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.