Brad's reflections on the year

Here's the next installment of our reflections of the past 9 months this time from Brad "Spartacus" Scriven....

Summary by Spartacus.

I still recall the moment when I hit the submit button with the registration back in Dec 2010. Very nervous, excited and anxious about what was to unfold. There was no way that one could anticipate at that time the memories and events that would take place as this experience has been life changing.

Funniest Memory would have to be the training ride we did to Glorious up the PEI road. I can almost guarantee there has never been that much laughter on that stretch of road by a group of riders when you consider the workout we were about to endure. Wiping tears from the eyes is almost a hazard on the bike however at this stage we had already started the climbing

Most painful experience was definitely the week after the Warwick weekend recuperating after my knicks ate tissue from my arse. This was closely followed by the RSI I had after turning 1,000 sausages with a pair of tongs on a Sunday.

The most nervous moment was looking down Checkers hill in SA when we drove out there to do a bit of recon before the Community Challenge ride. While standing on the top of the hill I was reflecting on the difficulty the car had getting up there and listening to Kent think of ways he could loose 10 kilo’s in less than 24 hours to aid his performance. Dammo, you should have been there mate

This brings me to the biggest mystery during our training regime. Did Bruzer ride up Checkers???

The things I am most proud of are: -

-          How we have worked so closely as a team

-          Inspired others to think and train

-          Created our own Brand "Cyc'd Boys" within the spirit of Smiddy.

-          Raising over $50k is an outstanding effort and quite frankly something I never imagined we would achieve at first. I thought I was going to struggle getting the $3k at one point.

Right now I am a better and stronger cyclist, a few kilo’s lighter and a person that feels an overwhelming sensation of pride looking back on what we have achieved while also feeling very fortunate for meeting so many good people along the way.

I can honestly say that I would not have done this or achieved anything like this if it wasn’t for you guys being there as well so thanks for the push lads.

Here’s to the Cyc’d Boys...

One final word, the worst week of training was last week as we dealt with the shocking news that Cancer has entered my household with Fleur being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I can say that while we are more positive now the nervousness I referred to at the beginning of the Smiddy Journey has started again while we gather energy and clear the way to focus 100% on her well being. We are really fortunate to have some fabulous support with Family, Friends and with work which relieves a large part of the burden.

While this will result in me only participating in 2 days of the ride, rest assured my quest for raising valuable funds for Cancer Research has now become very personal.

Your friendly cyclist buddy

Brad Spartacus, Drifter, Scrivo, Scriven