Day 6 – Coffs Harbour to Crescent Head – 155kms
Day 6 – Coffs Harbour to Crescent Head – 155kms
AKA – Hump Day
There are a few out there that have aged 20 years overnight,. The ‘old man sounds’ coming from the various rooms this morning when people started to move their weary muscles and crawl out of bed. Not only sore legs but tired brains as well. The below sight was everywhere….
On Day 1 TDC veterans warned us about ‘Day 6 – hump day.’ They weren’t kidding either – even I was feeling the toll!
This morning we kicked off at Annuka Resort, a picturesque part of our great land.
Another 160km of ‘rolling’ terrain was on the horizon and for some it was about as appealing as an old-school prostate exam. While we are on the topic, if you’re over 40 (and male ;)) now is the time to get your PSA levels checked. These days it’s just a simple blood test, so no excuses, gentleman!
The mood at breakfast was slightly subdued, despite the stunning setting. By 7am we could already feel the pinch of the sun. But still, the Vittoria coffee crew were in hot demand (yes another pun) – pumping out over 100 coffees in just 90 minutes!!
We rolled out sluggishly, headed for Macksville Public School. This was a day for the TDC veterans, and me, to step up, and boy did we ever! With no great fuss, we took charge of the engine room and tapped out a smooth, consistent rhythm. More importantly, they kept the chatter up. On the quieter sections of road the veterans told jokes, sung old rock classics and even played a little ‘bullsh!t trivia’ (making up amusing fake fun facts about the surrounding town/plants/wildlife). Really helping to lift spirits and pass the time.
Before we knew it, we arrived at Macksville Primary School. There were definitely a few frazzled looking riders limping into lunch, myself included. A good feed and a stirring pep talk by our peloton leader Robbo was just what we needed.
After lunch we snaked our way through luscious green countryside, dense forest clearing to reveal farms that’d been lost in time. There were more than a few ‘WOW’ moments.
We arrived at Crescent Head just before 4pm, giving us enough time to jump in the pool before dinner. It’s amazing how much you appreciate something as simple as a quick swim after a long, hot day on the bike.
One of the support crew shared a story with a fellow rider Renee Cobcroft (I will get back to Renee a little later) a few days back who had lost her mother to stomach cancer just a few months earlier. Touched by her story what really stuck in Renee’s memory was:
“You know, you never really appreciate the little things until they’re gone. My mum said me she’d never really appreciated the simple joy of eating until they had to feed her with a tube…and I never fully appreciated time with my mum until she was gone.”
For Renee, these are the moments that make tough days like today all worth it. It’s not just the money we raise, or the people we help, it’s the chance to share a story, to let the memory of our loved ones live on, if only for a brief moment.
As the day finished my legs were feeling it. Hump day certainly came and went with its ups and downs!! (Is that another pun? too tired to know)
Over & out
Chris Richardson
Rider #100 – 2016 TDC Signature Tour
Not as many pics today…sorry. I’ll make up for it tomorrow!
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