A great day on the road today. Perfect weather, sunshine, light winds, and even a tail wind to finish.
We had a nice run out of Coffs Harbour and our first stop at Urunga. After that we knew we would have a difficult 30km over hills and hairy roads. But our drivers did an awesome job and kept everyone safe. Simon rode in car 2 for this section and found it more stressful than riding, and I think Andrew wanted to kick him out!
We did another stop about 40km from Kempsey, and after a quick radio interview with Max FM Taree, Simon hopped back on his bike. Not sure how he would go given the way he has been limping around the hotels, but it turns out he could peddle just fine. Just couldn’t hang onto the handle bars with his left hand, brake or change gears. Apparently he had no feeling in his hand the whole time. But he made it from there all the way to Port Macquarie!
We rolled into Kempsey with many weary riders after 115km. Thanks to Coles Kempsey and manager Andrew who put on lunch for us again in the park by the river. We had the local paper join us to do a story and a photo to say thanks to Coles. The second year in a row they have done this for us.
We hit the road again for the final 50km to Port. With just the Kundabung ranges in our path!
But we picked up a nice North East tail wind and the team rolled up the mountains at almost 30kmh, and on the flat sections were really flying along at over 40kmh. The guys on the front were doing a great job keeping a steady tempo which allowed us to all sit in comfortably at those high speeds.
We set such a good pace we didn’t even stop for a break and made it to Port Macquarie well before 3pm! And amazing effort. Last year we only made it in at 5pm.
Many riders set PBs today in terms of distance, such a great effort. 170kms in total.
Tonight we had a great night planned with a cocktail party hosted by the Newcastle Permanent Port Macquarie and GHD from 5pm, and with around 40 guests and the whole team we had a big crowd.
Gwendalyn and Simon spoke about Live for Kids and director Martin Spiers spoke about Freedom Wheels and his daughter Caitlan receiving her bike.
We then introduced our special guests Bernadette, her son Andrew and daughter Jemma. They had come to be presented with a new Freedom Wheels bike for Andrew. We had the bike all covered up on stage, and first presented Andrew with a Live for Kids tshirt, and he was quite happy with that and wandered back off stage! Well we had something even better for andrew and we had he and his sister pull the covers off his brand new Freedom Wheels bike which we donated to them. He jumped straight on the bike and wanted to ride it off stage! To a round of applause he rode out of the function room, out through reception and out into the carpark with Simon and his mum chasing him. His mum was amazed at his riding as he hadn’t been able to peddle the bike in the assessment, but he certainly could ride now! All of our guests had then joined us out the front of the hotel and watched Andrew ride laps! After many photos with the team and many many tears from those in attendance, we finally got Andrew off the bike so he could take it home.
This was such a special moment for the team, and all present. Tonight we changed a childs life. He can now play with other kids and his sisters, which he hasn’t been able to do up until now. ‘Doesn’t every kid deserve to ride a bike?’
Certainly some motivation for the team to get them through the next two days!
Stay tuned for more updates. And check out our home page for photos and videos including Andrews new bike!!
Congratulations, on your PB’s and the wonderful gift ceremony and the difference you are all making in children’s lives and to those who read what you are all about!
Looking forward to seeing you all return to the Fernleigh Track at Belmont! Jenny Barrie, Belmont Chamber of Commerce!