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)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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
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
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
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