Trans Alping Steve Davies

Whilst we were absorbed by a thrilling Tour de France and Cadel’s superhuman efforts riding against the sheer might of Team CSC, another enthralling cycle race loomed nearby in Europe over some impressive Alps.

Tour de Cure Sydney rider, Steve Davies, teamed up with MTB mate Richard Paine of Singapore under Davies' aptly named company Think Global to compete in the gruelling Jeantex Bike Transalp 2008 from 19 – 26 July.



Resplendent in Tour de Cure cycling kit, Davies and Paine and 1,098 other riders set off from Fussen, Germany, taking on the majestic mountain ranges of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, before rolling into Riva del Garda, Italy one week later. They covered 600km, a vertical gain of over 21,000m with Think Global's riders spending 45 hours and fifty minutes each in the saddle. Think Painful!

By invitation only, 550 teams from around the world competed in five race categories. Think Global finished 65th in the Master Men's category and 268th overall.

Congratulations Steve and Richard. A great effort and fantastic result.

Enjoy a well earned rest boys. Steve take some joy in knowing your TDC HTFU credits have now been topped up... to the max.

Splashing out - THORPIE helps the TDC

A Very kind and gracious Ian Thorpe took time out from his busy pre Beijing Games trip to share his secrets of acheivement for the upcoming Day of Inspiration.

To have accomplished so much and remain humble and down to earth is truly inspiring.

Thanks Ian!

We know those who attend the Day of Inspiration will appreciate your time and the pearls of wisdom you shared.

To hear what Ian had to say be at the Day of Inspiration. Click on Events in the Tour de Cure home page to book your tickets now.

All Fired up!

On this morning's very cold and crisp training ride we saw what happens to a Porsche when you forget to ash outside the window on these cold days.

Happy to report that the Driver (of German origin) was safe and already on the phone to his insurance company as we rode up to ask if he was alright............hmmmm!








DON'T SMOKE AND DRIVE................it's just not worth it........or is it....hmmmm

The HARD WAY ROUND

On June 22nd, three MEN (a father ALAN and his two sons Johnny and Ben) set off from Sydney on dirt bikes to travel across Australia to live an adventurous dream and raise money to help find a cure for cancer.

The ‘Hard Way Round’ as it is so aptly called, will see them cross the Simpson Desert to Alice Springs, travel north to Darwin through some of Australia’s most desolate lands, then across the Kimberley region and through the Pilbara down to Perth.

Their journey will take them through the Nullarbor and Flinders Ranges and back to Sydney where they hope/aim to come home to the knowledge that they have raised $50,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

This journey is completely unassisted so the guys will rely on months of calculated planning, their wit to see them stay focused on the long and tiring days and their faith to see them through this journey safely and welcomed home by their Mother and sister.............who one can only imagine anxiously await the next phone call from them.

To follow this incredible Journey and help them with a donation please click on the link below.

http://thehardwayround.wordpress.com/

Safe Riding boys.................Enjoy every minute out there

Latest Technology in Bikes

Our very own Craig 'CHOPPY' Cairnduff is considering a come back to the Tour de Cure in 2009 and has swapped his dodgy specialised for the latest technology.




We wish Craig well in his training and look forward to seeing those streamers fly

New Road Rules for cyclists

There are new rules shortly to come into effect that we cyclists and drivers should be aware.


New bicycle storage areas at intersections

See RTA NSW Gov website ref. http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/rulesregulations/roadrules/2008nswrrulechanges.html


Some intersections that have traffic lights may now contain bicycle storage areas. These are painted areas on the road in front of the stop line that allow cyclists to wait at the traffic lights in safety.

There are a number of new rules relating to driver and cyclist responsibilities at bicycle storage areas.

For example, when traffic lights or arrows are red, drivers must not allow any part of their vehicle to enter the bicycle storage area.

PENALTY: Three demerit points (four in a school zone) and a $324 fine ($405 in a school zone).

Hook turns by bicycle riders

When a cyclist chooses to do a hook turn at an intersection and a bicycle hook turn storage area is provided, they must now use that area. The RTA website shows the bicycle making a correct hook turn at an intersection with a bicycle hook turn storage area.

Cyclists should keep to the left when riding across the intersection to enter the bicycle hook turn storage area, turn right and wait in the storage area until the traffic light shows green (if you are at traffic lights) or if there are no lights, until it is safe to cross.
PENALTY: $54 fine.


There are more rules coming into force too - like you can no longer ride with a pet on your motorbike's petrol tank, unless it's for farming purposes but in that situation, for no more than 500m. Check out the RTA website.

And details of Tour de Cure's rider etiquette document can be downloaded from http://www.tourdecure.com.au/docs/BunchRidingEtiquette.pdf

"Carried Away" in Sydney

A few months back Meg came up with a brilliant idea to help boyfriend Josh raise money for the Tour de Cure – hold a movie fundraising night, featuring the new Sex and the City movie. Realising that the organization of such an event would be “bigger than big”, Meg roped in me as her trusty assistant, who was more than happy to help husband Brad raise money for cancer research as well.

The perfect movie choice! Truly under-estimating the power of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Sam, tickets sales went from 200 to 400 to selling out the cinema – 760 tickets sold! Fabulous Sydney women flocked from far and wide (rumours of a mini van from The Hills area have surfaced and two girls flew all the way from Perth!), dressed to the nines, to sip cosmos, meet with friends and help raise money for cancer research. The night was a fabulous success, raising $13,731 through tickets sales and the raffle.

We can’t forget the raffle! We had very generous sponsors donate amazing prizes, hotly sought after was the weekend with the BMW 1 Series and the Cerrone diamond necklace - how perfectly Carrie! And what about those ticket sellers? Not that it was a contest, but Pup definitely came out on top as the #1 raffle ticket seller for the night. Who could resist the charm and cheeky smile from a cute young thing? In fact all of the boys were in their element – thanks to those who circulated the room selling tickets and raising awareness for the Tour de Cure.