Reflections of the team

This morning as we did our final training ride before we head off to Townsville I think we all at some point began to reflect on the past 9 months and how it was that we arrived at this point. We had some good laughs recalling the training we had done and the fund raising that had taken place so I've asked each of the guys to write a few words of reflection on our journey thus far.

To kick things off here is what Dammo has had to say.....

In March this year a good mate of mine Jason Nowlan (Nowsa) came to my work to do some electrical work and he mentioned to me about the Smiddy Challenge.   Nowsa and I met about 20 years ago when we played hockey and since giving up about 10 years ago, we took up cycling.  Nowsa mentioned to me that he had signed up for the Smiddy Challenge which is a charity ride to Townsville and asked me to come along.  My first thoughts were yes but after thinking about it for a few days, I thought there would be no way I could find the time to train.  It would be too much on my family and work commitments, so I decided to let it go.  About a week later I spoke to my wife (Hayley) about it and she said, why don't you do it.  I replied, are you serious!!!! Do you know how much training I would need to do and it would mean I need to ride for 5 or 6 hours on a Sunday or some cases all day.  She could see I really wanted to give it a go, so she encouraged me to signup.  

Well.................. 5 months down the track, I am sitting here thinking in three days I will be heading off on my bike for the next eight days to cover 1600 km in memory of Adam Smiddy and to raise funds for cancer.   Unfortunately Nowsa had to pull out as he received some great news about 1 week after signing up that his wife was pregnant and would be due a week or two after the ride.  Thanks for the invite mate and I'm sure you will be there next year..................

Fortunately there were three other mates that I new, Scrivo, KB and Brycey who also took up the challenge.  We've all motivated each other at different times over the last few months and helped each other along the way.  In addition to our training we have been busy fundraising and whilst this has been a challenge, to my surprise, between the four of us, we have raised just over $50k.  It's not easy asking for donations as there are plenty of other charities doing the same type of fundraising not to mention a lot of people are struggling financially so a BIG thank you to those who have kindly donated to the Smiddy Challenge. 

Thanks Scrivo, KB & Brycey for your companionship over the last four months...... to Hayle's for your patience and understanding......sorry to Harry and Ben for missing some of your Rugby games boys while I was training. I'm feeling anxious and excited and I am looking forward to this Saturday when Kev rings the cow bell, as a message to get ready to roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!