Day 0 & Day 1: Brisbane to Hastings Point
Day 0 (Thu 28th April) – Brisbane
Hard to believe that it was a year ago already the last Tour de Cure was wrapped up in spectacular fashion in Melbourne. It’s on again. Strap yourself in. Here we go!
I will again provide you with some daily commentary and pictures to keep you on the journey with me as best as I can. In rural locations I may need to rely on carrier pigeon so there may be a slight delay in you receiving the update. And again this year my updates will be supplemented by Willie Maykit, our tour media genius.
To kick things off the formal team briefing and dinner was held at the Queensland Cricketers Club at the Gabba – quite a prestigious location – to pick up our gear, hear what was in store for us and to meet up with all the tour crew (nearly 200 in total). All the hotels and apartments around the Gabba were full with our team. An impressive sight to see everyone in the same room.
Over to Willie now for a quick update before calling it a wrap.
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Well, it’s finally here, Day 0 of the 2016 Tour de Cure!!
Arriving in Brisbane early this afternoon, I was greeted by a sea of black TdC shirts. The well oiled TdC machine welcomed me like family, kitted me out like an athlete, briefed me on the evening’s plans and provided an excellent feed.
Geoff, Sam and Gary (TdC founders) gave a quick briefing just before dinner, which really reminded me of why I’m riding. We were told that to date, TdC has funded over 200 cancer projects! As well as cancer support and prevention, these projects have led to 18 cancer research breakthroughs! 18!! Having personally been touched by cancer, and seeing the devastating effects it has on everyone it touches, it’s comforting to know that my fundraising efforts are making a difference.
Tomorrow we’ll start our 1,520km journey to Sydney. We’ll visit schools, climb hills, share stories and hopefully give cancer a good kick in the pants.
I’ll touch base again tomorrow evening with a few more pictures, stories and hopefully some exciting news on the fundraising front.
Until then, I’m (a very tired and very full) – Willie Maykit.
Day 1 (Fri 29th April) – Brisbane to Hastings Point
Let’s kick off with an update from Willie with a quick recap on Day 0, and the first day of riding…
Howdy folks
Last nights dinner was quite an emotional experience. The highlight for me was the address by Sally McAuliffe, who shared the story of her young son Connor and his brave battle against cancer which he lost. There was not a dry eye in the room, but the overwhelming message from Sally was one of gratitude, perspective and positivity.
Sally was followed by the category jersey presentation, which awards 6 coloured jerseys, each of which correspond to values we all strive to exhibit before, during and after tour. The respective winners for Day 0 were:
Green ‘Awareness’ – Simon McCarroll
Orange ‘Doer’ – Anastasia Siridopolous
White ‘Focus’ – Murray King
Blue ‘Guts/Grit’ – Ben Yoffa
Pink ‘Inspiring Others’ – Meg Nuttall
Yellow ‘Attitude’ – Malcolm Heath
This morning began early with a hint of rain. But, a potent combination of Day 1 nerves and coffee kept us warm and had us all rearing to get on the road. Photos, food, hugs and high-fives were the order of the morning. It was time to get the show on the road and wind our way out of the city.
The route is an absolute classic Aussie road trip, full of white beaches, breathtaking coastline and notable ‘big’ things, however tackling it on a bike is sure to be a little less leisurely.
Today was a slightly wet 139km, winding our way from Kangaroo Point, Brisbane to Hastings Point in northern NSW. As always, a major focus of the TdC is spreading the message that 60% of cancer deaths are preventable. We spread this message by stopping in at schools, giving the kids an interactive fun presentation (with a serious message), handing out special ‘cancer packs’ and engaging with the next generation. Ultimately, they are the ones best equipped to spark real change.
Today we stopped in at Greenslopes, MacGregor and Oxenford State Schools, and holy moley were we greeted like rock stars!
This afternoons riding was spectacular. It’s amazing how much more you see, hear and feel when you’re travelling on a bike at 30km/hr.
We cruised along the coast line, through Coolangatta and Currumbin, bound for the Big4 Northstar Resort at Hastings Point. It was good to get Day 1 under the belt.
I’ll fill you in on the category jersey winners, speeches and highlights of dinner with my next instalment.
Until then, I’m Willie Maykit.
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Good on you Willie. I’m probably splitting hairs here but I think we differ in opinion on something here. If you start off in the rain, and if you are wet through with shoes full of water, this constitutes more than a hint in my books. Just saying. Fortunately it only lasted for about 40km then the sun came out.
And it’s a 3-peat…that’s 3 years running where the tour has started in the rain – Sydney, Adelaide and now Brisbane. At least it wasn’t cold rain is all I can say.
As always for the statistics hungry folks out there…
Donation tally update:
Thanks to you all I have been able to raise nearly $15,000. This is fantastic and I sincerely appreciate it.
Some stats from today:
Distance ridden: 139km
Elevation climbed: 790m
Time ridden: 5 hrs 28 min
(No punctures for me 🙂 )
Over and out…next update tomorrow, and thanks for your support.
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