on sale and donated all her fair money to Tour de Cure.

Learjet

It takes a thief...

The appreciation
Guys thanks for the calls to rally round for a spare rear wheel. I think I ended up with four wheels on offer. That’s really appreciated.

I've got a spare wheel / cassette until I buy a new set of wheels – and I'm looking for some very special ones which come with a battery pack and 240v pumping through its rims and spokes.

The history
Over the past many months I’ve learnt quite a bit about wheels. First it was spokes. Five broken over two sets of wheels. Then came the reinforced wheels – wheel smith spokes, double butted. Beautiful, we love the double butts. But, but, whilst they could repel my weight, they couldn’t repel the handy work of a thief.

The problem
My shimano cranks come with a top cap and two pinch bolts. The pinch bolts were weirdly loose (only tightened last week) and the crank slipped off whilst attached to the pedal which was attached to my cleat…
Now walking in carbon fibre soled cleated shoes is a challenge at any given time but when there is a pedal and crank attached to the cleat, it makes dismounting a whole new experience.

The situation
Just over the pedestrian/cycle path near Fort St Primary School last night, 7.30pm to be precise and consistent with my police report, cycling on return from work, my shoe/cleat felt unusually free... until wiggling the shoe a little more the crank fell off. The top cap was missing from the crank so I went in search of it with bike torch in hand.

The lesson
My bike was left against a railing with crank and pedal missing, the chain totally off, so virtually impossible to ride. It should be safe for 5 mins. Not. A good lesson learnt there my mother might say.

The joker
I was very cranky (literally) when I returned to my bike, with crank in hand, to see the rear wheel gone. The anger stayed for some time until after texting all of my woes including the missing of Tuesday morning’s ride to all and sundry. Then came George’s text… “Soft” That cracked me up. Anger gone.

Back out tomorrow. See you at 5am at Maissey's

Learjet xx

- ps if you know of anyone trying to sell a Neuvation rear wheel, double butted wheel smith spokes with/ or without Ultegra cassette - it could be mine.