Day 9 | Swansea to Hobart | 140km & The Cool Down…

Well I made it! I wasn’t all that confident after the events of Day 1….

If I do say so myself, Clint & I hosted a great dinner and it was awesome to see my good friend take home the pink ‘inspiration’ jersey!

I shared my story with everyone as to why I ride…..

I also took the opportunity to thank ALL the amazing support crew especially all of those who picked me up and put me and my bike back together again…..

It was a ridiculously early start – 3.00AM!!! (Not to mention a little chilly…) To make up for it was the very picturesque ride down the coast from Swansea – that was once the sun came up!! We met up with our Police escort on the outskirts of Hobart, for our ride over the Derwent River, through the middle of Hobart and into Parliament House itself, where we were due to be greeted by Madame Speaker, the Honourable Elise Archer MP, along with all our loved ones.

Our 9am ‘lunch break’ overlooking the pretty Richmond Village Green. The scenery was like something out of Midsomer Murders minus the dead bodies. Two of the pelotons arrived early enough to ride across Richmond Bridge – the oldest Bridge in Australia complete with mallard ducks and weeping willows. The local fire brigade treated our pelotons to a very special salute, with hoses blasting water in giant arc as we passed underneath. Magnificent.

We passed through magnificent vineyards lined with poplars before reaching the river. A strong crosswind greeted us at the bridge. A few of us felt slightly worried that we would blow over the side into the swirling waters of the Derwent below.

There were plenty of hugs at the finish line. For most of us, it was a poignant reminder of loss. We’d travelled 1,290 kilometres for a great cause and yet that special person wasn’t waiting to greet us at the finish line. If anything it hardened our resolve to help find a cure for cancer.

Whilst I had the opportunity to thank all the support crew & my fellow riders at the dinner last night. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my WONDERFUL wife, Cathie, and my AMAZING girls — Caitlin & Alyssa.

Well as much as I would like to say ‘that’s all folks’. It’s not…..Remember the ride started with a warm up? Well…you can’t have a warm up with out a warm down!!!!!!!!

During the after party, Clint & I thought “1,290 kms is just not enough…..” Yes I know what your all thinking…. We have called it the Mt Wellington Chaser – 1270 metres above sea level! Big climb. Icy & Windy at the top. At one stage we thought we were back at Mt Hotham during ski season. Coldest I’ve ever been coming back down!! Couldn’t feel anything. Even the fractured finger from Day 1!

Chris Richardson

Rider # 54 | 2017 TDC Signature Tour

The ride into Hobart – https://www.relive.cc/view/922718868