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!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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)
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)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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!
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,
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,
Monday, May 28, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, May 25, 2007
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
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
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