Beat Cancer Tour Day 9: Stage 6 - Be Safe Be Seen MAC Street Circuit

KM's Ridden Today: 43.6km
Total KM's Ridden: 920km

BCT Stage 6: MAC Street Circuit

We had the luxury of  a sleep in this morning as we were on no real time constraints, but I still got out of bed at 7am, but even that felt like a hugh luxury compared to the last few days!!

I had my usual museli breakfast, got myself all organised, then went over to the BCT stand in the Tour Village to get ready for this morning's ride.  When I arrived all of Team BMC's bikes were on display and ready for their riders to come and get them.

Team BMC's Bikes All Lined Up

This morning's ride was going to be a recovery ride down to Glenelg and back before heading back to The Velo Precinct for a hot chocolate/coffee.  The pace was very gentle to give everyone thee chance to just spin their legs and have an easy day.
We had a few photos at the cafe, then some people did some laps around the Victoria Park criterium circuit before we all headed off.



Enjoying Some Relax Time At The Velo Precinct

The BCT Team At The Velo Precinct

From there we went straight to the MAC Street Circuit course where we patiently waited until it was our time to get on the course.  It is a 4.5km circuit and we were to do 2 laps.



Waiting To Get On The MAC Circuit For Our 2 Laps

 Going around the course was really enjoyable with the big crowds that had already gathered cheering and clapping us all on once again.  We also got to throw out our water bottles to kids in the crowd which gave both us and them a great thrill!!
Once our two laps were up, we then rode back to the hotel - we had finished all the riding we were to do for the 2016 Beat Cancer Tour - 920kms all up!!



All Riding Finished And Too Tired To Even Get Into The Room!!

We got changed out of out cycling kit and into normal clothes before walking down to the Events SA marquee where we were to have lunch and watch the race go by.  Once again we were in an excellent position just down the road and on the opposite side of the finish line which would give us a great view of the final sprint to the finish.



The Pro's About To Come Straight Past Us

Caleb Ewan proved too strong once again winning by a couple of bike lengths in an awesome show of speed.  Afterwards I was invited to hang around the back of the presentation stage to see the jersey winners backstage.  I managed to get some photos with the likes of Team Cannondale (which includes my favourite rider Simon Clarke), Richie Porte, and multiple world champion Anna Meares!!


Myself and  Richie Porte

Myself and Anna Meares

That evening the team went out for our last dinner together which was really enjoyable and they had a small presentation ceremony.  The first winner was Felicity for being a pocket rocket and won a years worth of chamois cream!
I was luckily enough to win the BCT King of the Mountains Jersey as I set a PR on every single climb we did this week including Belair Rd, Windy Point, Sheoak Rd, Lower North East Rd, Range View Rd, Corkscrew, Norton Summit, Woods Hill Rd, Crows Nest Rd, and Old Willunga Hill.
Jason won the Yellow Jersey for being the highest fundraiser, and Ryan won the Ochre Jersey for Inspiration after coming back from Stage 4 Lung Cancer and riding the BCT!


A Proud Moment - Being Awarded the BCT King of the Mountain Jersey!

Well that is the 2016 Beat Cancer Tour done and dusted!  8 days of riding, 920kms ridden, nearly 12,000m of climbing, and all with a magnificent group of people - both riders and support crew!
It is a magnificent week that really does give the ultimate pro experience, as well as being so close to the action, sharing the lifts with the pros, sharing the behind the scenes areas that you can't normally get access to, all of it just fantastic!


Some tips for those thinking of doing it:
- Just do it - it is an experience you will remember for your lifetime!
- Start your fundraising as early as you can - go for many small donations rather than trying to pull off a few huge donations.
- Train, train, and train some more.  Again, the earlier you get onto this the more you will enjoy the week.  I thought that I was pretty fit, but there were times when I thought it was really really hard.  Follow the training program provided, but my biggest advice would be do do back to back 120km plus rides, several times leading up to the event.  Then as you get closer try and do it 3 days in a row.  Don't worry so much about the pace, just be able to get the legs turning over each day for a long time.  You can see from the strava uploads that we had elapsed times of over 6 hours most days, and actual riding times well over 5 hours.
- You have to be mentally strong - the pain in the legs is one thing, but dealing with the fatigue is a whole new ball game.  Very early mornings and late nights means for not enough sleep so by the end of the week it just cumulates.
- The support crew are just wonderful.  Sam, the Team Manager is so well organised, everything is laid out for you in a booklet so you know where you have to be when making life very easy.  The on the road support crew provide you with bottles, gels, bars, etc at the stops which is just great.  Bade and the other Lead Riders were all excellent, helping, encouraging, directing, making sure everyone is safe - it is a well oiled machine which lets you get on with enjoying the ride and not have to worry about anything else.
- The experiences you have just can't be had anywhere else.  As I mentioned earlier, sharing lifts with the pros, having them come and talk at team briefings, having them actually join the rides, being in prime positions at the finish lines, and sharing all these experiences and more with such an awesome group of people - and all in the name of such a great cause!!

Beat Cancer Tour - Day 8: Stage 5 - McLaren Vale to Willunga

KM's Ridden Today: 149.5km
Total KM's Ridden: 876km
Pre Ride Weight: Can't Remember
Post Ride Weight: Too tired to bother

BCT Stage 5: McLaren Vale to Willunga

I had to set my alarm 20 mins early today as yesterday I forgot to take by bike computer off to charge it and I knew there would not be enough battery left for the whole of today's stage so I had to get over to the bike storage box before breakfast with the charger!  It was 4.40am when the alarm woke me up, and my legs were the sorest they had been in my life.  Just getting out of bed and hobbling to the bathroom was an effort so I wasn't looking forward to todays 150km stage finishing with 2 climbs of Willunga Hill!!

Bike computer on charge, breakfast eaten, then we loaded up the bikes and drove out to today's stage start at McLaren Vale.  We got ourselves organised had a quick briefing, then we were on our way.  The skies were overcast, the temperature a little cool, and the wind not too strong just yet - ideal riding conditions.

We had to do 3 loops from McLaren Vale to Willunga to Aldinga Beach, Snapper Point, Port Willunga and then back into McLaren Vale.  As soon as I started pedalling my legs were just aching and luckily the first few km's were flat and I was hoping the legs would warm up soon and the pain would go away.  We turned right from Willunga towards Aldinga and this road was downhill and we had a tailwind so very little pedalling was required. 

However 6km later we turned left and straight away we could feel we had a head wind, and with the legs not doing anythign for the last 6km to suddenly having to work quite hard was painful to say the least.  Heading along the beachfront going the other way was a little undulating, but this time we had the tailwind which saw our speeds get up to 45km/h on the flat parts.




The Team Riding Along The Esplanade

Then we turned again and this is where the slightly bigger hills started and we had about 5 of then one after another.  I was able toget up them, but the legs just weren't working at all today!  As each lap passed too, the wind started to get that little bit stronger, making the headwind parts that little more difficult but the tailwind sections faster and more fun.

The first lap I sat mid pack, but felt like I was struggling so for the second lap positioned myself at the back, but being here there is a lot of surging which also was hurting my legs. 
At the end of the second lap it was time for lunch and I ate two feed bags worth of food, two bananas, a Mars bar, a gel, some lollies, and drank a coke.

The Team Decscending Towards Our Next Climb

For the last lap I put myself near the front, and the headwinds certainly making you work more, but I was feeling so much better and thought my legs were going back to normal (well what normal is after 5 day's of 159km back to back rides), and was feeling a little more confident I could actually make it up Willunga Hill.

For our first of two climbs we had the 'climb at your own pace' green light so  as expected, the climbers took off at the base of the climb, me included.  There were heaps of the general public on the climb, but for me they were either too fast with their fresh legs, or too slow.  Cahn came up to me and we helped each other out for about a km when he put in a little surge and dropped me.  I was going as hard as I could, and with about 600m to go put it in the big chainring and went as hard as I could.  I finished 3rd out of the riders doing the full 7 days, in a PR time of 10m45sec, beating my last best time by 49secs, and I was only 5 secs behind Cahn.

We re-grouped at the top, then in single file we made the decent down Penneys Hill Rd, and again we were given a green light so a group of us decended really fast getting and on the ever so slight downhill/flat section were going flat out attacking each other at a consistent speed of around 60km/h - it was such great fun.  We had to stop at the bottom as the pro race was going hrough, but gave us chance to all re-group again.

We made the left turn and headed back into Willunga and I was second from the front and it felt like we were setting a really high pace, I was down on the drops and breathing heavily trying to keep the speed.  We then entered the left turn for the last climb of the day where it was decided that we would all ride up as a group at a pace where no one would get dropped.  There were thousands of spectators cheering us on and it was a great feeling soaking up the atmosphere!

We crossed the finish line, a great achievement accomplished by all!  After loading up the bikes and getting changed, we headed to our marquee position which was again just near the finish line and in perfect sight of the big screen - couldn't get better!!  A great lunch was put on for us and we watched the race with Richie Porte putting on one of his usual awesome efforts up the hill to take the stage win!




Me At The Finish Of Today's Stage

  We drove back to the Tour Village, unloaded the bikes, had a shower and freshened up before regathering for our Team Briefing, all of us all dressed up as we then left for the Legend's Dinner at the Convention Centre.

The guest speakers were Simon Gerrans, Rohan Dennis, Jens Voigt, and Paolo Bettini.  Overall it was a great night with fantastic food, but a late night with me not getting to bed until midnight, absolutely shattered!!

Beat Cancer Tour - Day 7: Stage 4 - Norwood to Victor Harbour

KM's Ridden Today: 148km

Total KM's Ridden: 727km
Pre Ride Weight: 79.8kg
Post Ride Weight: 79.2kg

BCT Stage 4: Norwood to Victor Harbour

Another very early start this morning and when my alarm woke me up at 4.20am it only felt like I only went to bed 10mins ago.  Each morning when I get up, my legs are that much more sorer and feel like concrete blocks!

I got myself organised, then left for breakfast and had a quick flick through the paper only to find a little article on myself as the BCT Rider Profile - a great pick me up!!


A Little Article In Today's Paper

We had our trip briefing where we found out that we had 5 special guests today - Rochelle Gillmore from yesterday again, but today she bought with her 4 of the Wiggle High 5 Professional Womens team that have just competed in the Santos Women's Tour Down Under.  This was a huge priveledge for us considering they are the no.1 ranked women's team in the world!!

We set off from the Hilton at 5.25am and today's stage from Norwood to Victor Harbour was also the day of the Bupa Challenge Tour where any rider could register to ride today's stage.  As the official start line in Norwood was going to be absolutely packed we decided to go out a different way instead.  There was very little race neutral today, officially only 4.4km, then there was the first climb of the day being Norton Summit where we were told that we could 'go at our own pace'.  For the climbers in the group this meant another opportunity to smash ourselves up the climb, a pretty dumb thing to do just 7km into our day of nearly 150km, but nevertheless, an opportunity we weren't going to miss.

The pace was on right from the start with Jase and Cahn going off the front, then there was the three of us in a little group being Matty, Greg, and myself.  We were about half way up the hill when we caught Cahn, then he went again, Matty chased him and Greg and I were left together when he dropped me.  I could see that they had slowed so I dug in and managed to catch up to them, then the pace quickened again and I got dropped again.  I still went as hard as I could and when I checked Strava I did a PR by 1m04sec in 15.24!!

We all re-grouped at the top, then continued up Woods Hill Rd and went into Summertown, Crafers, and Stirling again.  The road was mainly downhill from now and the weather was great too, overcast, relatively cool, and great riding conditions which was very different from the forecast of thunder storms!

Me And The Girls From The Wiggle High 5 Pro Team

We headed into Echunga, then Meadows, then into Macclesfield where we stopped for our lunch break.  We were ahead of time so we stopped for quite a while and the media were also here so they did some interviews etc.

LeavingMacclesfield, the girls go on the front and set a great tempo into Strathalbyn where on the decent we saw another rider that had fallen and had smashed his face up - luckily emergency services were in attendance and looking after him.

Because of the Bupa ride, there were cyclists everywhere which at times made it difficult for us to stay as a group, and people wanted to jump on and get a draft from us.  One guy came right in next to me and basically cut Cahn off, so I politely told him that we were an organised cycling group and he couldn't be part of our peloton.  I even backed off and made room enough for him to pass out on the left but he wasn't having any of it.  Once again I politely asked him to leave our group and he shouted at me saying 'F... Off or I'll punch you in the face!!' Charming!!  Anyway not long after his pathectic outburst he got the message that he wasn't welcome and sped off ahead, only for us to see him a little further on about to have a coronry on the side of the road from over exerting himself!!

We stopped at Goolwa for another break rolled through Pt. Elliot, then turned night up Crows  Nest Rd for the KOM climb of the day.  Once again we had free reign to go as fast as we could, so again most of us went as hard as we could.  It is not an overly steep climb, but ut kicjs, then a little less gradiant, then kicks again, and does this a few times.  I managed to get 6mins flat but I have never done this climb previously so don't know how it really compares. 

We all re-grouped at the top before taking the descent onto Victor Harbour and  crossing the finishing line all together to the many cheers of the crowds that were there!  I found today's stage pretty easy overall, we had the climbs of Norton Summit and Crows Nest, but apart from that it seemed pretty flat or slightly downhill.  We also had a tailwind for a good part of it too which helped.

The BCT Team With The Wiggle High 5 Pro Womens Team

Our organisers had hired two rooms at a hotel across the road so we were able to have a shower, then come downstairs and we had to ourselves the outdoor dining area which was right on the finish line and also within easy view of the big screen showing us all the pro action, so it was a great spot!



Our View Just Past The Finish Line Looking At The Giant Screen

Ex pro rider, and all round great guy, Jen Voigt, came and joined us for lunch and was happy to have a chat and post for many photos with us!  He stayed for quite a while before attending to media commitments.



Myself With Jens Voigt

Some of the BCT Team with Jens Voigt

Again the pro race had a vey exciting finish with a sprint to the line where again Simon Gerrans won by a fraction of a second!


Our View Of The Finish Line

We headed back to the Tour Village, unloaded all the bikes, then after showers we met for our team briefing before heading off to dinner at Brunelli's.

Another great, but long and tiring day!!

Beat Cancer Tour - Day 6: Stage 3 - Glenelg to Cambelltown

KM.s Ridden Today: 171km
Total KM's Ridden: 579km
Pre Ride Weight: 78.4kg
Post Ride Weigh In: 79.6kg



Yesterday was a really hard stage, lots of climbing, a fast pace, and the heat of the day as well.  My legs were feeling pretty sore when I woke up this morning, and we had a 139km stage ahead, plus the ride of 12km to the start line, plus another 7.2km race neutral, which added up to 158km - all with the Corkscrew climb just 6km from the finish - oh joy!!

We got a bit of a sleep in today with our breakfast time being 6am.  Because I am usually rushed in the mornings, I decided to get up a bit earlier and go down to breakfast early - what a was of time that was as they 'weren't open' before 6am!!

My usual breakfast now is 10 spoons of museli with half an apricot, half a pear, and a full banana, which fills me up nicely and gives me some lasting morning energy.



Just About To Start Stage 3

Our team briefing was a 6.55am, however some were running a little late so the briefing lasted all of 30 seconds with the introduction of a couple of special guests joining us, one being Grant Stevens, the SA Police Commissioner, and also Rochelle Gilmore, the owner of the women's professional team Wiggle High 5. 

The BCT Riders At Team Briefing

It is so good getting a police escort combined with a green light corridor, and I waas lucky to be on the front heading down Anzac Hwy where Catie and the boys had got up early and were on the side of the road to give us a cheer as we went by!!

We stopped at the official start line at Glenelg, then proceeded along Jetty Rd, where we had our first mishap - one of the riders got stuck in he tram tracks and went straight down!  Luckily no damage done to her, but the bike was so she had to jump on one of the spare bikes.  The stop caused a 10min delay but soon enough we were off again.

We then headed up Brighton Rd, Diagonal Rd, then over to Marion Rd before climbing the climbing began at the start of the Southern Expressway.  We took it really easy going up here to give the riders at the back a chance to stay on and not get dropped.  We did pretty much the full distance of the Expressway, some of it being long decents where we just freewheeled which was and easy way to pass the kilometres!

We continued south into Old Noarlunga before taking the turn towards McLaren Vale.  As soon as we were in the foothills we noticed the temperature drop which made for perfect riding conditions.

The pace today waas alot tamer than yesterday, and as mentioned the temperature alot cooler so that made the day all that much more enjoyable.  The route was also magnificent and not too difficult with what felt like a fair bit of descending, with some parts where I reached 70km/h.

We continued on past McLaren Flat, passed Clarendon bakery (no stop planned here unfortuantely), into Chandlers Hill before riding some of yesterday's route but in the opposite and easier direction through Stirling and Mylor.

From Hahndorf the road gradient was then undulating on the way to Lobethal, then made our way to Cudlee Creek, but taking a longer route which included a steep hill!!  Before too long we were on Gorge Rd, went passed all the undulations, then stopped just before the decent.  Here the climbers in the group got rid of as much stuff in their pockets as they could and also got rid of one of the two drink bottles, all in the order to save as much weight as we could.

The descent down Gorge Rd waas great, then we turned left into Corkscrew Rd, and as soon as we turned there were people everywhere!!  The Race for the KOM was on from almost the turn and Jason went first but no one followed him, then Matty, went followed by Cahn.  I know this climb very well and knew that if I went this early then I would blow up so I held back hoping that would happen to the others, but also bearing in mind that these three riders are all stronger than me.

I rode as fast as I could, tagging onto people that were passing me when I couldm but soon each one was dying off so I would try and get onto thhe next one.  By the time I got to the switchbacks (the really steep bit) there was no one else that was doing my pace so I was then relying on my own steam.  I could see Matty ahead  of me but didn't have enough in me to quite catch him, and was fourth to the line.  We all re-grouped at the top so therefore had quite a good rest by the time the whole group had made it to the top.
(Once back at the hotel I loaded up Strava and saw that I set a PR for the Corkscrew climb by 22 seconds in 10m03s which I was stoked about considering it was about 150km into today's ride, and also after such a hard ride yesterday!!  I also saw that I beat Matty's overall time by 2 seconds overall!!)


Climbing Corkscrew At Full Pace

We descended Montacute Rd and then crossed the finish line again the cheers and claps of the big crowd that was waiting along the sidelines!!

I relaxed for a little - mailny because I was so stuffed, then headed over to the Cancer Council Tent which was in a great position just before the finish line.  Ate some lunch, then had my customary afternoon nap, then it was time for the pros to arrive.  As expected it was another close finish where Simon Gerrans just got over the line before Rohan Dennis - a thrilling finish.

We then had rode back from Campbelltown to the Tour Village, dodging all the other cyclists and cars that were also oon their way back into town.  Organised my laundry, then went for my massage, which was super painful due to the terrible tightness my leg muscles had!

We had the Team Briefing at 6.30pm, then the family picked me up and we went out for dinner.  Another relatively early night tonight as we have another early 4.40am breakfast time tomorrow!!

Beat Cancer Tour - Day 5: Stage 2 - Unley to Stirling

Today's Km's: 141km
Total KM's: 408km
Pre Ride Weight: 78.2kg
Post Ride Weight: 79.6kg

BCT Stage 2: Unley to Stirling

It is so nice to get awoken by the alarm clock, however the fact that it went off at 3.50am could have something to do with that!!

Although out reported breakfast time of 4am was  an hour earlier than yesterday, we actually had to be on the bikes and ready to go 30mins earlier which meant that things were alot more rushed!  However we all got away on time, apart from one rider so was late so got driven and met us on the freeway.

We had been told that today was more than likely going to be the hardest day so as soon as I weighed in I was consuming the fluids and food!  The weather was much more pleasant, cool to start off with and little wind which was great!!

It was an experience starting off at that hour of the morning with all of us with our bike lights on.  We left the Tour Village, headed along King William Rd, Victoria Ave, then onto Cross Rd. We rode on the actual freeway to Crafers which was a climb of some 8km before making our way up to Piccadilly.  the KOM was only 13.8km into the stage and at the last minute I decided to have a go.  I know that I can't beat the weight weenies that are 15-20kg's lighter than me, but I still came fourth which I was happy with.  However my legs were not happy with me at all - they were absolutely burning after that effort and we had 118km to go - well done John!!

We had a quick break at the top, then continued on to Bridgewater, Aldgate and made our way into Stirling for the first loop which went from Stirling, Heathfield, Mylor, and Aldgate which was 21kms long - and we had to do it 5 times (4 in previous years!!!!).

Half of this loop was undulating with some real fast downhill segments where we reached up to 65km/h as well as some short pinches, then when we came into Mylor it seemed just about all uphill from there the rest of the way into Stirling.  For the first lap it felt as the pace was really on and alot of people were getting dropped off the back, and our peleton was splitting and then the front group would dramatically slow to let everyone catch up again.

Due to the fact we were on a tight time frame some people sat out one, two, or three laps, and those that continued on did so still at a pretty constant pace.  We stopped for a very brief feed, so brief in fact that I only had time to eat one thing and the rest went into the back pockets to have later.  Once again I was consuming lots of drinks (I lost count today), and eating lots of food - hence my my weight was well up from when I started.

Everyone joined in for the last lap where we were by then a touch ahead of time which meant that we could take it really easy up the climbs and stay together as a group.  Halfway through this lap I was called up the front to have the honour of going over the finish line in front which was a great experience.

After The Finish With The BCT Cars

 It was a really hard days riding, 141kms with 3000m of climbing, and Strava said we averaged 25.2km/h, which doesn't sound like much but there was alot of climbing as mentioned!

We were lucky enough to have a shower at the Stirling EFM, then sit in the allocated BCT area just after the finish line, eat our lunch, and watch the riders each time they cam around.  Adam Hansen from Team Lotto Belisol was on a lone breakaway for a few laps and once time he came past he threw out his water bottle, and it just happened to come my way so I quickly grabbed it!!

I Managed To Grab Adam Hansen's Water Bottle!

We watched  the end of the race which was very thrilling with less than half a wheel in it and Aussie Jay McCarthy crossing first and collecting the leaders Ochre jersey too!

Pro Rider From Team Lotto Soudal - Greg Henderson

We came back to Adelaide, had a shower, had a very painful massage, then went down for the team briefing - yay a  sleep in tomorrow - 6am!!  Greg Henderson, a pro rider from Team lotto Soudal, came and had a chat to us which was great, then we left for dinner at Cafe Bocelli where Annette Edmonson came and joined us - and at the table next to us were cycling  commentators Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin!!

Beat Cancer Tour Day 4: Stage 1 - Prospect to Lyndoch 146km

Today's KM's Ridden: 146km
Total KM's Ridden: 267km
Pre Ride Weight: 79.2kg
Post Ride Weight: No idea as they forgot the scales but I did go through 9.5 drink bottles!!

I'm glad to say that it wasn't trucks waking me up this morning, but it wasn't my alarm either!!  Knowing that it was forecast to be 40c and windy I started on the heavy fluid intake during the evening last night so when I did awake busting for the loo I could have almost filled my own swimming pool!!  I then decided to get up a touch early making sure I was well organised in time, and started with a 600ml bottle of water.

I had a big bowl of museli with pear and banana for breakfast plus my glass of pineapple juice, then finished getting organised before heading down for the team briefing.  We collected our bikes where we saw that we now had numbers on them, just like the pro's, and mine was Number 1!!! (For the pro's this means that you are the team leader for that Tour so I was very honoured to get it!!)

Just About To Head Off On Stage 1

We loaded up the cars, had our briefing, then headed off with our police escort and  green light continuation all through the City, and through North Adelaide to the official start line in Prospect where we briefly stopped so those that wanted to could turn on their bike computers.  However all the measurements for  the stage are after race neutral (where the bikes stay behind the Director's car until he waves a flag and the racing actually begins, in this case was 8.1kms - so because I had a 'cheat sheet' on my bike, I started my bike computer from here (but Strava from leaving the Tour Village).

The 'cheat sheet' is just a brief overview of that day's stage which I attach to the top tube of the bike with blu tac.  It lets us know then the King of The Mountain (KOM) is, the sprint points (which we in the BCT don't contest), when the feed station is, and how long the stage is etc.

The 'Cheat Sheet'

However, this is my first time using a cheat sheet and what I didn't think about was the fact that they are laminated, have sharp corners, and stick over the edge of the top tube.  Each time I got out of the saddle to climb or stretch the legs I would scrape the side of my leg!!  Needless to say all the others will be getting the corners trimmed from now on!!

Some Of The Many Scrapes On My Leg From The Cheat Sheet

As mentioned, the forecast for today was 40c and windy so my plan for the day was to sit at the back, not contest the King of the Mountain (KOM), spin the legs up all the climmbs, and generally save myself as much as I could.  Well for the first time in history, I actually followed my plan exactly!!

Today's ride from Prospect took us up the first KOM which was on Lower North East Road, it was gradual, but nothing too steep or difficult.  A few of the riders did contest, but as I was way down the back I didn't see what happened.  We stopped at the top where our team cars were waiting for us with drinks and a re-stock of gels etc.

We continued on and made our way into Kersbrook, Williamstown, then Lyndoch where the the three loops which we had to do began.  We had a head wind for half of it, but a tail wind for the other half which included the climbs so overall it worked out ok.

The support we received from people along the sidelines was nothing short of amazing, all of them clapping and cheering!  We finally made it to the finishing straight where  the crowd had really built up and it was a great feeling to cross the finish line all together as a team.

At The Finish In Front Of The  BCT Support Car

We had lunch, watched the pro's come in where once again Caleb Ewan from Team Orica GreenEDGE won by a goo margin, then loaded up the bikes and drove back to the Tour Village.  For me it was then a very quick shower before heading to Bade's room for my much needed massage!

We had a team briefing at 6.30pm after which was free time so the family came in and met me before going out to dinner.

Overall today's stage was a great one to begin with.  It was very scenic, not too difficult as far as the hills go, some good downhills where we could take a break, and the pace we travelled at meant that we weren't having to bust our gut either.  The heat and  wind did take it's toll and fatigued us all, however we kept the fluids up and made it to the end!

Tomorrow:
An even earlier start at 4am and riding from Unley to Stirling - 132km.  We expect to finish in Stirling around 11am, but have to do 5 difficult circuits beforehand!!

Crap Pro's have To Put Up With:
Headwinds!!

Beat Cancer Tour Day 3: Rest Day

KM's Ridden Today: 38km
Total KM's Ridden: 121km
Pre Ride Weight: 78.2kg
Post Ride Weight: 78.2kg

So what do you do on a rest day - go for a ride of course!!

After Father Christmas departed for the North Pole yesterday morning I was looking forward to what will be our last sleep in morning for the rest of the week.  I awoke with the legs feeling pretty fresh - at 4.45am!!!!!!  More trucks with their reverse beepers this morning, plus a street sweeper, plus sirens.  I laid in bed for another hour and a half, then wrote on my blog before heading down the breakfast where I was able to contain my gluttony a bit better than yesterday!!

We had a briefing about today's ride - it was going to be short, but very hilly taking in Belair Rd, Sheoak Rd (which has 20% inclines), then the final climb up to Mt. Lofty.  Bade (our Ride Director) was saying that we should take it easy, we didn't have to set any Strava records (Strava is an app that records your rides and gives you times for each different section that you ride including hills), and because of the heat we should just go out there and enjoy ourselves.  Also due to the hot weather, we have to 'weigh in' before and after our rides so they can monitor our fluid intake on the ride.  If we come back under it means that we are not drinking enough.  That is why I the pre and post ride weights are there.

We headed out complete with our front and rear police escorts and rode towards Belair Rd.  My theory today was to sit at the back of the group, take it real easy, spin the legs, and do no work.  I was at the back of our group all the way from the Tour Village to the beginning of Belair Rd, then as so often happens with me, my theory went out the window!!

Two other riders were just ahead, so I just tagged on the back all the way up to the top.  It was a solid ride, but nothing that I thought I was over exerting myself on, however Strava said I did a PR (Personal Record) for the Belair Rd Climb, and also for the Windy Point climb - hey I was only following!!

The Group At The Top Of Belair Rd

We re-grouped at the top, had some drinks, then started for the next leg which was Sheoak Rd.  This road is steep starting off with a 20% incline, then a little break, then another steep bit, then a little break, then another steep bit and so on!!!  Again, I thought that I was setting a good but not a kill myself tempo.  This was my first time up this hill so I had no previous attempts to compare it to - but was the third rider to reach the cars at the top.

We then made our way up the Crafers to Mt. Lofty, and again I thought I was setting a good tempo, except one little surge up the final hill, but Strata once again said I did a PR.  I have previously done 29 efforts up this climb, and this was the fastest one by 43secs!!  I think I am hitting peak form just at the right time!!

At The Top Of Mt. Lofty

On our way back we called into Bicycle Express where I bumped into my all time favourite rider - Simon Clarke from Team Cannondale!!  He was happy to have a quick chat and a photo before he had to rush out the door - Thank You Simon!!

My All Time Favourite Rider - Simon Clarke!!

After you browsing around we rode back to the Tour Village where we then had free time until the next Team Briefing at 6pm.  I did an hours worth of stretching before catching up with the family and together we had a good walk around the Tour Village.

From there it was across the road to the Metropolitan for dinner, then a few of us went out for gelati, then just a quiet night before getting to bed early before tomorrows first stage - in 40c heat and a northerly!!

Crap Pro's Go Through: Groupies
Just like a rock band that has its groupies, so do cycling teams and also the cyclists themselves.  Luckily the Tour Down Under (TDU) is seen as a relaxed atmosphere and not high stress like the Tour De France etc.  The cyclists all like the TDU as they stay in the same hotel for the duration of the race rather than having a different room each night.
However this brings out the groupies.  There are people waiting both inside and outside the Hilton hoping to get an autograph or photograph (or both!).  When the teams go out on their rides there is a heap of cyclists that ride behind them - behind the team car that is.  Today when Team Etixx went out there would have been 40 riders behind them!  I'm not criticizing groupies, as I am slightly one too, however I'm sure it does get to the pro's after a while.

Beat Cancer Tour Day 2 - People's Choice Classic

Today's KM's Ridden: 83.2
Total KM's Ridden: 83.2

Today was a sleep in day, but at 4.30am everyone on the west side of the hotel was awoken by the reverse beeps of a truck that just didn't stop! They were taking down the huge Father Christmas at the Central Market and they wanted everyone to know about it!!

My day instantly approved when on the way to breakfast was Matthew Hayman and Luke Durbridge from Team Orica GreenEDGE. They were happy to have a quick chat and a photo which was great!



Myself with Luke Durbridge and Matthew Hayman



It's obviously been a loooong time since I last stayed in a hotel as I was like a kid in a candy shop when I saw the huge breakfast spread - hot food, cereals, toast, museli, yogurts, fruit, pastries and more - I swear I'll be 10kg's heavier by this time next week!

We soon departed for our first team ride - an easy one down to Outer Harbour. A ride which I have done hundreds of times before, but never with a team car both in front of behind us, plus a police escort to stop traffic for us along the way! I positioned myself right up the front for the whole ride which waas just great! Lunch was at Stuart O'Grady's cafe Velo Precint where inside he has on display many of his old race numbers and a few bikes as well.

About To Start Our First Team Ride

Lunch at Stuart O'Grady's Cafe Velo

Some of Stuey's Old R ace Numbers

We then rode back to the Tour Village, had a bit of spare time so I bought some essentials from the supermarket such as a toilet brush (don't ask)! I also managed to catch some zzzz's too! Back to the Village where we collected our bikes and rode to the the People's Choice Classic street circuit. We were allowed to do three laps and once again I positioned myself right at the very front which waas awesome! The people were clapping, cheeing, and blowing their horns for us right the way around which made for a great atmosphere!



The Team About To Ride On The People's Choice Classic Circuit



A quick ride back to the hotel, an even quicker change, then we walked back to the Classic where we were wined and dined in the SA Events marquee positioned right on the finishe line. The women's race got underway where there were a few thrills and spills and was won by Annette Emonson. The men's race soon started and it is unbelievable the speed they go!! The race was won by Team Orica GreenEDGE's Caleb Ewen.



The Riders At The Start Line



Back at the hotel and a lift ride with Geraint Thomas, Iam Stannard, and Peter Kennaugh from Team Sky plus Graeme Brown from Team Drapac!! Then a quick shower, wrote up this, then bed!!

Celebrity Viewings: I'm stopping this segment as it's just getting ridiculous!

Crap Pro's Have To Go Through: Hotel Bathrooms I'm sure the Hilton has had its bathrooms renovated since it was first built but it has become obvious that the renos were done by the comapny that submitted the cheapest tender! I have a ceiling shower rose but it is positioned too far down the shower, and the glass shower screen way too short ,that you end up with a tsunami of water on the floor. There is also a shower head, but even at its highest setting even a midget would be lucky to fit under it. Then when you step out of the shower into the sea of water (which doesn't drain as the floor tiling is crap and doesn't actually have the fall going any where near the drain), and into what has becone a steamroom/sauna as there is no exhaust fan!! Plus there was obviously no budget left for a toilet brush!!

Beat Cancer Tour - Day 1: Teams Presentation

Check in at the Hilton hotel was between 1-2pm where I found out that I had a room to myself with a big massive bed - Awesome!!

We checked in our bikes for the mechanic to have a quick look over before tomorrow's ride, then were presented with our team outfits for the week.  this consisted of two full riding kits (which look awesome by the way), two polo tops for wearing when we are  not in our cycling outfits, and our ID badges which gives us access pretty much anywhere!!

Our Beat Cancer Tour Team Kit

Out first Team Briefing was at 4pm where we were given an overview of the expectations for the week, a safety briefing, a few rules for when we were out on the road, and it was also a chance to meet up with all the other riders.

We then headed over to the back area of the stage for the Teams Presentations, however a non working PA system meant that there were big delays.  However, we eventually made it onto the stage, however as they were running so late it was a very quick introduction and then we were off again.

On Stage For The Team Presentation

Our first team dinner was held at Flinders Lodge - one of the Cancer Council's accommodation services that they offer to country people that have to come to the city for treatment.

We were given a couple of welcome speeches by various Cancer Council people before hearing a story of the value of the fundraising efforts we put in.  The story was told by a lady that used the Cancer Council services while her husband was undergoing treatment for testicular cancer.  It was a remarkable story - a young guy with two children getting diagnosed with cancer.  Unfortunately it spread - so badly that at one stage he was only given another two days to live.  However, he fought, and eventually beat the disease.
It was a remarkable story and no one in the room was left with a dry eye at its conclusion.

A great dinner was put on by the people from Fresh Active (www.freshactive.com.au) before we all came back to the hotel for an early night.

Tomorrow:
Team ride to Outer Harbour departing the Hilton at 10am, then we'll be on the People's Choice Classic start line at 4pm.

Celebrity Viewings:
Jack Bobridge and Rohan Dennis

My Fundraising...

The main aim of the Beat Cancer Tour is for riders to raise funds for the Cancer Council that goes towards the Beat Cancer Project.

The Beat Cancer Project is a strategic cancer research partnership between Cancer Council SA, SA Health, and South Australia’s flagship research facility the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).

Cancer Council's Beat Cancer Project has one vision – to bring us closer than ever to a future without cancer... and we have every reason to believe it is possible!

Thanks to the contribution of cancer research, over the last 20 years in Australia we have seen;
 
- Cancer deaths fall by approximately 14%
- Survival rates for many common cancers increase by as much as 30%
- An estimated 61,000 Australian lives saved by improvements in cancer prevention, screening and treatment

Thanks to your generous support, Cancer Council SA is investing $10 million into Cancer Council's Beat Cancer Project over five years, to be matched by SA Health, creating a pool of funds totalling $20 million – making it the single largest source of funding for cancer research and infrastructure within our state.

Through investing these funds with SAHMRI, Cancer Council’s Beat Cancer Project will not only ensure that the donations given by our generous supporters are strategically targeted to cancer research projects that are needed most, it will also ensure that the research being undertaken is of the highest standard and enable further funding to be acquired.

My Fundraising Ideas:

When I was accepted onto the Beat Cancer Tour team my aim was do fundraise $25,000, and my official finishing total ended up being $32,954 !!!!!!

Some of the things I did were:

Catch the Crowds:
This was my biggest contributor.  I had some signs made up and stood out the back of the Adelaide Railway Station when there was a football or cricket game on and catch the crowd as they walked towards the bridge to Adelaide Oval.



Raising Funds Outside The Railway Station On Game Days

I stood here for around 3-4 hours each game day and generated anywhere between $500 - $900 per game.  I also got to talk to and meet many people, some with very touching cancer stories of their own.

CULLEN Real Estate:
I am fortunate enough to own my own  real estate business. 

Beat Cancer Tour Sticker On Our Window

Before the Beat Cancer Tour came along, every month I would make a donation out of the commissions I made to Canteen - an organisation that helps young people deal with the challenges cancer brings.  I then moved these donations to my fundraising effort.
I also has a sticker made up to put on my office window, and also promoted the Beat Cancer Tour on flyers I sent out to the local neighbourhoods.
I wrote letters to the people who had bought and sold from me before, and also tenants and landlords, many of whom were happy to donate!




Leaflets Distributed Around My Neighbourhood



 

 

 

Mum's 80th: 

My mum celebrated her 80th birthday this year and in lieu of receiving presents she asked people to donate to the Cancer Council via my fundraising instead.

 

She also put the word out to all her friends and our extended family, many who donated - some even twice!!

 

Thank you very much mum!

 

Mum and I at her 80th Celebration Dinner

 

 

My Swag Forum:

We are members of the myswag.org internet forum - a forum for offroad camper trailer enthusiasts.  This year I led a two week trip for interstate members to the Flinders Ranges.

 

Every morning the campers in our group would drop off all their 10c recylables to me which they had consumed the night before, I would wash them, crush them, and then carry them in a bag tied to our van.

 

The group also got together and donated $200 as a thank you for organising the trip!

 

Holding Up The 'Cheque' Given To Me By The MySwag Flinders Trip Crew

 

 

 

Adelaide Jeep Club:

 

We are also members of the Adelaide Jeep Club and have been since we bought our first Jeep back in 2004.  Although we are now Land Cruiser owners, (as many Jeep owners experience the 'Jeep Thing' too they also move to other brands - over half of our club are non-Jeeps!!), we have made many great friends within the Club.

 

Alot of members made individual donations as well as the Club as a whole donating $200 to me.

 

2 Handmade Quilts:

Caroline, a lady I sold a house to, put in a massive amount of time and effort to donate two handmade quilts to my fundraising effort.

I placed both the quilts on eBay and both were snapped up by an interstate buyer!

Caroline Presenting Me With One Of Her Handmade Quilts

10c Recyclables & Money Box:

 

We keep our 10c recylables and after rinsing them place them in a bucket.  It's surprising to see how much these add up to over the year.

 

We also have a little Cancer Council money box on a table where we place our car keys.  Each time we come home I empty the coins out of my wallet and into the box.  Again it is surprising how much this can add up to over time!

 

My Friends, Faceboook, and E-mail:

 

A HUGE THANK YOU has to go out to my Facebook friends and E-mail acquaintences.  Since March this year I have pestered them relentlessly asking them to support me with donations, sharing my Facebook posts to their friends, and giving me encouragement along the way.

 

These friends extend to old school friends, people I haven't even seen in over 25 years but still communicate with, the awesome Megabike cycling community, from the MySwag Forum and Jeep Club and more.  I can't Thank You enough and it is because of generous people like you that has made this all worth while!

 

My Family:

 

A MASSIVE THANK YOU goes out to to my wife Catie and sons Oliver and Jasper.

My wife held very strong holding down the fort of both house and business during my accident and was so supportive and patient with me during my recovery - I can't thank you enough.

 

My boys are always there with me - they have come out fundraising with me, Ollie was there beside me the first time I go on the wind trainer after my accident, rode Amy's Ride with me, and has been out on many of my rides with me.

 

I am very lucky to have such an awesome family - the time taken for training for the Beat Cancer Tour, plus the time for the fundraising effort has meant less time with them, but they have been very understanding, realising that participating in the Beat Cancer Tour is a dream come true for me.

 

Finally I would like to say that my fundraising journey has been very humbling and rewarding.  I have met some extrordinary people, realised the true friendships I have, and are blessed to be surrounded by the people I am close to.

 

Thank You to everyone that has donated to me and/or supported me in this journey, now let the riding begin....