Thanks from Bron & Jay

Hi Sam & all the Tour De Cure Team,

Jay and I would like to thank you all so very much for being so kind to us - we have never experienced such kindness before, and never had anything done for us like what you all did for us before.

Jay was very sad to come home, and so was I, we just wanted to stay because you are all such nice people.

Jay and I would very much like to stay involved with the Tour De Cure is some way. and we very much would like to join the ride when you all ride from Sydney to Melbourne, that is a goal of Jay and mine and we believe we can help in raising lots more money to find a cure. The Tour De Cure course is close to my heart because we do need to find a cure for the illness Jay has and the only way we can do that is to raise lots of money for research. Jay may not be able to be cured, but we might be able to save one child's life - and by doing that we know we have done a great thing.

Life for us has not been a great one, it is very difficult having a child with cancer, and more difficult trying to get through life with no support (doing it on our own) but to know we have great friends like all the guys riding their bikes it makes it puts a knew perspective on the word CARING - THOUGHTFUL - GENEROUS. All you guys really have a caring heart, something we don't come across that often and I thank you all so much.

What you are all doing may not seem a lot, but please let me tell you that it means a great deal to me & to Jay.

It is hard to explain to people who have never experienced living with cancer what is is really like - but is it something I do not wish upon anyone, it is hard enough having to live with a family member with cancer, it is harder when it is a child. I lost both my parents to cancer, I was not going to let my son die as well. To lose Jay would destroy me and that is why we must find a cure, that is why research is so important to children living with cancer. Kids like Jay have only had a short life, it is so unfair that their lives are taken from then because us parents can't afford treatment or we just don't have the money to give to research - with your help in raising lots of money, we live in hope that a cure will be found so no more children like Jay have to suffer.

When with you all on Saturday night, I was holding back the tears, I try not to cry in front of Jay as I don't need him to see me upset. I take on all the stress of what he goes through and knowing he has a spot which sits on his spinal cord and is a ticking time bomb I get a bit upset when I have to tell people about his illness. I was really holding it in when talking to all the guys about Jay's illness and when I got back to the hotel and into bed I just cried my eyes out. Also yesterday I did a bit of crying and it was just so over whelming and starting to get to me (but Jay did not see me cry).

Please know how much I appreciate what you did for Jay and I hope you don't forget him - he and I really want to help and that is from our heart and Jay so much wants to join in the ride.

We were on the flight home last night and Jay kept saying - I want to go to Sydney to see them ride home, I will see what I can do, I would also love to go up to greet you all in Sydney. (Is it the 6th June you arrive in Sydney)? anyway I will see what I can do to get there, that is if you all don't mind if we come up to welcome you .

Keep doing what you are doing guys, keep that great attitude you all have, keep smiling always, have fun doing what you are doing while knowing you are saving some ones life, make the most of each and everyday, and remember that PAIN IS TEMPORARY - QUITTING IS FOREVER and we know you will never quit and you will NEVER GIVE UP, just look at Jays wrist band each time you think you have pain, just remember your pain is nothing compared to the pain Jay and other little ones go through and look at what that band say's NEVER GIVE UP.

To each and every one of you - you all have a heart of gold.

I have attached photo's for you all - please share these photos' - you may put them up on your web site.

Jay is trying to get a journal together, hopefully buy Friday it will be up (not sure) he has so much he wants to say and so many photos he wants to put up and share - he thinks you are all the best and he hopes to see you all again.

Give that Andrew Lemon a big hug from me - he is a (cute one) I like him (lol).

Please tell all the guys they can email Jay or myself anytime, or leave a message on his guestbook, I know he would get great joy our of hearing from everyone.

Remember - GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION

All our love to you all

BRON & JAY

www.jaysjourney.org

The Final Day Tour De Cure 2007

Team Vittoria from the road.

It was a wet and windy final day for the 2007 Tour de Cure. The
pelaton rose early to meet at the Vault at the Entertainment Quarter
at 5am to head into the last phase of this years tour. There was a
great spirit amongst all the riders as they had sorely missed each
other over the last 24 hours. Although there were no pancakes,
oatmeal or coffee available, the spirits were still high as Con
'Paris' Athans, passed around Dencorub and suggested it could be used
as _______ cream for the day to keep us warm. Althought not many
riders took him up on the offer we left the warmth of the Vault to
brave the wet cold and windy elements to head to the Channel 7
Sunrise studios in Martin Place. It was a dangerous and precarious
ride to Channel 7, with the cross winds and mini tornados blowing
across the city. However all the team arrived in tact, and we had a
great morning with Monique from the Sunrise program. The team starred
in several crosses to discuss the route, the donations, the charities
and the 'house of pain' that had kept us going for 10 days.

It was great exposure for the corporate supporters of the Tour as
Sydney City Lexus, Dencorub, Vittoria Coffee, Ella Bache received
plenty of signage opportunities. Celebrities Wayne Gardiner, Jayne
Fleming and Guy Leech showed their support by turning up in team
colours, to be a part of the breakfast cross.

After a photo shoot in the mall and a farewell from Monique and the
Channel 7 cameras, we headed up to the Tropicana Cafe in Darlinghurst
for a quick breakfast. During this time the team scoped out First
Fleet Park for the final concluding concert with the Choir Boys. Just
after 11am the team rolled out in once again windy rainy cold
blustery conditions. After an easy roll down to First Fleet Park the
team were welcomed by a rendition of 'Along for the Ride by Drew
McAllister and Geoff Robertson. The hair rose on the back of the
riders necks as we entered the stage area to the welcoming applause
of the charities, friends, families and onlookers. It was a reat way
to put final closure on the 2007 Tour de Cure. Hard core Australian
rockers The Choir Boys braved the elements and turned up to rock the
house with 'Run to Paradise', as the final farewell to the Tour. Our
riding helmets go off to the boys from the Choir Boys who, although
played in tragic conditions on a wet and damp park, brought it on the
day, and never once hesitated in plugging in the guitars and turning
it up. Thanks boys.

Its been an awesome event, and enough has been said of the success of
the Tour. Every rider should know that they have now left a
significant legacy on this world. If nothing else ever happens in the
lives of the 23 riders and 6 support staff, you can feel comfortable
in the fact that you have left a legacy in helping to find a cure for
Cancer. As a united bunch of 29 tour participants, we have a common
dream to see one day a cure found for Cancer. It may not be on the
back of the Tour in 2007 but it will be during our time on the bike.

Last Leg - Team Vittoria

......from the road Team Vittoria.

The last couple of days have been incredible for the whole Tour de
Cure pelaton. Our 2nd last day on the road saw us moving from
Newcastle to Gosford. it was a pretty cruisy day on the road for the
team following what was a massive day of riding from Taree into
Newcastle. The relatively calm 100kms from Newcastle to Gosford was
tame in comparison. The team went along at a comfortable 30 - 32km/hr
for most of the day through the flat sections of the course. There
were a couple of slight inclines which put the pressure on the back
end of the pelaton, however there was enough support from everyone to
keep the team moving forward. Team Vittoria upheld its
responsibilities to the team and lead the pelaton to Westfield
Shopping Town in Newcastle to drop off a limited edition plaque to
the coffee store inside Westfield.

The team settled down for espresso's before firing up a massive hill
to start our journey to Gosford. Thankfully the weather held off and
we had a brisk and beautiful morning to start our ride. On entering
Gosford, a number of camera crews were strategically positioned along
our path to capture the team in flight. One of these crews included
the tv network from NBN who filmed an interview with cougar, patches
and some of the Tour de Cure pelaton. This aired that night on the
NBN nightly news at 6pm. Its actually been incredible how much media
this tour has generated. That night at dinner in Gosford our chief
talker Dani Lombard, bought along our tear sheet book which contained
only the newspaper clippings from the last few months of the tour. It
weighed as much as the Encyclopedia Brittanica and would have been at
least 4 inches in depth. It is incredible how much interest this
event has generated with newspapers, tv stations and radio stations.
There wasn't a day that went by where we weren't speaking with some
of the local or national news teams regarding the event, our progress
or the amount of money that had been raised.

We got to Gosford mid afternoon and everybody had some free time to
be able to dedicate to a hospital visit. The community events have
been at the core of the Tour de Cure's activities throughout the trip
down the coast. Whether it was bbq's, cocktail parties or dinners
with the community each afternoon and evening, the Tour de Cure team
have been out and about meeting the locals, the charity support
groups, and raising more money to put towards the tour.

Once the visit to hospital was done, everyone had some brief time off
before congregating for a terrific dinner at the hotel. The Quality
Inn at the Willows gave us their conference facility where Drew
McAllister set the room alight with a live performance of along for
the ride. After a few speeches and presentations the team settled
down together to dance, sing and relax before the final stage into
Sydney. This also included what can only be said was a pretty average
rendition by the entire Tour de Cure team, of Drew's song. There was
no doubt there were mixed emotions in the room as people contemplated
the end of what's been an incredible experience for everyone.

Day 8 - Big Kahuna for Ella Bache

Today was a monster! 4 degree morning start with 160km start on the menu from Taree to Newcastle.

First of all, a 1km to the local Vittoria Coffee shop, Raw Sugar, for some coffee and breakfast kindly donated by the owners. It should be noted that our catering van, Comfort Inn Marco Polo and Comfort Inn City Centre provided full breakfast and coffee not 10 minutes earlier. This didn't stop the crew getting stuck in again.

Anyways... on to the ride. We had one sick rider in the name of Craig "Choppy" Cairnduff who was looking at tackling the 160km with raging flu. Like a total stud he dosed up on all manner of medication and hit the road.

The route was mainly focused on the Pacific Hwy with rolling hills, strong headwinds and dodgy road shoulders to contend with. The TdC crew staunchly punched along incident free until Andrew 'Max' Walker veered off the incorrect exit ramp and went from leading the bunch to chasing to get back on.

We were all rocking along until hitting an 8km climb at Buladelah that split the bunch and saw many of the riders digging deep. Once this challenge was meet another 40km was tackled and lunch at Karuah was ready to be nailed. The catering girls knocked out a superb Mexican feast that was scoffed by the riders in the sun. Followed up with chocolate bread and butter pudding - but that's ok because we'd already done 117kms.

Not long after lunch with tired legs we tackled the last portion of the ride to Newcastle via Stockton. Some of the friskier riders fired up for the daily sprint, with the vague finish line being the Stockton ferry. Positions were strategically being planned 20 kilometers out but the break was initiated by Team Lexus - Denver being the decoy lead out man who lured team Ella Bache's Adam into the chase - some 5kms too early. Much confusion ensued with the early jump but line honours went to Rick 'The Champ' Horvat. The Stockton ferry gave a well earned break to some weary legs. Once back on land it wasn't long until we were able to de-bike at our gorgeous accommodation, Noah's on the Beach.

After a couple of hours rest, we were treated to an awesome dinner reception at Quality Hotel NOAH'S On the Beach with the local Newcastle Prostate group and a few family and friends. Although the star guest of the night was Drew McAlister. He treated us to a live performance of the Tour de Cure theme song, "Along for the ride". After dinner category jerseys were awarded with much laughter to the following:
Attitude: Yellow Myer/Camp Quality to Gary Bertwistle
Support: Pink New Idea/NBCF to Denver Bevan
Guts: Blue Pratt Foundation/Prostate Cancer Foundation to Craig Cairnduff
Focus: Polka Dot The Intelligent Investor/KOM to Steve Johnson

A long day done and dusted.

Posted by Team Ella Bache.

Update on Team Vittoria

It was a welcome respite from highways when the Tour de Cure rolled into Sails Resort in Port Macquarie. After a gruelling 170kms on the road, the team were very happy to see the front door of the beautiful Quality Resort Sails.

After devouring a couple of buckets of snakes, red frogs and chocolates, the guys unpacked the trucks, restocked the Powerade and headed inside to put their feet up.
It was a incredible feat for the majority of the Tour De Cure pack who had set a personal best on the road of 170kms. There were some very testing stretches of road on the highway, dealing with truck drivers, road debris and some pretty average roads. Everybody arrived in great spirits and in fact the pace in the last 5kms to the resort topped well over 35kms per hour!

That night there were celebrations all around and the team unwound ready for their rest day. Quality Resort Sails Port Macquarie is the ideal spot to rest, only metres from the beach, the surrounds are just what we needed to rest. The Team Vittoria squad were up early and on the bikes to head out for a loosener around the beaches of Port Macquarie. The ride took in some picturesque beach scenery and went for about 40mins, up and down some hills that helped work out the knots and lactic acid from the legs. The small squad then return backed to the resort to enjoy an incredible breakfast put on by Canadian Kitchens. Leesa and Mel put on a brilliant spread of Nasi Goren, eggs, mueslis and fresh juices.

Once breakfast was devoured, Team Vittoria got back on the bikes and rode back down to the beach to Café Pernod to present the owner with a limited addition Café Vittoria Plaque. The owner was well aware of the Tour and was excited to see us and shouted us raisin toast and coffees on the beach. Once the pack devoured the raisin toast and Vittoria coffees we headed back to the resort for a function on the lagoon with Camp Quality, Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer. Once again the pink ladies of the breast dragon boat team gave us a wonderful display and our own Couger (Geoff Coomes) did a training session with the guys to share the fine art of Dragon Boating. After the charity BBQ fundraiser we headed back to Sails Resort for some down time before the girls from Canadian Kitchens once again treated us to a festive feast over a BBQ. Lessa and Mel have really looked after the team and kept the energy high with a perfect mix of high carb healthy food. (the chocolate mousse and chocolate espresso cake were a treat!)

The whole afternoon was free time and most of the riders took advantage of the massages by the pool. Rob, our physio, was there to welcome the riders to her house of pain. With two guest physios who sat in to assist with the long line of bodies that needed a tune up.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the Tour so far has been the people we have met and the stories they’ve shared. Not many of the 23 riders knew what it was like to deal with Cancer or in fact be a part of a family that is hit like a freight train when a diagnosis of leukaemia or a cancer is announced. The stories, the people, the passion and the friendship has touched each and everyone of the riders.

Coming through Kempsey a lady saw the passing pelaton, saw the logo, went home, googled Tour de Cure and got onto our website and gave Cougar a call. She then asked if she could walk up to our lunch place and give a donation. On arrival she introduced her son Jordan and shared a story of her Aunty who had died weeks earlier. She said she didn’t have much and handed over $5 and said that’s all she had, but she would like to make a donation. Stories like this have not only touched the riders but it slams you in the face like a headwind up a hill to try and understand what its like to deal with this beast. I could fill 50 blogs with stories like this that have been recounted to us by the local communitites up and down the coast. The media, the charities and the people we have met on the side of the road have created an experience for riders that could not have been comprehended when we left Brisbane. For Cougar and I to see our dream come true and have the priviledge of being part of these stories with the other 21 riders, is something to be proud of.

Our logistics team have been incredible in keeping the team going. It was a harrowing day in the cars yesterday for Eric, Dave, Sam and Ross. Trucks, road works and 170kms made it tough for the guys, but like true professionals they never lost their focus, their smile or sight of the pelaton. Sunday we head to Taree for a 100km trek down the coast.

More from Team Vittoria soon. Until then raise the espresso and keep the donations coming.

Team Dencorub wins day 6 sprint

Joined for the day by guest rider Disco Stu, we rolled out at 9am from beautiful Port Macquarie faced with another day in paradise. Families and friends that had joined us for the weekend gave us a huge send-off, partly making up for being in the bar when we arrived on the Friday afternoon.

The first few hours took in some gorgeous scenery but the road was narrow and tough and morning tea was welcomed by all.

Muffins and coffee were served in a picturesque park in Laurieton and from there we made our way back towards the Pacific Hwy. Good communication ensured the group made it through a tough patch of road before the hwy opened up to duel carriageway and the pace was wound up to more than 35kmh for the last 25km. Team Decorub's Tricky Ricky took the sprint over Adam Pounani with Old Man Cougar (Geoff Coombes) well off the pace. Apart from King of the Mountain pair DC and Wonderboy Alex, who decided they'd ride the last 60km in top gear only, the whole peloton was riding strongly and the 95km ride passed in a flash.

We were greeted by the local Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer and Camp Quality representatives in Taree and enjoyed a nice lunch on the river. The afternoon was taken up with a visit to the local hospital, where we handed out a few gifts, lifted some spirits and hotfooted it home to avoid the rapidly approaching storm.

A couple of the lads devoured a 21-piece box of KFC (uuurghhh) and watched the footy before sprucing up for dinner at the Manning River Hotel. We were once again joined by some wonderful people from the three cancer foundations we're supporting, and were supposed to follow it up with a game of poker. Loey was looking forward to fleecing everyone but 8pm has become standard bedtime and the only person left to fleece was DC, slowly making his way to the bottom of his 5th bottle of red for the weekend (he's still carving the rest of us up but Wonderboy Alex leads their one-on-one sprint challenge 9-7 – DC informs us he's 'taught the kid too much' but we reckon if he got off the drink it'd make a bit of a difference).

A huge day awaits us into Newcastle tomorrow. Based on the program so far, the 174km stage as indicated on the website should be somewhere between 20 and 300km. We're all flying though and itching to knock another challenge over. Come and see us at Noah's if you're in the area.

The Intelligent Investor Polka Dot jersey was awarded to Marsha for his focus during the ride.

The Pratt Foundation Blue Jersey was awarded to Mark Star for his gutsy performance over a number of days. He was all strength today after a couple of tough ones earlier in the week.

Lear Jet Mal Heath was the undisputed winner of the The New Idea Pink Jersey for his support within the peloton and because he'll look funny in hot pink.

Finally, Max Walker won the Myer Yellow Jersey for his positive attitude on the ride. He certainly showed a positive attitude towards Brooke, who added a 'special touch' to tonight's prize.

Yours forever, Stevie J and Tricky Ricky for the Decorub Team.

Day 6. Resting in Style and Luxury

Day 6
Rest day in Port Macquarie

Now you would have thought that 175km on the bike would have been enough reason for the TDC Riders to sleep in and enjoy a day off at the magnificent Quality Resort Sails Port Macquarie. That and a hang over from a long night of celebrating the previous days effort could not hold 6 TDC Riders from sliding in to their lycra (smelling fruity fresh thanks to Con’s Dencorub team) at 6.30am and doing a short 25km roll to test out the legs.
The 6 HARD CORE TDC Riders (DC + Wonderboy, Rickster, Patches, M#A#S#H and Cougar) put their aches and pains aside to enjoy a Vittoria coffee at Purno’s Café at Flynn’s beach with Purno himself! It was a beautiful place to enjoy a coffee and tell stories about the previous day.

Leesa and Melissa our Catering Queen’s had a special treat in store for the TDC Crew on our rest day. The girls had been planning a lavish breakfast and Lunch (feels like we never stop eating) to refuel our bodies and spoil our taste buds.
Our TDC Nutrition expert Allan from Recover Sports would have been horrified when he saw the lavish rashes of bacon, Hollandaise sauce and more rashes of bacon………………yep we ate for an army and loved every last bite.

A short stroll to the Village Green after breakfast to meet with the local Camp Quality support group was a nice stretch for the tired legs. Even nicer was the masseuse offering to give TDC Riders a free massage. You have never seen so many men and woman line up for a massage, almost pushing each other out the way to be first.
It was great to see our Camp Quality friend Nicole at the Village Green.

The Dragons abreast Ladies from Port Macquarie paddled their Dragon Boat from up Hastings River (14km which equals 2hrs) to take some of the TDR Riders for yet another Dragon Boat ride. Some might say this was my way of getting in some training for the Nationals but it really is a nice way to meet some of the Breast Cancer survivors and see the local water ways. A quick lesson and we hit the water, taking a couple of Camp Quality kids out to enjoy the fun in the sun.
I (Geoff) stayed on after we dropped the others back and had a 1hr training session with the Pink ladies taking them through some drills we do in the National team. The ladies did it with ease and by the end of the session we had worked on their starts, stroke and seat positions. All I can say is look out to the other Dragons Abreast as these girls are hot to trot!

We have been blessed with magnificent weather for the last few days and I hope I don’t jinx it now by publishing this before the end of our 6th day. With the sun beating down on us we had three massage tables working overdrive on the deck beside the pool overlooking the mighty Hastings river for much of the afternoon. Life’s tough I hear you mumble as you read this. Good Food, Massages, Luxury Accommodation…………….sure is going to be tough going back to work next week.

A quick bike check/clean and we are ready for another day on the Road to finding a Cure. We head off tomorrow bound for Taree. The TDC Riders + family have enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Quality Resort Sails Port Macquarie in its idyllic settings. Thanks for having us.

We are on the home stretch........................look out Sydney and look out $400k.

Cheers

Geoff

Day 5.....Our longest Day!

Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie 175 km’s

Day five opened with a stunning sunrise and an easy spin in crisp conditions to Sawtell for a sensational breakfast at the Surf Club Café with the Coff’s cycling locals. It was a truly superb setting and the highlight was meeting the charismatic Marco and his antique woollen jersey with newspaper lining………old school!

Leaving Sawtell we rejoined the Pacific Highway and the heavy traffic. We enjoyed some varied road conditions en route to Macksville with extensive road works on the way. The ladies from the local Breast Cancer Support Group had prepared a delicious morning tea for us and this was enjoyed on the river bank as we road into town. The food was so amazing that many of the team wrapped up the various slices in foil to augment our Gu for en route nourishment.

We next broke our ride for lunch at East Kempsey. Whilst there Geoff received a call from a woman who had seen us ride by and got Geoff phone number off the Tour De Cure website. On hearing that we were taking lunch in her own town she raced down to catch up with us and make a donation. Her generosity struck a cord with the TDC team and was a fine example of the community support that we have enjoyed on our journey down the North Coast. On leaving our lunch spot we were assisted by the local Police who stopped traffic to allow the TDC Peleton and support vehicles to cross the Highway.

Shortly after lunch (60km later) we turned onto a secondary road and had some much more relaxed cycling through beautiful country for the rest of the day’s ride into Port Macquarie.

Day 5’s long ride in testing road and traffic conditions saw the TDC riders and safety/support crew perform brilliantly. Dave and Eric once again in the lead car dictating the route, calling the hazards and trying to cause as little disruption to heavy traffic flow. Robyn, another amazing effort driving the sweep car protecting our backs whilst making concise professional calls on the 2 way describing overtaking traffic like an experienced Air traffic controller. The riders worked smoothly calling countless hazards and road debris, changing from single file to two abreast as road conditions frequently changed. The efficiency of the pack saw us achieve an average speed of approx 31km/h for the day. “Hard core Euro Cool” was the call from Dave Cottee and for those that don't know DC this was one hell of a compliment

Sails Resort Port Macquarie was a welcome respite from a long day in the saddle. We enjoyed a wonderful meal at Spinnaker’s on the wharf taking in a beautiful sunset over the pool looking out over the Hasting River…thank you Walter for hosting our team!

Category Jerseys

Pink ‘New Idea’ jersey was awarded to Geoff C for his unflagging support in ensuring that all TDC’ers “look the business” and perhaps inspiring leadership our longest day

Craig Cairnduff received the Intelligent Investor Polka Dot jersey for focus on making the distance in style. Craig was so ‘In the Zone’ that at one stage he was heard to say “Can’t talk…. pedalling”. It was rumoured that a strong supporting factor to Craig’s worthy win is that he is the captain of Team Sydney City Lexus who once again were the powerhouse of the Peleton.

The YELLOW Myer jersey for outstanding attitude went to Kate Cosgrove for brilliance in being Kate and maintaining morale, drive and safety in the middle of the pack.

The BLUE Pratt Foundation jersey for ‘Guts’ was won by Dave Lo who had bravely gambled his self esteem and reputation at last night’s award ceremony whilst shamelessly lobbying the selection committee for “any jersey, just give me a bloody jersey”. There was also some talk of a very impressive display of determination and courage in completing the day’s solid ride in fine style and surpassing the 160 km milestone.

Signed:
Marty and Geoff from Team Lexus..........the team that worked hard on the front all day!

Tour de Cure - It All Starts Tomorrow!!

Hi everyone!

In February I sent many of you a note - letting you know of an adventure I had signed up for called Tour de Cure, where a group of guys and girls were going to get together and ride from Brisbane to Sydney to raise money for three Cancer Charities.... It seems like ages since that note! At that stage, I was bemoaning the early morning training sessions, my struggle to get fit quickly, being carried into air-conditioned service stations with heat exhaustion and the like...

Well, a lot can happen in three months - both personally and for the tour! Here's a quick summary... (actually, on reflection, it's not that quick!!)

For me:

The early morning training sessions continued - sometimes 4-5 days per week! To give you a flavour of an average day.... The alarm goes at 4am, and it's always the greatest temptation to roll over and concede that only the maddest of madmen would contemplate getting up at that hour of the day! And the madness continues, as you don the lycra, force food into your mouth, and pedal off into the night! Yes, by any definition, it's still night-time at 4.30am!! In recent times I've had a riding partner on the first part of the route. But up until then it was just me and my lycra, pedaling through the weird pre-dawn of Kings Cross, en route to the north shore to meet the rest of the team... The people are mostly friendly though, and I've had many girls ask me if I wanted a "date" as I cycled past... They're obviously impressed by the improving fitness levels they've been witnessing over the past couple of months...

From there it's cross the Harbour Bridge and into Maiseys at Neutral Bay for the first coffee of the morning! Adam, our barista there, knows all the orders by heart now, and he's working on remembering our names! The banter is pretty animated for 5am - but I generally find that I'm still in wake-up mode, and am more subdued than the rest... Plus - I know that Spit Hill is looming once the coffees are finished - and that thought seems to invade my subconscious and override any potential frivolity!

On the bikes again, and it's a bit of a race down Spit Hill, and up the other side... No-one ever claims it's a race, but unofficially speaking, if you're leading and you look back twice or more to see who's following, then "it's on!!" And there's enough A-Type personalities in the pack to make sure the hill is always keenly contested! I have only made it up first once... And it was a day when there were only three of us riding! I was careful not to look back at all - fearing that I would signal something to the two people behind... I quietly (well, as quietly as you can, when your lungs and quads are exploding in unison) went about the climb, and was rewarded with a view at the top which, for the first time ever, did not involve other people's lycra'ed butts...

We then try to pick up a bigger pack of cyclists heading north from Manly... Depending on which day it is, their speed varies... My favourite day is Wednesday, when they're having a "light spin". This means I can keep up! On other days, I still get dropped off the back... Which I really don't mind that much - as it's better than being yelled at (it happens) if you're not going fast enough!

Around Warriewood / Newport (and sometimes Church Point) the Tour de Cure guys turn for home, and head back along the coast towards Manly... It's about now that the sun starts to creep up over the ocean, and you start to feel like it's really really worthwhile getting out of bed. It's hard to describe some of the sunrises we have seen lately! Suffice to say that for a month or so, every day was different and increasingly more spectacular than the last!

One more coffee in Manly, and then back to the city where I get to my office by 8am - and still beat most people to work (though doubtless they're more productive in the afternoons, when I'm trying to pick the lock to the door of the sick bay so I can crawl in for a nap...)

-------------------------------------

And here I am on the morning before the ride starts, feeling nervous and excited in equal measure! The last few weeks have been "mental" in terms of workload and travel, and I'm wishing I could have done more training to build on the hard work of the past few months (did I just say that!?). But I'm hoping I have done enough to get me over the line!! Anyway, the bags are packed, and the legs are freshly shaved - so there's not much more I can do, except get the flight to Brisbane this afternoon and startpedaling tomorrow!!

Without sounding OTT, this past few months have been quite a special time for me - largely because of my involvement with TDC. Not only have I got the benefit of losing weight, and being much much fitter than I ever have been. But I have got so much out of the involvement with the team and seeing the direct benefit of the work we are doing. To give an example, at one of our breakfasts in Sydney, we had a young cancer patient come in to talk to us. He's 15, and has an inoperable tumour in his brain which is also causing him to become blind. And his goal is to become a comedian!! He got up with Gretel Killeen in front of the audience, and performed some stand-up for us! If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is!!

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me to make this goal a reality over the past few months. To all my friends who have so generously donated money to my cause - a massive thank you!! Your generosity is overwhelming and totally humbling. I have reached my goal of raising more than $10,000 through all of your support!!

If you have pledged support - the on-line payment system is now up and running!!

Two special notes of thanks!

To my family - who have all been "shaking the can" on my behalf - thank you so much for all of your efforts! You know how much I appreciate it!!

And to David Bayes at Choice Hotels. Thank you so much for all your incredible support!! Choice Hotels have provided us with all our accommodation for the trip - an incredible gift to us which means we can give more money directly to the Charities!

Many others have asked me to re-send the link to the website, which I will do below...

www.tourdecure.com.au

To donate, just click on "the team" tab, and then on my head!

Tour de Cure Day 4 – Ella Bache leads the ride from Grafton to Coffs Harbour

It was the dedicated few: Max, Geoff, Lemo, Ian, Steve and Josh who rose an hour earlier than necessary to enjoy the spectacular Clarence River in a rowing boat. The 6am effort was generously rewarded with a Grafton Rowing Club medal, which Josh proudly displayed all through breakfast.


The Ella Bache team was proudly represented at the 8am roll call with Flick in her blue Pratt Foundation/Prostate Cancer jersey and Adam in the pink New Idea/Breast Cancer jersey. The peloton rolled out at 8.15am to a big wave from our great hosts at Quality Inn. The boys at the front set a fast pace during the undulating ride to our morning tea break at Glenreagh.


Cougar’s flat tyre and Steve’s broken spoken kept the King of the Mountain boys busy at the end of the break. From Glenreagh we continued our speedy pace through to Nana Glen (Russell Crowe’s home town) where we were waved and cheered by the local primary school kiddies.


First race of the day


A day on the road isn’t enough without a good sprint and as much as the Ella Bache team takes it to the boys, the three girls just don’t quite have the pace to race. Adam was our sole representative on the quiet country lane chosen en route to Coffs. But with Lemo all over the road leading to the finish line (a manoeuvre he was disqualified for) it was the outside racers, Cougar and Steve who lunged for the line. After a brief debate from the multiple roadside judges, Cougar was given the blue ribbon.


The country sprint did little to tire the legs and the peloton continued on through the countryside weaving its way up to the stunning rainforests outside Coffs Harbour. Thankfully, we took the time to marvel at the amazing ghost gums. (This is a route we can definitely recommend into Coffs Harbour).

For those fearless enough to take on the downhill at the end of the rainforest it was apparently a race to the bottom. Thanks to Graham and Lucy (local Coffs Harbour riders) who manned the bottom of the hill and pulled us up in time to avoid the Pacific Highway traffic. After navigating our way over the 4-lane highway we gave the TV crew a wave at the top of the Big Banana hill (it had to be at the very top of the hill too!) before the final little bit into the centre of town.


Amazing Coffs Harbour reception


The Coffs Harbour community came out in force and we were given a celebrity reception as we rolled on in to the main street. Four criterion races kept the lunch crowd entertained and the donations flowing. C-grade was won when Max sped to the lead with just over a lap to go. Lemo punched it out to take the B-grade race. He then decided that wasn’t enough and backed up for A-grade. But it was serious stuff as the boys hooned up and down the tight strip, Adam strategically placing himself in third position. Despite Cougar’s overabundant competitive nature a local lad, who we later found out to be the regional A-grade champion, took line honours. Not to be outdone, the whole Tour de Cure team hit the start line for the final race of the day, which was marvellously commentated by Sam (everyone got a plug). The pup of the team, Alex, raced away to win. His prize? A kiss from Elle - that’s Elle the seal at the Pet Porpoise pool (our next destination). We refuelled with the best meal of the tour to date, thanks to the ladies from Canadian Kitchens, before heading off to get Alex his kiss.


Christian from Camp Quality, his family and local members of the Breast Cancer support group joined us at the Pet Porpoise Pool – great to have so many involved. Luckily we were all able to get a kiss from Elle who puckered up her lips and gave us all a fishy kiss before we were treated to a spectacular dolphin display from Bucky, Zippy, Calamity and baby Bella. However, the star of the show was our Rickster who serenaded us and got the dolphins dancing—an act that sealed him the blue jersey for the day. We all said goodbye to Christian after Geoff presented him with some Tour de Cure goodies. We then quickly found our Quality Inn City Centre accommodation and changed into our cocktail attire (black Tour de Cure shirts) for the first event, ever, to be held on the Coffs Harbour jetty.


Despite the rather chilly temperatures the team and local supporters enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails under a full moon. Jessica and her dad (Camp Quality), Bruce (the local Prostate Cancer Foundation support group) and Brenda (the Breast Cancer support group) all shared their stories with us and reminded us of why this ride is so important. A very big thank you to Gretel Hogbin for organising such a special night.


With a big day coming up the team needed a bit of a top up to the lovely pier nibbles. A raucous dinner followed (at a location never to be disclosed) before we were all shuttled back to bed where most of us fell asleep, exhausted from a wonderful afternoon in Coffs Harbour.


A very big thank you to our Coffs Harbour team member, Ian Hogbin, and his family for organising all the superb events to promote Tour de Cure and our three cancer charities.


Jersey winners for the day

Focus: The Intelligent Investor’s KOM polka dot jersey – Sam for her awesome and continuous focus on keeping us all organised and the Tour de Cure train on track.

Guts: Blue Pratt Foundation/Prostate Cancer Foundation jersey – Rickster for his awesome work around the peloton, taking on A-grade in his first ever bike race and, of course, singing in front of a crowd and four dolphins.

Support: Pink New Idea/Breast Cancer Foundation jersey – Leesa and Mel for their wonderful meals and going beyond their call of duty with turkey sandwiches at the end of the day in the car park.

Attitude: Yellow Myer/Camp Quality jersey – Ian. The support he rallied in the Coffs Harbour community was an outstanding example of Tour de Cure attitude.


Written by the Ella Bache team: Kate, Flick, Jacinta & Adam

PCFA Cheers TDC Team!

Dear TDC Team,

You are doing the best job and we can not thank you all for your efforts

For all the blue jersey winners – go hard – you have shown you have the guts (and balls- great to see Flick getting it )

Checking the website every day – keep up the blogs if you are not too tired team.

So from all of us here at PCFA – keep going

Remember team Lance Armstrong said

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”

Keep going the end is in sight – and it all looks good from here.

Wendy Farrow
NSW State Manager & Andrew Giles, CEO
Prostate Cancer Foundation