Day 0 and Day 1- Brisbane to Hastings Point – 139 km
First off and most importantly I would like to thank each and every one of you for your support. I am so very proud to announce, together, just us, our tally just prior the commencement of the ride – over $37,000.00!!!!!!!
THANK YOU!
DAY 0
Well, I’m finally in Brisbane and it’s the day before the big ride!! Still can’t believe it’s finally happening. It certainly was a strange feeling buying a one way plane ticket to Brisbane and then watching from above all the km’s I would be cycling home.
Thursday evening started with a fantastic dinner at the home of the other sport I love, cricket’s home in Brisbane – ‘The Gabba’.
We listened to some amazing stories which really reinforced with me why I’m doing this. Countless other families out there going through what my family have been through. Each of them unique.
We were told that to date, the TDC has funded over 200 cancer projects! As well as cancer support and prevention, these projects have led to 18 cancer research breakthroughs! 18!! Comforting to know that all our fundraising efforts are making a difference.
DAY 1 – Brisbane to Hastings Point – 139 km
Certainly an early start (5:00am, but nothing i’m not use to now with all those early morning training rides), A hint of rain to go with our breakfast and Vittoria coffee (a plug for the sponsor) under the iconic Storey Bridge in Brisbane.
Last night I was told I was going to be in the lead peloton – awesome! And check out my bike #….
A combination of nerves and coffee kept us warm and had us all rearing to get on the road. I was lucky to have the whole family travel up from Sydney and the Gold Coast to see me off!. It felt like I had my own paparazzi with Cathie, Caitlin & Mum taking selfies & photos. I cant blame them its probably the first time (and the last time) they have seen me wear so much pink! Not just a pink jersey – there are some great socks and cap to match.
After countless crosses to Sunrise, photos to mark the occasion and last minute instructions we were on our way…or so we thought. A few more takes and we were off…destination Sydney – with a lot of stops on the way..
Today was a slightly wet 139km ride, winding our way to Hastings Point, on the Tweed Coast.
The major focus of the tour is, spreading the message that 60% of cancer deaths are preventable. We spread this message by stopping in at schools, handing out special ‘cancer packs’ and engaging with the next generation. They are the ones best equipped to spark real change.
Today we stopped in at Greenslopes, MacGregor and Oxenford State Schools, and were we greeted like rock stars!
At one of the schools was the first time we saw the Flipman presentation. It’s a fun, interactive, quirky cancer prevention talk, using our cartoon super hero Flipman. The kids learn all about being Fit, Healthy and Happy.
The afternoon’s riding was spectacular. It’s amazing how much more you see, hear and feel when you’re traveling on a bike at 30km/hr.
Cruising along the coast line, through Coolangatta and Currumbin, We stopped at Tugun Beach for a tasty afternoon tea before hitting the road bound for the Big4 Northstar Resort.
Rolling in to Hastings Point was pretty special. We were cheered in by a strong crowd and treated to a late afternoon snack.
Stage 1 – done! Don’t want to sound too cocky but it was pretty easy. (I’m sure I may have said too soon……)
Tonight will be dinner, category jersey winners, speeches and highlights of the day.
Below is my Strava report….(The truth is on show with this…..)
Until tomorrow…..215km – Hastings Point to Grafton.
Chris Richardson
Rider #100 – 2016 TDC Signature Tour
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