Congratulations Geoff "Cougar" Coombes

On behalf of all the riders and team members of the Tour de Cure,
congratulations to our own Geoff 'Cougar' Coombes, for not only
making the Australian Dragonboat Team for the World Championships,
but also putting in an outstanding effort and making us all proud.
For those Tour de Cure and support teams that went out to Penrigh to
see Cougar take on the world's best, I'm sure everyone would agree
that it was an outstanding event and Geoff certainly lead from the
front. Cougar we're all terribly proud of what has been an
incredible year for you, and your leadership in the boat was a
reflection of your leadership on the bike. Well done mate and we look
forward to having you back on a bike seat on a more regular basis,
getting set for Tour de Cure 2008. It was interesting to note that
the Dragonboat team also wear lycra.....You don't need to be too
observant to be picking up a theme. Anyway, enough of that, well done
Cougar from the Tour de Cure team.

PCF ~ Sydney's Secret Ingredients Dinner

On Monday night 9 of the Tour de Cure's finest attended Sydney's Secret Ingredients. The Prostate Cancer Foundations first ever Gala dinner. A fantastic evening was had by all and our congratulations go to the brains an beauty who pulled the night together. Our very own R&M Director Samantha Hollier-James and the ever talented and highly creative Popcorn Team (Pete and Andrew Lemon aka Stiffler) served up a delightful night of sensual treats for the taste buds and some beautiful ornaments to which Denver enjoyed admiringly. PR Princess Dani Lombard ensured only the elite of Sydney 'A' list attended the event........hence 2 TDC tables

In true TDC fashion the event was almost hosted in our honour thanks to Sam and Popcorn Events recommending that we present our TDC cheque on the night. Strategically positioning the TDC table next to the PRATT table and beside the media table meant there was no shortage of opportunity to spruik our wares.

Hosted by Karl Stephanovic from the Today Show the guests were treated to entertaining video links with celebrates and Australia's favourite house wife DAME EDNA EVERAGE. The Dame kindly donated her husbands Prostate in a delightful display case for one lucky bidder to win. Note sure who won that item but I am sure it will adorn a mantel somewhere in the Eastern suburbs.

After a beautiful entree by Tetsuya, the crowd settled down to the Prostate Cancers National Chairman, Graeme Johnson, thanking the sponsors of the evening and inviting Richard Pratt from Visy to the stage to present a cheque. Now word had it that Mr Pratt was intending to donate $250,000 which was eagerly anticipated but Wendy and her team. Mr Pratt casually took the stage and nonchallently donated a cheque for 1 MILLION DOLLARS. The crowd rose to their feet and he received a standing ovation in honour of his incredibly generous donation to the Foundation. For those who don't know, Mr Pratt is currently battling Prostate Cancer so his generosity financially and as a spokes person for Prostate Cancer is worth many millions to PCF.

The main meal was served and complimented by some incredible wines all donated by Guiamme (hope I spelt that right). Andrew Giles took to the stage giving a heart felt and somewhat cheeky portrayal of the battles PCF and Prostate Cancer face in the Australia. One hopes that with nights such as this and events such as the Tour de Cure and Movember (that other little event which helps raise almost $6MILLION) that Prostate Cancer is on the road to recognition and greater awareness which may see more men get tested and beat this disease.

Andrew gave a wonderful introduction to the Tour de Cure calling us to the stage to present our cheque. Rising at our tables and coming to the stage from the wings the The TDC crew (Max, Loey, Robyn, Sam, Marty D, Denver, Lemo and I) in superman style, striped off our jackets revealing the Mambo inspired Prostate Cancer Jersey. I would like to point out, Denver lead the strip like a true MANPOWER performer and I think some of the Eastern suburbs ladies slipped him their numbers after the show. To a loud applause the TDC crew took to the stage, proudly showing the detail in Reg Mombassa's prostate Jersey. The camera man took special interest in the crank giving the people in the tables nearest the screens more than they had bargained for.

Not to be outdone by Richard Pratt, I gave the 350 guests a short and well rehearsed life story on the Tour de Cure thanking our incredible supporters and the wonderful work done by the TDC family in bringing an idea over a coffee to life in less than 9mths. I was told a long time ago by a wise man that it's always good to throw in a joke or 2 if you can when making speaches. Perhaps this is only true in Best man speaches but I decided to give it a go, telling the incredibly powerful and influential audience that we did in fact have a larger cheque to present than Richard Pratt.

So with the formalities of the evening behind us the TDC crew (still dressed in sky blue lycra) enjoyed many compliments and enquiries from other guests. Loey, in fine form on the night got the bargain of the century when he won the first of the nights auctions. A full kitchen fit out from Electrolux, Cooking course from Tetsuya and dinner for 4 at Tetsuya's ........a fantastic prize kindly donated by Tetsuya himself! Marsha has a second honeymoon thanks to his successful bid on the Tasmanian holiday. Well done lads!
A special thanks to the wonderful TDC partners for enjoying the evening with us. Their support often goes unnoticed but is certainly never unappreciated. Thanks Soph, Scott, Shoiban, Elisha, Saskia and Caroline (future Mrs Max). A big thanks also to Alan Wahlhaus and his family for attending the night with us.

Well done Sam, Dani, Pete and Lemo! TDC is alive an well in 2007

Life Will Never be the same Again

i was recently listening to a song by Haddaway called Life Will Never
Be The Same Again. for the riders and support crew of the 2007 Tour
de Cure, life will never be the same again. The minute you completed
the 2007 event in Sydney, you achieved something that most people
only dream of. You can at any time from this point forward say that
you made a difference. You can say that you left a legacy. You can
say you truly helped others. Most people get to the end of their time
and regret not doing more for friends, associates, society, and the
world in general. This won't be you.

In her acceptance speech at the 2005 Academy Awards, Reece
Witherspoon said that her Academy Award for Best Actress for Walk the
Line came to the inspiration given during a meeting with June Carter.
She said June Carter would walk the streets and when people would
walk up and say 'How you doing today June?', June Carter would reply
"Just trying to matter".

From this day forward, anybody who was involved in a small or a big
way with the Tour de Cure, can honestly say that they mattered. When
Wendy from Prostrate Cancer called the riders 'heroes', I don't think
she fell short. To all the riders, this is the start of a great
journey, but no matter what happens from this point forward, you can
say you mattered, and life for you will never be the same again.

Westpac Helicopter Joy Ride

Update for all.

Peter, Annette and the two Dianne's enjoyed a scenic flight over Newcastle last week. Thanks to the generous donation of a Westpac Helicopter Joy Ride from Richard Jones.

Peter outbid a 1223 Abc Newcastle listner at Tour de Cure's function at Quality Hotel Noah's on the Beach. Peter took his wife Annette and then to be fair put all his friends names (from the Prostate Support Group which include their wives) and drew out 2 lucky friends to join them.

Peter and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the flight and even got to see the wedged ship on Newcastle's shore being worked on.

Thanks to 1233 ABC Newcastle and to Richard Jones and the team at Westpac Flights.

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.