I just finished day 1 of the Amy gillet share the road tour. We kicked it off in Sydney with a big Fundraising dinner. I think that we are at about 300 grand so far, which is fantastic. I had at my table some great customers from Colliers (one with a gold medal in track cycling. Yikes) and members of our team (stephen hales, Paul Simos, an d dan Strachotta). Graeme Hyde came out fro LJ hooker to auction off cadel evans gear. He is an amazing auctioneer and accomplished a first (in my experience) when he got someone to bid against themself!
We did a hard 170 yesterday, from the media kickoff under Sydney bridge up through the blue mountains. They said that the climb was equal height to mt hotham, and my legs would agree. I am rooted. Highe points of the ride for me.
- we were climbing a long 6 or 7 k hill. Very steep. Behind me was steve hodge. In front of me some a grade rider from bris. As the road kicked up, hodgie blows past me. I give chase. I fail. I beat myself up inside for not holding that guy. Then I realize something and say to myself ” that guy has 7 tour de frances under his belt… Give yourself a break. ” I did top the hill in 4th tho, behind him, two women pros and another a grader. So happy
- descending a massive grade behind hodgie and phil Anderson. They cook on the downhill. To sit in their line and follow them down was a massive buzz.
Last night a dinner we had a one of the riders who was with Amy when she got hit. Kate brown (who is graeme browns sister) talked about coming up through the female ranks from bmx to track to road, and then what happens to pro athlete when it ends. We had a very wide ranging discussion with a couple of Cycling Australia board members, pro coaches etc on how best to support people through this. Some interesting diversions into real life doping issues, and road safety policy. As I said, Kate was hit with Amy and almost died on the spot. Her left side was wiped out, and she was meant to loose leg, arm; pelvis smashed, etc. She is now well recovered, bodily (relatively) intact, and pregnant with twins. So there is life after pro racing.
And today, 170 more to mudgee! I am nursing my legs.
