Chris Richardson - Blog

What a night! More than 270 people attended our community dinner at Launceston’s Grand Chancellor Hotel, which was hosted by local rider, Ange Sanders, and former Cleo Bachelor of the Year contestant (and Channel 7 Sunrise host) James Tobin.

No one is ever prepared to hear the news that their child has a life-threatening illness. People were moved to tears as a local dad described the terrible moment that family life was violently derailed when his youngest daughter was diagnosed with cancer. He thanked the team for their support of programs like Camp Quality, which give kids a chance to run, play and laugh away from the darkness that is childhood cancer.

Riders were on the edge of their seats listening to James Tobin interview 17 Tour de France rider Jens Voigt, about his time in the peloton. It was timely advice ahead of the queen stage of tour today – 162km of undulating hills with many steep climbs. Shut up legs!

Oh and we were thrilled to hear that we would be receiving a commemorative Signature Tour 2017 jersey to celebrate the news that Tour de Cure had reached an incredible $30 million milestone – not bad for an organisation that started over a casual cup of coffee 11 years ago.

It’s the real life stories like this that gave us the motivation we needed to push through the hurt locker today on the 162kms from Launceston to St Helens. The route had 2600m of elevation. For those who don’t know, that’s a lot of climbing. But our pain and suffering is nothing in comparison to last night’s story.

The first climb out of Launceston was 29%. On a bike that’s super steep. Some riders had to get off and reassess life. However the day was a cracker. Sunshine and not much wind. The team was first class and the guys all came together to encourage each other on.

With my still healing backside, I hobbled John-Wayne like into Scottsdale Primary School where yet again, the local school children were very disappointed that I wasn’t Mark Beretta, James Tobin or Jens Voigt. But we all had LOTS of fun delivering our Be Fit, Be Healthy, Be Happy program. I’m not entirely sure I was the best advert for ‘be fit’ – but at least the school were thrilled with the Specialized bike we donated to them.

Supporters lined up roadside to hand out donations. There were even little kids emptying the content of their piggybanks as we rode past. It was all very motivating and made me all the more determined to reach my destination.

On and on we rode. Up and up we rode. Round and round went my pedals until finally I glimpsed the glittering blue waters of St Helens. Hallelujah!

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Chris Richardson

Rider # 54 | 2017 TDC Signature Tour