Nundah Crit Racing - The Rookie comes good

With slightly reduced numbers from last week's road race 7 of the Cyc'd boys headed out to Nundah this morning to try their hand at crit racing. Gav and Jase would race B Grade and after some very positive discussions with the HPRW grader, Nosher, 5 would line up for C1 Grade.

Before I go any further I should say that the Cyc'd boys really appreciate the effort HPRW goes to put on great races be it road races or crits. The are always well organised with safety a priority which makes for great racing.

In C1 Andy and Andrew would be competing in their first crit race with Dan making a return after a long layoff from racing.

With 5 club members in the race it was great to see Cyc'd with such a strong presence up front throughout the race with all 5 riders taking their turn to lead and never shirking the responsibility of doing the hard yards with Andy and Andrew doing the bulk of the work.

Andrew obviously backs up well after a long Friday lunch and found himself contesting the prime where he picked up third but the effort told and he headed to the back of pack for a little recovery time. Dan picked up the bulk of the work for the next few laps with me making a small contribution from time to time.

C Grade Cycos near the front doing the hard yards

With a couple of laps to go we were all well placed and the Cyc'd train was taking shape. Everything was looking good as we hit the last lap with Andrew well placed Andy on the charge me sucking the life out of Dan's real wheel and Brad in close proximity. The inevitable rush from everywhere came as we hit the last corner and Andrew found yet another gear to contest the final sprint coming a gallant 4th in his first crit......well done mate great effort.

Andrew picking up his well deserved winning...there's the coffee for C Grade boys!

Coffees were on Andrew

B Grade was next to go and Jase did a lot of early work keeping the pace high near the front with Gav well protected in the 49 strong field. Things stayed pretty much like this until the prime where Jase contested but came up just short. A few small attacks began to occur but nothing stuck.

Meanwhile the C Grade boys were getting a little anxious as both Gav and Jase were mid field with just a couple of laps to go but we needed have worried as Gav had been keeping his powder dry and started to move forward with Jase in hot pursuit.

Gav buried himself and Jase was given a great lead off or the final mad dash to line. The field was spread completely across the track with everyone giving it everything in the sprint to the line. Jase was right there but just failed to podium but a great effort nonetheless by the two boys.

Here's how they lined up in the finishing straight.......

Gav and Jase had given it everything in the final sprint to the line

Cyc'd rider conquers Col de Tourmalet

Last week a group of 13 riders headed off for the Pyrenees to ride the famous Cols and to raise money for cancer research. One of these riders, Rowan, is a member of Cyc'd Cycling Club. He is also the fund raising manager for Smiling for Smiddy and has ridden countless kms supporting this amazing organisation. Sharky is an honourary Cyc'd member and great friend of the club being a regular rider with us and as the founder of Smiling for Smiddy.

Before Row headed off I was able to get him his new Cyc'd Cycling kit and when I handed it to him I asked if he would wear it on the day that he rode the Col de Tourmalet. Here is a photo of Row (second from right) looking great in his club kit and the other riders having conquered the Tourmalet (18km climb!!). As a warm up they climbed the Col d'Aubisque (16km climb with an average gradient of 8%) earlier in the day now that is one hell of a day climbing almost 4000m!!

If you would like to read about this amazing adventure check out these links to Sharky's blog:

Day 1

http://marksharkysmoothy.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/smiddy-pyrenees-challenge-day-1.html

Day 2

http://marksharkysmoothy.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/smiddy-pyrenees-day-2.html

Day 3

http://marksharkysmoothy.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/smiddy-pyrenees-day-3-report.html

Elimbah Race Report - C Grade

Having written up the Elimbah race from the B Graders perspective I'm pleased to post the following race report from Andy on how the C Grade Cycos went....

After the initial grading debacle there were only four of the anticipated seven left in C - Andrew, Jenno, Brad and I.  All road racing virgins but looking really "pro" in our fresh new club colours.  As we huddled together nervously looking at each other for any sign of confidence, the B boys were away. 

Two minutes later and we were off with no a single stragetic thought in our combined heads.  Settling in we found ourselves together, near the front of the 26 rider pack.  So far, so good. At about the 5km mark we came to the first slight rise of the day so I pulled out and stretched my legs a little on the hill.  This was taken by those behind to be an attack and from there the pace lifted and a few riders came forward shouting things like "let's string them out".  Eh, no thanks. 

The Cyc'd boys kept our cool (kinda).  There was a lone breakaway but this early in a 64km race even us newbies figured he wouldn't last.  Did I mention that the Cyc'd boys were at the front of the pack?  We seemed to be very comfortable and always at the front.  A couple of times some others surged forward and did some work but mostly it was all Cyc'd.  We were dominating.  These other 22 riders were awestruck by our cycling prowess and our flashy new kit.  I already had images of a Cyc'd dominated podium.  I didn't care which three of us were there, but there was no doubt in my mind that all four of us had probably raced our first and last C grade race and the dodgy gradings guy would be remembering our names. 

Our three-day licence cards would be marked as "racers" from this point forward.  As I drifted through these thoughts of glory the kilometres passed and yes, we were still at the front.  Still dominating.  This continued for 61km.  We caught and passed the lone breakaway.  We waved and cheered as we passed the other Cyc'd guys on other parts of the circuit.  Even they thought we were dominating.  The only people that didn't think we were dominating were the 22 other riders.  They thought we were stupid.  Looking good, but stupid. 

Our inexperience was as bright as our new kit and must have shone like an Ay-Up light.  These guys and girls sat back and let us "dominate".  They were probably laughing at us all the way, but happy to let us burn ourselves out while they barely broke sweat.  5km to go and the four of us has obviously been watching too much TV last year and thought we were part of the infamous HTC team.  We decided to unleash the Cyc'd train.  We weren't sure which one of us was Cav, but I decided I was Renshaw and tried to lead the train out.  Obviously my build and stamina were never designed for such a challenge. 

So after totally misjudging the distance to the finish I pulled out of the train and took up my place at the back of the pack.  I think Brad then took the front trying to lead out Andrew.  Jenno had succumbed to a cramp in his calf and had given up the chase.  Meanwhile all these 22 other riders surged past on their fresh legs. Andrew put in a brave sprint but was pipped into 5th or 6th by a group of strangers.

Despite our racing naivity, it was incredibly good fun.  It was great to be in a "team", working and communicating together.  I think we ALL learned from the experience and it was great to share Greg's B grade win at the pub (even though he wasn't there).  It was great to see so many Cyc'd uniforms on the road.  Thanks to my C grade team mates.  We worked well together.  Some strategy prior to the race would have been good, but hey, we probably wouldn't have followed it anyway.

There are still 2 more spaces in my race licence.  That's two more opportunities to help my team mates to get on that podium.  After the learnings from the first race I'm hoping that won't be too far away.

Elimbah race photos

Here are the photos from Sunday's race thanks to Tracey.

The boys ready to roll

B Grade on the start line

The Pres focused

C Grade await the gun

C Grade roll out

Cyc'd leading the way in B Grade at the half way point

Which way did B Grade go???

Cyc'd boys on the charge in C Grade

How good was that fellas!!

Greg takes the honours in B Grade

Race Day +1

So after yesterday's race Jenno and I excused ourselves from the Cycd Sunday ride to tackle the Brisbane to the Bay 50km ride with a couple of our neighbours. Being a low pace cruise ride nothing could happen, could it? True to form at around the 15km mark I get a call from behind that Jennos flatted. Nothing new there. At least his bottom bracket was silent. We group to watch him fix the flat just as the
Mobile mechanic pulls up in a Jeep driven by the guy from Operation Repo. Long story short. It takes three or four attempts at getting a tube to remain inflated in the wheel. The mechanic (same guy that built Dans bike during the week) eventually spotting a gash in the wheel and then suggesting that Jennos day was over and he'd organise the sag wagon to pick him up. I thought this was too funny but Jenno went into McGyver mode and bodied some patchwork that held and we were off. Off for another 15 km at least before we stopped again for another flat. It was the Ipswich 100 revisited! McGyver was beck at work and we were on our way again. Only 3 more stops to top up the air and we'd finally made it to the finish. I think we've convinced McGyver to invest in a set of GP 4000s

Cyc'd Cycling is let loose on the Brisbane race scene

I'm not really sure how this got started but during the week word starting spreading that the HPRW road race  at Elimbah might be something we should consider doing as a club and before we knew it 13 riders had raised their hand to the challenge. With one succumbing to to the man flu that left 12 Cyc'd boys to front up today.

The plan all week was to have 5 riders in B Grade as follows:

• Gav
• Jase
• Greg
• Craig
• David

With the remaining 7 riders making up the C Grade Cycos which included:

• Brock
• Andrew
• Andy
• Jenno
• Brad
• Dan
• Kent

Out of this group Brock, Andrew, Andy, Jenno and Dan were competing in their first race which is a massive step up in intensity so all kudos to them for taking up the challenge.

With this cunning plan in place we rolled in convey from Jase's place feeling a little anxious and somewhat nervous. Upon arrival we rolled into the carpark and almost immediately our presence was noticed. You could almost cut the air with a knife such was the tension among the other riders who watched us ready our carbon steeds and as the boys kitted up in the new club colours there was no doubting that Cyc'd Cycling had arrived on the Brisbane cycling scene and boy did we look good!!!

As we presented ourselves at registration it was as if the other riders parted and allowed us to approach the Commissaire who lowered his clipped board as he eyes narrowed and his cheek twitched. "Well what have we got here then lads" came his slightly less than warm welcome. "Cyc'd Cycling...we're here to race" said the Pres.

Unfortunately a few of our group had caught the eye of the grizzly Commissaire...."A Grade today for you Nowlan" he said. Jase turned on the charm and quickly grabbed the B Grade number and beat a hasty retreat advising Greg to don a cap and glasses and to steer clear of the Commissaire which thankfully he did.

The next to feel the wrath of the wily Commissaire who it appears must spend his entire waking hours trawling club websites for results. "Beasley...you Beasley? B Grade today for you mate." "But I've only had a few races and got lucky with a win once surely C1 Grade today sir."

"What about that win at Muzz a few weeks ago then mate thought I didn't need know about....B Grade it is!"

At this stage it was 1 - 1 between Cyc'd and the Commissaire but before you could say Di2 he had moved both Brock and Dan up into B Grade as well this guy was good. No doubt it was because of their lean looks and bulging quads that he picked them as real contenders.

The others Cyc'd boys were in disarray and quickly reached for the C Grade numbers before the Commissaire could inflict more damage on the club. 

The final gradings were to be:

B Grade

• Gav
• Jase
• Greg
• Craig
• David
• Dan
• Brock 
• Kent

C1 Grade

• Andrew
• Andy
• Jenno
• Brad

Team Cyc'd ready to roll

With all the formalities taken care of we headed to the start line. The young riders were off first followed by E, D and C2 Grade and then it was the turn of the big boys in A then B and finally C1 Grade.

To give it some context there were about 23 riders in each of B and C1 Grade with groups leaving about 2 minutes apart.

As I rode B Grade most of my riding observations will be made about that group. We headed off and the pace was steady but nothing to concern the lads. In fact it was Cyc'd who took up the pace making with Dave and B Grade rookie me at the front for the few few ks. Dave and I thought we were doing pretty good setting a pace around 32kph but oh no it wasn't fast enough for the Pres (Gav) and soon the domestiques were given there instructions from some way back in the peleton....too slow boys pick up the pace!! When the Pres speaks the domestiques listen and so Dave and I upped the pace to 36kph which seemed to pleased the Pres no end.

The 64km course is an out and back course of two laps of 32km. Its got a bit of everything rolling hills, flats and gentle descents but with the rough roads this is not an easy course.

B Grade hit the turn around at 16km in tact but the early work on the front was taking its toll on a few of the Cyc'd boys and a tricky turnaround saw the peleton split into two. 19 riders and 4 riders including Dan, Brock, me and some other guy who rode the next 16km with us without saying a word to us.

As we watched the group taking more distance out of us we watched with interest to see how the C1 guys were travelling as we passed on the road in opposite directions. They were looking good near the front and in good spirits. Oh how I wished I was in C1 today not that I was unhappy with the company of Brock and Dan as we were having a good old time weren't we boys!!

At about the 25km I confided first in Brock and then in Dan that I was feeling shithouse and might call it a day at the end of lap one but the true Cyc'd spirit kicked in and both Brock and Dan helped me through a bad patch and things started to look better.

At the 32km turn around we saw the lead group of B Grade head back past us and it was a real morale boost to see the other 5 Cyc'd boys all up the front looking good. A friendly wave and few words of encouragement and they were gone.

Our silent friend left us at this stage and we were down to three in what we were calling B2 Grade.

As we passed C1 Grade the Cyc'd boys were still looking great and the three of us in B2 Grade suddenly realised that they may catch us on the second lap so our new goal became to stay away from C1 Grade.

Despite the effort it took to ride in a group of three I can honestly say it was a real pleasure riding with Brock and Dan we all looked after each other and even had a chance to chat.

At the final turn around Jase, Gav, David, Craig and Greg were right in the mix up the front doing tonnes of work. I heard later that David got in a small break that unfortunately didn't stick but what a gutsy effort it was.

The three of us were now seriously concerned that C1 were going to catch us so kept pushing with the occasional anxious look over the shoulder.

We rolled into the finish and as we crossed the line C1 were bearing down on us and how pleased we were to see Andy, Andrew, Brad and Jenno all there in the bunch sprint. Great efforts boys in your first race.

Can I thank Brock and Dan for their great support and mateship today during the 50km we rode together thanks guys.

We rolled back to the finish to see the B Grade boys and we knew from the looks on their faces that something special had happened....yes Greg had won the race in a sprint holding the lead for some 400metres to take a well deserved victory for Cyc'd Cycling.

Gav finished a highly credible 6th, Jase 7th, Craig went a bit early and had done a bit to much work which nullified his blistering sprint and David gave Greg a lead out so what an awesome team effort it was. I said during the week we needed to ride as team to give our best rider the chance of victory and that is exactly what happened today. The Pres made the call before the race that Greg would be GC (General Classification) for the race and the GC didn't let us down well done mate. I can't help but feel those few ks at the start where I led the peleton contributed in some small but significant way to this fine victory!!!

We headed up for the presentation to see Greg pick up the prize money for his win and supped on some cold drinks thanks to Brad and our supporter Powerade.

How well did we ride boys - The Pres debriefs the team

Winner B Grade - Greg Sakzewski

After the formalities were over it was time to head off for a celebratory cold beer to toast our first win in the new club kit. We pulled into the first pub we could find wearing a mixture of gear with lycra very prominent as we walked walked past the bikies to take our seats near the tradies.....not a word was said but we did get some interesting looks particularly one of us who had to wear his patent leather cycling shoes into the pub!!!

It was a great day, an auspicious day for the club with lots of firsts. First race for 5 of our riders, first race in the new kit and of course first place in B Grade....well done fellas it was a fantastic afternoon.

I'm hoping to get some good shots of the race so will post them as soon as I get them.

Next week we are on the crit track at Nundah so hope to see you all there.

New Cyc'd Cycling kit launched

Well it was the day we had all been waiting for the new club kit, our first, had finally arrived and we couldn't wait to try it out.

Yesterday 13 riders turned up and didn't they look great in the new kit!!

It was great to have a few new riders join us for one of our traditional rides the Jinker Track/Sandgate loop on a beautiful Brisbane morning.

We finished at Conti Cafe who are one of our great supporters, enjoyed a Grinders coffee (another of our sponsors) before a few of us headed over to see Jaaron at Cyc'd for Bikes (major sponsor) who made it all possible.

So what does the kit look like? Well here is some pics from our ride yesterday.

Looking good in the new team colours at Sandgate

With our great supporters Graham and Lyn at Conti Cafe

The President and Ride Coordinator looking happy with things at Conti

Cyc'd boys with Jaaron owner of Cyc'd for Bikes our major sponsor

First group outing for the new gear

Group gear on its virgin ride at Sandgate. Great work on the new gear.

Awesome photo from Midi Smiddy

I've posted a few photos of the Cyc'd Cycling lads during the recent Midi Smiddy and I thought the the last one was the best I had seen but I think this one of Jase and Andy tops even that!! I asked Brock why he wasn't in the photo and he told me that the reason the boys look so determined is because they are chasing him down.

Do the boys have their game faces on or what!!!

Did the guys have fun or what!!

Well they say a picture tells a thousand words so he is a pic of Jase Brock and Andy which I think sums up what the guys thought of the Midi Smiddy.......

Midi Smiddy day 3 - Sharky's Blog

Well by all acounts it has been an amazing Midi Smiddy adventure. The 50 intrepid riders including Cyc'd Cycling's very own Jase, Brock, Andy and Rowan completing the three day 570km ride late yesterday.

I'd like to pass on a big thankyou Andy for his blogging over the past week which has kept us all entertained and informed on the goings on while still spending many hours on his bike.

For a wrap of Day 3 you can check out Sharky's blog at.....

http://www.smiddy.org.au/page/home/Sections/news/Midi-Smiddy_Day_Three_Journal_3_June/

More Photos at these links

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.250075385097156.45661.100002840896187&type=3

 https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.249348981836463.45568.100002840896187&type=3

These photos are on  Sharky's (Mark Smoothy) facebook page and were taken by Wybrand, our tagalong photographer.  When I see he's put Day 3's pics up, I'll let you know the link.

final wrap up and some pics

Sorry that the blog posts have been a bit sparse for Day 3 but it was a very big day and we spent most of them in areas where my Optus mobile couldn't connect to the internet.  In summary though, the group made it back to Milton around 15 mins late thanks to some Broncos match traffic.  We were behind schedule at lunch at Kalbar but thanks to some fanstastic team work amongst the entire peloton we made great time as we headed in towards Brisbane.  Family and friends joined us at Milton for some celebratory speeches, sausage sangas thanks to Lions and sad goodbyes to new friends.  Team CC (Cyc'd Club), as Sharky called us as the three Cyc'd hobbits overtook him on the climb out of Killarney, had at great time.  Rowan's been there and done that a number of times with Smiddy rides so knew what to expect.  The newbies had a great time, mingling with the other riders, assisting and supporting at times.  From a personal point of view the highlight was the three of us climbing side by side with no one else around, having a chat, exchanging encouragements, spotting the lone breakaway rider ahead, hunting him down and then twisting the knife as we left him in our Cy'c'd wake.  I know it's not a race but it's great to stretch the legs now and again to test yourself - but even better to do it together with your mates.  Thanks.  It was a great three days that finished too quickly.  The people were great on and off the bike.  The cause is fantastic .I've got the day off (enjoy work Jase) and I've got the washing machine on and a filthy bike in the garage that's going to get some TLC and maybe even a light afternoon ride to ease the tight legs.  I'd encourage any cyclist to get involved in this cause.  You'll do some great riding and meet some fantastic people.  Here's a few photos from Tracy's camera.  Enjoy

Day 3

4:45am breakfast for a 5:45 depart. Harsh. Easy roll into Killarney then the 3 Cycd jockeys lined up for an easy climb and tapped out a good easy cadence that seemed to leave the majority in their wake. Chatting all the way up by comparing heart rates we charged on ahead up into the clouds

Midi Smiddy Day 2 - Sharky's Blog

Read how day 2 of the Midi Smiddy unfolded here at Sharky's blog

http://marksharkysmoothy.blogspot.com.au/

After dinner speakers

We've just had Former Wallabies Pat Howard and Anthony Herbert provide us with entertaining stories of their sporting exploits. I want to be a Wallabie!! Nuff said.

Wonderful night

So the night kicks off with the local dignitaries followed up obviously by Ollie taking about the application of chamois cream. Nice Segway. NOT!!!

Day 2 Smiddy Dinner

Just arrived at the Warwick Snr Cits club. Live music. Free beers. Am sure there's mores to come. Looks like a spec night

We'd like to thank our sponsors

One for you Brad

Day 2. Done and Dusted

We rolled into Warwick right on time. 155km done. The 3 jockey sized Cycd boys had another Jase "take it easy lads" section. Brock and I knew we were in for pain. Jase called just tuck in. Then he sprinted away. Andy hung on then we caught up with Brock. The three jockeys lined up and started picking off riders. Then we hooked up with a fast moving pack and tucked in for a while. That is until Jase spotted a small hill and gunned it. Andy had a rare rush of blood to the head and decided he was a sprinter and pushed from the back to take Jason's rear wheel. Brock had picked the effort and came with. It was about them that Andy decided it wasn't for him. Brock kindly offered his wheel and motivated him to hang on. Then it was about a 5 km interchange of fast pace. Jase positioned himself with the front runners. Andy ran out of steam and sat up. Brock charged on for a top 10 finish. Jase played the waiting game and took the Allora sprint out of the clutches of Chappy although JJ and Rowan may have already fought out the ultimate honours.

Volunteers

The Smiddy ride depends on the selfless work of the road crew. We have people keeping us safe on the road, people fixing our bike, organising our accommodation, sorting out our food and drinks. Awesome. One other task is doing our laundry each day to ensure we have clean bike gear. Andy's wife Tracy is one of those volunteers. Great job. Thanks

Hard life in the Midi peloton

Thought that I'd show you how tough we are doing it on the road. We have our own coffee van accompanying us. Tough eh?

Lunch day 2

Doing it hard. Lunch stop in the Irish pub in Clifton. Guinness pie and warm fires. Luxury. Been a headwind most of the way so this is most welcome. Rain still holding off.

Day 2 morning tea

Pittsworth. Weather gods have been kind. Rain has held off and the wind has been in our favour. Yesterday's aches have been pedalled out. We think Jase has now mastered railway tracks so all you Cyd folks that have been keeping away since the Ferny Grove incident, it's probably safe to come out again on Sundays.

Midi Smiddy Day 1 - Sharky's Blog

Great to hear from Andy about how day one and that epic climb went.

If you would like to read more about Day 1 of the Midi Smiddy check out Sharky's blog at.....

http://marksharkysmoothy.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/sharkys-midi-smiddy-day-1-report.html

Saturday. Day 2

Gooooood Morning Toowoomba. Use you best Robin Williams voice.

5;45am and to get ready for a 6 am breakfast and a luxurious 7am departure. Today on paper was going to be the easy day but I think the weather may have something to say about that. I haven't been outside yet but I ca hear the wind blowing and the rain hitting the ground. Going to be a very tough and uncomfortable day in the saddle. Bon Appetite

Late mail

It would be remiss of me not to mention the massive effort of Cycd member Row. He took out the Toowoomba range KOM by a country mile with daylight to second place. How does such a big guy climb so well??? Outstanding effort. Once at the top he turned around and went back down to mentor the mere mortals up the hill. What a star and an all round nice guy!!

Reflections on the day

We're showered changed and sitting in the pub having a meal and a couple of beers and thinking about the day that's been. We've had a mix of weather and temperatures and elevations. A good
Bunch of people on the road that were getting to know and even remember some names. The volunteers are looking after us and making sure wee safe fed and watered. Even doing our laundry. The buzz in the room is intense despite all of us being very tired. The couple of riders that hit the deck appear to be fine. Jase has been infamous amongst the Cycd guys for saying 'lads were taking this hill section easy' or 'lads I'm not going for the KOM here' then putting his foot down dragging Brock and Andy into the competition. Except on the final big climb when he was left to himself without any Cycd mates.

Top o the range

Boys at the top o the range. Jase got 4. Brock and Andy got the keys to the pain locker. Tired but happy

Technical probs

Finally got Internet connection. At lunch in Blenheim. Events so far
Andy going off raid in first 10 km
Andy cleaning his chain with rain jacket
Jase successfully negotiating rail tracks
Brock takes out a former Wallaby who then brings down Sharky
We've had rain. Stopped now. Having fun. Range to Toowoomba ahead

Let the games begin

Okay. It's now almost six in the morning here at UQ for the start of the Midi Smiddy. The rest of the Cycd lads have just turned up to see us off. The rain has stopped for the moment and we've been well fed with porridge and bacon and eggs. Heaps of activity here but looking forward to getting the cycling underway.

Midi Smiddy gets underway

Well the predicted rain stayed away for the start of the three day Midi Smiddy and weren't the riders happy about that!!

A few of the Cyc'd boys managed to get out to the Uni to see them off after a cruisy reverse riverloop which almost saw a couple of us come unstuck as Gav seemed to have trouble getting his mind used to the reverse direction fortunately Shane used his motocross skills to good effect and stayed upright but back to the main event.

When we arrived at the Uni aquatic centre it was a hive of activity with riders, family and friends all gathered getting in that all important coffee and bacon and egg roll.

It was great to see the three Cyc'd boys so excited and ready to go on their first Smiddy adventure. Here's a pic of the three....

Rowan gave the riders their final instructions and all too soon it was time to mount up and head off for Toowoomba. Today the boys will ride about 200km of relatively flat terrain before tackling the epic climb up the Toowoomba Range making the last 5km extremely challenging with some 20% gradients to be overcome.

For those of you who couldn't make it out to see the rdiers off here is a short clip of the grand departure.

A final footnote to the morning. As we rode off we noticed the Smiddy mechanic Jimmy a veteran of many many Smiddy events had pulled over and returned to the support vehicle after riding all of 50 metres. What could be wrong?? Was it the first flat of the ride?? No.....it seems that Jimmy had left his Di2 battery on charge at his home!!! Well done Jimmy. Here he is heading off home to pick up the battery.