Week 20 of 20 Training and Fundraising Update
In what seems like a flash, we have reached the final week before tour. The last few weeks have gone so fast it is amazing, where does the time go.
To start this update I will cover off training first. The past week has been about getting in some final efforts early in the week before starting to taper off from Wednesday. It always feels strange to back off before heading into an event, especially one where we will be covering 1,300kms in 9 days. A new bike drama this weekend has meant that my last road rides have become indoor sessions, so a really strange week of training. The main thing is I will be well rested for the start of tour on Friday.
The latest bike drama came on Saturday when I was picking it up after a service only to be told the front fork was showing signs of abnormal wear and needed to be replaced, only the bike shop didn’t have a replacement. So all plans for transporting the bike to Adelaide have had to be reviewed and now it will be coming on the flight with me rather than in the TDC truck. Let’s hope that Specialized have a suitable replacement on Monday to sort the issue out.
In fundraising news I have now climbed to $65,000 raised which is truly incredible. I still can’t believe the response I’ve received when trying to raise funds. The really exciting news is that the Vittoria campaign that I have mentioned a few times still hasn’t launched. Due to some technical difficulties the launch has been delayed a couple of times in the past two weeks, we now expect to get it out Monday at 2pm. The response could be anything so it will be exciting to watch the first few hours after the launch, hopefully it will be frantic on the donation front.
The rest of this week is about preparation, making sure I have everything I’m going to need packed and ensure I remain healthy. The training has been done, now it’s time to get out there and enjoy the amazing parts of Australia that we are going to see, spread the awareness message with 5,000 school kids and engage with the communities each night.
For those cycling enthusiasts out there, the great Jens Voigt has arrived in Oz and has made a few Facebook posts to the group indicating his excitement about being involved. I hope he is ready for 180 people to mob him wherever he goes on tour. An incredible thing to have a recently retired legend of the sport to be joining the Tour for the whole experience. I’m sure he will get a surprise at how emotional the tour experience can be.
As this is likely to be my last blog before we roll out, there are a few people I need to thank – firstly to Jodie for her continued support and encouragement, without her I could not do this and her patience is greatly appreciated. To my coach Jenny, thank you for providing the program that has me prepared to take on the physical challenge, you are so giving of your time, which I really appreciate. To my riding buddy Owen, thanks for sharing the road and keeping me company each day, it certainly makes it easier having company, especially someone who is so experienced with Tour and such a solid cyclist.
Finally to my corporate supporters who have been incredibly generous and supportive, which makes the fundraising process so much easier and enjoyable. Thank you to Coca Cola, ISIS Group Australia, Monument Environments, Kemp Strang Lawyers, Eastern Engineering Industries, Uni Brothers, Lion Nathan, Sydney Kebab, Learning Partners, Lynn’s Building Materials, IRIS Group (Subway), ISS Cleaning Services, Cox Architects and of course Vittoria Coffee.
It is also important to remember the person who started this journey for me, the amazing mother in law Margaret. I will again be drawing on her for support when the going gets tough. This year I also have a number of other people to ride for who I will provide more details about once tour starts.
Look out for the experiences of ‘Willie Make It’ and ‘Wilma Legs Hurt’ who will be providing daily updates while on tour, along with my own thoughts and experience.
Cheers, Woody
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