Chris Richardson - Blog

This morning we were greeted by what seemed like the entire UNE campus. The coffee line buzzed with nervous chatter. Today was set to be our biggest test. Ahead of us lay 204km of spectacular (hilly) countryside, as we began our charge towards Coffs Harbour.

I was spotted by Clint in the coffee line who informed me that I would be in the ‘engine room’ again.  For all you thinking ‘engine room? there is no engine on a bike? Chris, have you really been pedalling all those kms?  Here is the explanation:

“The front 6 of the peloton is called the engine room. We rotate around every 5kms or so to drag the other 30 riders in the peloton along”.

I love being in the engine room!!!!

Today was also a very special and difficult day for the tour. Sally and Michael McAuliffe’s son, Conor would have turned 13 today, if it hadn’t been for an aggressive form of cancer. The McAuliffe family have been an integral part of Tour de Cure for many years.

Ask any tour veteran and you will hear the same thing –

When times get tough I tell myself ‘GO LITTLE LEGS!'”

This was what Conor would often be heard saying as he pedalled his bicycle.

Long days like these are characterised by contrasting emotions. The slight trepidation of the miles that lie ahead quickly gives way to the calm, steady rhythm of the peloton. Conversations start to flow, and before you know it, lunch is just around the corner (pun intended). The excitement of hearing ‘5kms to lunch’ crackle over the radio, is hard to describe.

As you roll in to lunch, a wave of relief sweeps over the peloton. Another set of hills are now firmly behind us. What lies ahead, for now, is merely lunch.

This is the first time I mention our awesome catering crew – Chris, Greg and Jimmy James are absolute wizards, producing a quality (and quantity) of food that would blow your mind. Almost everything is made fresh with the help of our good friends and valuable sponsor – Woolies! (Have to get a plug in for the sponsors where we can, especially being part of the Woolies team).  And we might add all from scratch, and there’s even dessert.

Today was salmon fillets, glazed ham, roast pumpkin, fried rice, 3 types of salad…plus fresh fruit salad, homemade sticky date pudding, ice cream and as always the ‘Vittoria Coffee duo, yes another shameless plug!

The Ebor falls provided one of the most stunning backdrops we have seen so far. We ate in beaming sunshine, with the gentle meditative sounds of the waterfall just below.

After that lunch to ride out of town was tough – everyone with full bellies.  After an up and down section of riding (both in terms of terrain and full bellies) we reached the Dorrigo Range. Luckily, we’d be descending it. It was a pretty tricky descent, but I was happy to take it slow. The tall gums framed broad ferns and wattle brush. Wow!

All that was left was a quick 20km run down the freeway into Coffs.

While it was a really long, and at times tough, day, I feel like the TDC family lifted another notch. The camaraderie is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I can see why there are so many +5 year tour veterans.

A summary of the day in one word – Awesome!

The best views so far through the Dorrigo ranges.  Over 200 kms and 2.5km of climbing.  The biggest day yet really.  Unfortunately a big crash on the decent from Dorrigo – poor guy is in hospital with broken ribs and other injuries. Bit of a dampener to the day.

Like I said earlier I love being in the engine room and again today I was there ALL day.  I helped drive the peloton into Coffs which with my buddy, Tour de France legend Jens Voigt. Great guy. Joked around with us all day. You’ll see a photo of his wheels below – #77.

Until tomorrow….

Chris Richardson 

Rider #100 – 2016 TDC Signature Tour

Some pics from me from throughout the day….check out the views!!!