Friday, November 26, 2010

Highlights from STRT 2010

Keep it short and sweet.  That was the plan.  I was thinking about writing a summary of each of the 6 days for my blog.  As I started it in my head, I soon realised this was never going to work... so much happened each day, that I would need to write a short novel if I was going to do any justice to the super week I had.
Instead, I will leave you all with a few photos from the trip, and a summary, not of the time riding, but of the fantastic people I had the pleasure to meet, ride with, and chat to during the STRT.

Because what I realised is that what made the trip memorable for me, were the people involved.  Sure, the countryside was great, and the bike riding was fun, and the places we stayed at were awesome. 

More awe inspiring for me though were the people I got to ride beside and behind and infront of each day; and chat to at dinner and breakfast. 

What a diverse group of individuals to meet; but united within the common cause to help make our roads safer.  I was surprised by how different each rider was (such unique backgrounds and careers; and unique family and life situations), but how well we all "jelled" together in the first two days.  No-one was "above" anyone else, and everyone helped each other out whenever they could. 

Yes there sure were some tough days in the saddle, but even after the 'minor' frustrations of hot days, flat tyres, rough off-road sections, sticky mud, getting lost (even with a gps!), and sore legs, everyone managed smile and a laugh and a story at the end of the day. 

Thank you so much to each and everyone of you:
Simon Gillett, Rachael Kininmonth, Steve Hodge, Phil Anderson, Mary & Dennis Safe, Rochelle Gilmore, Rachel Neylan, Carla Ryan, Felicity Dales, Lindy Hayward, Kayt Edwards, Matt Dimattina, Duncan Murray, Rhys Gillett, Ned Draydon, Matt Pringle, Ken Kroeger, Michael Scott, Paul Hardwick, Paul O'Dwyer, Rob Keogh, Marg Grant, Andy Sheats, James Hannam, Ian Carpenter, David Moffatt, Steve Cesinger, Kieran Hogan, Matt White, Andrew Tanner, Michael Price, David Gillett, Tony & Tracey Gaudry.
(Special thanks to Steve Hodge for the above photos!)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Share The Road Tour 2010

I will take some time (I promise) to write a more thorough report about the 6 days of riding soon...
but in the meantime, I just need to say t-h-a-n-k-s to all the riders and organisers involved with the Amy Gillett 2010 Share The Road Tour.

An incredible week, with many memorable moments; and it was super to share this experience with lots of like-minded people while helping deliver the message of better road safety and awareness; for both cyclists and motorists.

In particular, I need to mention how honored I was to meet Mary Safe, Amy's mother, who has devoted her life to educating young people on safer cycling and safer driving.  Awesome work.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Noosa and only ONE week to go!

So after a very adventurous race at Glen Innes to Inverell, the annual Noosa Cycling GP was on again.
See race report by Ange McClure here:
http://www.sweetascycling.com.au/sweetascycling/news/61-what-a-team-what-a-daywhat-a-result

Quite happily, I was just a spectator for the Noosa event...
but I have to say a huge c-o-n-g-r-a-t-u-l-a-t-i-o-n-s to Nikki on her awesome 5th place during the women's criterium on Saturday afternoon.


Those of you who know Nikki already, also know that she has really put all of her body and mind and heart into her training this year, and is finally coming up with some well-deserved results!!!

You can read her report here:
http://nikolina-cycling.blogspot.com/2010/11/2010-noosa-grand-prix.html


And as for me,
well it is only one week to go to the Amy Gillett Foundation's Share the Road Tour...
yep...
we will each be riding 800km with 8000m of climbing in 6 days.
I will try to update my blog while riding (pending internet access), but otherwise I will be sure to give you all a report on my return to Qld!
http://www.sharetheroadtour.com.au/archives/77