Day 9 | Port Douglas to Cairns | 152kms (and the finish line)

Last day! Port Douglas back to Cairns. There was a little anticipation in the peloton at the start of the day. We had a 7km climb at 6% up to Mount Molloy after the first 18km but I have to say that our whole team did an awesome job. It was great to see everyone so proud of their achievement at the summit. We regrouped at the top and rode across the tablelands and on to Mareeba for lunch. It was a little lumpy in parts so the engine room had some work to do.

The section after lunch to Kuranda was a little hectic. Lots of traffic to manage and we spent nearly all of it riding single file and in the shoulder so we could get cars and trucks through. Not as enjoyable for everyone but sometimes we just have to knuckle down and get it done.

We stopped at the butterfly sanctuary in Kuranda to regroup before the big descent to Cairns. We dropped about 500 metres in elevation over about 8 kms of fantastic winding road. I got to follow 17 times Tour de France veteran Jens Voight with the Channel 7 car in front of him filming the whole thing. Very cool!!!

Then it was on to Cairns for the finale. All five pelotons regrouped about 1 km from the finish so we could roll in together. We were treated to a fantastic reception from all of our family and friends. It was awesome to see Cathie and girls. Whilst I rode the 1200 km the preparation involved the whole family. Cathie, Caitlin and Alyssa were all involved in the fundraising and were always supportive while I was out doing thousands of kms in training. I really can’t thank them enough for all their support.

I also want to thank each and everyone of you that has donated and supported me on this journey. I have raised nearly $39,000 and still hope to go past the $40k mark.

And lastly to the TDC team, the ride leadership group and all of the new and old riders I shared this journey with. I throughly enjoyed sharing the road with you all. It was once again an epic but extremely rewarding journey. As a whole we have raised over $2.6M to date which the researchers that are the beneficiaries of this money will be able to put toward finding a cure! You’re all legends!