TDC Day 5 Update – Wangaratta and 830 km’s down

Dear Supporters,

Half way to Hobart having ridden for 5 days and over 830 km’s from Sydney to Bundanoon, Canberra, Adaminaby, Corriyong and last night to Wangaratta. The Tour started with a wet Sydney send off from Lorna and youngest Morgan. The day ended with ore than a few riders getting hypothermic from the cold, it was a trying day indeed. But in contrast the last two days have been clear and tremendously scenic as we tracked through the Snowy Mountains though that includes more than a few tough hills.

The highlight has been the kids and the reception we get from the country schools. Those sessions include school presentations on Cancer awareness and prevention, focusing on a Be Fit, Be Healthy, Be Happy message, delivered by the riders including myself – very enjoyable and an important message.

Each night has included a community dinner, presenting a local charity with a $5,000 donation to support cancer support in the community. Corrriyong was a real highlight last night as this small 1100 person community had representatives from Rotary, Lions and the Woman’s Association all attending and all donating to our cause.

But for really inspirational stories its many of our riders who have battled through their own cancer experiences and beaten them. They ride to share their stories and to support the very organisations that they know have helped them.

So on to Lake Eildon tomorrow, a 200 km plus day so a long riding day lies ahead with a 7 am start. My legs are suffering to some degree but we all battle on and work as a team to get everyone home safe and sound. Our support crew of over 30 people are the engine behind this tour and they do an amazing job that starts at 5 am every morning.

Again thanks for supporting a really good cause that fights a disease that touches many. Will keep you in touch with our progress – attaching a few photos to share some personal highlights from the week to date.

All the Best

Phil