Sunday 14th was an official Smiddy Training ride and I decided to join 13 other Smiddy cyclists at the Marburg show grounds for a 190 km ride. Sharky organised the ride and once again he stepped up to the challenge and made it an enjoyable day. I was in two minds whether to attend the training day as it was my eldest son’s last game of Rugby and since I’m the Manager of the team, I felt obligated to make an appearance. Finally I made a decision on Friday night and decided to join the Smiddy group. My main reason for joining the ride was because of a bad experience I had on my last 200 km cycle. I had some trouble with my cycle nicks and without going into too much detail, after sitting on the saddle for 9 hours, my left butt cheek resembled being attacked by a potato peeler. I was out of action for about five days and if it wasn’t for Hayley’s (my wife) medical attention and nursing I would have been out for at least 10.
I needed to be sure my nicks were worn in and to get the monkey off my back, I decided to attend the session. We rolled out at 6.20 am, with the temp around 7 degrees and it was dark and foggy. It wasn’t until about 9.00 am that we felt the sun on our backs. It makes such a difference when the sun comes out as you can see and feel everyone’s motivation pickup.
After riding for about 50 km’s with all the twist and turns, I couldn’t believe how Sharky knew his way around the country roads. There were no cars in sight and the roads seemed to criss cross and turn through the valleys and mountains and it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere. I was feeling a bit lost, not just because I didn’t know the area but because my three Cycd team mates, Spartacus, KB & Brycey were not participating in today’s ride. Spartacus had the man flu, KB was nursing a sore knee and Brycey was doing the right thing and playing Dad/Husband for the weekend.
The call from Sharky came at 80 km, for the Cycd Team to take the lead but after calling out to me to organise the troops, Sharky realized, I was the Cycd Team for the day. First I was hesitant to take up the offer but since I do most of the work compared to the other three anyway, I figured it will just be like any other day. I quickly went to the front and took the Peloton forward making sure all pot holes; road kill, bumps, gravel & glass were identified. After 10 km’s, Sharky called for me to pick up the pace from 31 km to 35 km’s per hour. With a 40 knot headwind now smashing me at the front, I replied to Sharky, no worries mate……… the other cyclists were feeling for me and mentioned how the cycd team had let me down and should be out here helping, rather than sipping soy milk, half strength lattes, back at home. I continued on for another 20 km’s keeping the pace around 35 to 38 km per hour. It wasn’t until after the 10 km, 15% gradient mountain range, that Sharky suggested I click out of the big chain ring to keep my legs fresh for the next 50 km’s. I hope the Cycd boys realise the pain I went through and step up for the next session.
The day was fantastic and once again well organised with good food and company. With the small group of 14, it was a good opportunity to get to know the other riders. Highlight of the day was lunch at the Plainlands Hotel, where we had fresh sandwiches, fruit, hot food and cold drinks. After lunch we headed towards Marburg, with only about 60 km’s remaining and I got the feeling everyone was keen to get home as the pace picked up. ETA was 3.00 pm and we weren’t too far from this, arriving at the Showground’s at 3.20pm. The day started with fog and ended in rain so we experienced most weather patterns in one day. We all had a great day and thankfully I had no issues with my butt. I’m now mentally and physically ready for the Townsville challenge. Looking forward to a few quieter weeks and sleeping in, so I’m well rested for the big event.
Nice one Dammo! And not surprising that you were Stuart O'Grady for the ride and doing all the hard work out the front
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