Day 6 | Devonport to Launceston | 163km
Loved the trip over on the Spirit of Tasmania. Given all the testosterone floating around the ship, the Stationary Bike Challenge attracted a lot of competition. Jens Voigt was the outright favourite, but the ship was going through the heads when he jumped on the bike (rookie error) and he nearly tipped over sideways. Byron Mitchell, school teacher extraordinaire blitzed the competition to take out the title Mr Spin Bike 2017.
It was very special riding down the ramp and landing on Tassie soil. Riding in the Apple Isle is such a delight. It was overcast and slightly wet, but everyone loved the rolling hills and jaw-droppingly beautiful countryside.
We were given a rockstar escort into Port Sorell Primary School by none other than the local Port Sorell Legends cycling club. They also handed over a cheque for $260 – what legends! The school kids were equally awesome – although one of them mistook Clint Bowen for a chicken in his Pitman outfit – fair mistake to make really. The school handed over a cheque for $430 and the Principal’s father turned out to be none other than Tassie cycling legend, Graeme Gilmore, who’s grandson is recovering from leukaemia. It was an honour and a privilege to meet him.
The lush green pastures from Devonport to Launceston never disappoint and the 71km to the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre were awesome. The extraordinary survival of Brant Webb and Todd Russell following the mine collapse on 25 April 2006 is firmly etched in the memory of all Australians. Thinking about what they had endured really spurred us on for the last 50km to Launceston.
Tomorrow is the queen stage of tour It’s going to be tough. Former professional cyclist and winner of two Tour de France stages, Jens Voigt, is the guest speaker tonight and given his catch cry is ‘Shut up legs’, I’m hoping to get lots of top tips about how to get up that rather worryingly steep incline out of Launceston.
Would also love to get your comments/messages, which you can leave below.
Chris Richardson
Rider # 54 | 2017 TDC Signature Tour
Does it look like i’m telling them what to do…. 🙂
This is what it’s all about!
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