Day 4 – Glen Innes to Armidale – 103kms

A quick foot note to day 3…

Last night dinner was at the Glen Innes Service Club. Again we had a great turnout of locals eager to support the TDC… and to see the Celtic Rock Concert being held next door. If you’re not sure what a Celtic Rock Concert sounds like, think Braveheart meets The Rolling Stones.

Fittingly, our MC for the night was Justin Pratt, our favourite ‘ginger ninja’ and all round TDC legend. Justin reflected on his experiences with cancer and how losing his father at such a young age effected his childhood. For the many fathers on tour, it was a sobering reminder of how important it is to not only be a TDC ambassador on tour, but to lead by example in their own family life.

Day 4 – Glen Innes to Armidale – 103kms

Like I finished off with yesterday, we were up early this morning for a cross to Sunrise – 5.30AM.

I think there are a few riders looking forward to the relatively short day today – just a quick 100kms – should be done by lunch I reckon (Did I just say that out loud….)

Breakfast was at the Glen Innes town hall and as always the locals were out in force. Unfortunately they forgot to turn on the heaters. Single digit temps meant that arm and leg warmers, coffee and hot porridge were the order of the morning.

Got the chance to have James Tobin, Drew Ginn and Mark Beretta all ride with us today whilst doing some filiming. We also did a school visit to St Joseph’s school in Glen Innes this morning

After such a long, hilly day yesterday, the relatively gentle rolling hills were a chance to check out the amazing scenery. Framed by the yellow/orange/red autumn leaves, a gentle breeze at our back, we absolutely cruised into lunch.

I’m not sure if Marco and Ella (Vittoria coffee crew) snuck a few macchiato’s into the classrooms ahead of time, but the kids at Guyra Central School were certainly full of beans…pun intended 😉

During the school presentation, Jens Voigt was phenomenal, taking his role as TDC superhero Flipman to new heights! He certainly adds an extra dimension to tour!

The afternoon ride was over in a flash.

We arrived at UNE Armidale at 2:30pm (See I told you we would make it by lunch), which gave us the entire afternoon to rest, recover, re-connect with loved ones, and relish in the incredible community that is TDC.

Tonight I am billeted out onto a 40 acre property on the edge of town with Hugh and his family – really looking forward to that and a good nights sleep.

A few snaps from throughout the day, you can tell it was a much cruise-ier day…until tomorrow.