Smiddy ride day 2 - Could this have been the best day on a bike ever??

Today was a bittersweet day for the Cyc'd boys as we farewelled Brad from the challenge as he returned to look after Fleur and his family while still being excited about what day two of the Smiddy challenge had in store for us.

Firstly the stats:

240km (the longest ride any of us has ever done)
8 hours 33minutes turning the peddles
28.5kph avg
1835m climbed
3500 calories burnt

It was great to see the whole Smiddy crew acknowledge Brad's courage and contribution to this year's challenge before we rode out of Nanago at 6am. To see Brad wearing the "Inspiration" jersey awarded to him the previous night made all of the Cyc'd boys very proud. His presence in the peleton gave special meaning to what we were doing and Gav, Dammo and I felt proud as every rider made special mention of our tight knit group. We have become great mates over the past couple of years and we have dedicated the rest of ride to Brad and Fleur and wish them all the best.

As we rolled out we all agreed that today was shaping up as something special. Before we left a common message of goodwill sent to us was "may the wind be at your back" well today it was!! As we rolled out a southerly picked up and remained with us for the next 240km making for a great day on the bike. With 60km knocked over by 8.15am we were well on our and morale was high. Clear skies and good roads added to the experience and we maintained an average of just under 30kph for the rest of the day.

At morning tea all took time to think about our families being Father's Day and all and it was great to have messages of support from them all. Whoever arranged for the tailwind as present for us we say THANKYOU!!

Unlike yesterday we all found ourselves spending some time at the front driving the peleton along none more so that Kent who relished the opportunity to dish out some pain to those in the peleton. Apparently Gav and Dammo appreciated this as they lent a hand to some of the riders who were struggling with the pace....sorry guys.

With the tailwind remaining we arrived at lunch some 40 mins early and enjoyed the great hospitality of our awesome road crew. Nothing is to much trouble for these guys who make us all feel like we belong on the Tour de France.

After 6 hours in the saddle the only thing more popular than lunch was the line up at the toilets to reapply some Aussie Butt Cream that essential item in all riders day bags. It was noted that after only two days on the road that people's privacy when it comes to application of the said cream is rapidly diminishing who knows what it will be like after 5 more days!!

There was only one climb of note today which was about 2.5km and 8-9%. Sharky raised the ante and suggested that the climbers might come out to play to test the legs before tomorrow"s Queen stage which includes the infamous 3 peaks.

Dammo led the charge for the Cyc'd boys confident that his new 27 cog would hold him in good stead while Gav and Kent settled more a more steady tempo knowing that tomorrow would be the true test. Unfortunately Dammo while giving it his all came up short although still managed a gallent top 5 finish among some pretty illustrious company.

While the climb was challenging the downhill was sensational!!! The 5km decent was a freewheeling extravangsa of speed and skill with the lads reaching 70kph. It was at this point that Gav and Dammo enjoyed the highlight of the day as they dropped Lucie who is a gun rider and great person to boot. Working together they left her in the wake and while Kent was not far behind he was given a mouth full from the other female gun rider Katie who let fly when the the pace dropped and she was forced to the front in hot pursuit of the boys. Katie if you can't tell is a little competitive and it was said in good spirits and we had a good laugh afterwards about how she demanded more from her domestiques.

At times the peleton of nearly 50 riders was hitting speeds in excess of 50kph which must have been awesome sight for the numerous cars and trucks who were trying to pass us.

The day finished on a high point when as we approached the finish at Eidsvold the three Cyc'd boys found themeselves at the front of the peleton and refused to let anyone pass in the final kilometres. The three of us crossed the line at the front of peleton arms raised saluting the adoring fans ok the support crew but for a moemnt there you would have sworn we had just won a stage at the Tour de France. We dedicated the "win" to Brad and Fleur got off our bikes and celebrated as you do with a very manly blokey man hug.

Tonight we are sharing a room at the Eidsvold HQ motel and after a great meal and a few Peronis and Canadian Clubs (thanks Brad) we are are just about done for the day.

As I said a bittersweet day but as I thought about the past 12 hours I asked the boys "has there ever been a better day on the bike??" The answer was NO!!! It wasn't a good day it was a great day.

Tomorrow is a shorter day at just 180km but with teh biggest climbs of the challenge but in true Smiddy spirit we say bring it on!!!