4 days and 660 kms behind us, and 2 more days ahead with only about 100 kms each.

Part 1

Part 2

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.

This morning several kids from mudgee cc were there to ride us out of town (all on pinarellos, so local wine industry must be booming).

Today, was supposed to be another 170 (more on that below). Beaut scenery and almost no traffic. We did have about 50 (yes 50) km of dirt track (“pave”). We went burning into a muddy patch at about 40 kph, and I got closer to crashing than I have ever been without actually hitting the ground. My bike swung out 90 degrees sideways, caught and went out just as far the other way. However, those bmx reflexes from my early teens kicked in and I kept it uprigt. Bike However is extremely muddy at the moment

High point; sitting out front with phil Anderson pulling pelaron into a massive headwind at 40+

Low point: just as I said to a mate “I’m ok but if someone told me that we had another 20 I would be in serious strife”, he said those fateful words “I think we are lost”. And just like that our 170 turned into 200.

So yesterday we did 170 with heaps of climbing. A post-script from my last note is that I awoke with massive abductor cramps at 3 am. Absolutely debilitating stuff!

So the question has to be, how did I fare today. 170 kms of rolling hills from mt Victoria in the blue mountains to mudgee. Culminating fatigue from yesterday took it’s tool through the day.

High point of the day? Arriving into mudgee to be greeted by a bunch of students fro the high school. Amy’s mom did a safety discussion at the school and they were so keen that they came out to meet us. Watching Rochelle Gilmore discuss her path with a bunch of year 11 girls was pure inspiration. .

2d high point? What a group. There are prob about 25 tour de frances in the peleton ahead of me. Just on the right is phil Anderson (on the malvern stat bike. Who could guess). What a group to spend the day with and learn from.

Cadel Evan’s, Phil Anderson, Rochelle Gilmore, Stephen Hodge and Tracey Gaudry……….not a bad line up to kick start a week of riding around NSW to bring greater awareness to creating a safer bike riding environment in Australia!

On Wednesday morning 35 cycling fanatics (an eccelectic bunch) cruised down to the Harbour Bridge to launch the beginning of the ‘Share The Road Tour’. We were greeted by the Amy Gillett Foundation’s important corporate partners (Honda & Continental) and Government officials that have more than a passing interest in reducing the incidence of deaths/injuries on the road. As well, a media contingent attended and had the pleasure of speaking with Cadel & Phil A about the importance of simply respecting bicyclists as a bona fide road user.

And then we took off on our 168km journey……..

40km of riding out through the metropolitan precinct reminded me of why I had given up riding during our 4 years of living in Sydney. Navigating the pot-holes and ‘cracks’ in the roads was challenging – and the proximity of cars, trucks and other motor vehicles did nothing but highlight how spoilt I am to enjoy frequent trips along the Great Ocean Road and surrounding countryside at home.

The day was a tough ride with each of the defined groups splitting up across the day, particularly on the ascent of several climbs. Rhys Gillett, James M, Carla and Rach Neylan performed like ‘Billy Goats’ in the high country and the rest of us slowly made the grind up the continuous round of undulations to our first evening in an eco-hotel.

Unfortunately my day ended in less than spectacular circumstances with reoccurring double cramps in both legs approximately 25km from home. Someone suggested that I may not have done enough training, while another talked about it being the result of an ‘all nighter’ 24 hours earlier………I think that we need to examine both of these possibilities at some point.

Special mention must go to Felicity D, Ned, Dima, Matt P and Lindy who spent plenty of time in the ‘hurt box’ during the day and finished off the ride with a smile and nod – and no doubt a great deal of personal satisfaction.

‘Two Up’ is the title of an evening activity introduced by Hodgey (another of our world class companions) who introduces and interviews interesting personalities. Our first ‘Two Up’ was with the exceptionally talented Katie Brown – an elite cyclist that has transitioned out of high performance sport and into motherhood. Katie spoke sincerely about the challenges of the transition from elite sport to everyday life, self identity, drugs and parenting………it was a highly interesting discussion that left me contemplating the thousands of athletes that at a point in time were the Nations ‘sporting darlings’ – and are now struggling with the reality of life post the hyperbole of elite sport.

Day Two began with a collection of magnesium, 2 litres of water, powerade, aspirin and several other concoctions that were designed to avoid the possibility of further cramping. A short trundle to loosen up the pins was also part of the routine to prepare for 170km of riding on Day Two. It can be said that the sight of David M returning from a morning jog (while everyone else was limping around) was nothing less than inspirational. I guess excellence in life doesn’t happen by accident and here is a gentleman that exudes focus and dedication to everything that he does.

The ride for the day was excellent with a nice easy pace set by our Chairman ‘Muzza’ throughout the day. Lunch was at the base of a small climb – and it is entirely possible that we all consumed far too much quiche, pasta salad and berry crumble with ice cream…….but that’s why we ride isn’t it?

Dinner was at a lovely little restaurant next to the hotel and Rochelle G was our ‘Two Up’ guest. Its fair to say that she is a woman on a mission – not only has she represented Australia in three sports and won a commonwealth games gold medal, she is also and the major shareholder of the professional team that she rides for……not bad for 28 years of age. A key topic of conversation centered around the lack of support for women’s cycling………I am guessing that the situation is very similar across most sports globally.

Day Three didn’t really get started today due to some work commitments – and the plan to ride from lunchtime didn’t quite occur due to the appeal of a full day of recovery.

Some random observations and thoughts…….

- Simon is a masochist.
- Felecity D is as tough as nails.
- Lindy’s preparation included some spin classes and rides to Mordy………and she is flying. Amazing.
- Rachel K is an awesome energy who just keeps smiling and giving.
- Phil let’s his legs do the talking.
- Tony Gaudry is really 45 years old, he is pulling the wool over our eyes.

Our workspace looks a bit like a peloton have swept through it, and yes, our heart rates are definitely elevated!!! Hopefully all of your hard yards are also paying off. Only seven more sleeps before you pack your bike and gear, get spruced up for the Gala Dinner and finalise your sponsorship tally … No time left for anything in reserve, including with your fundraising contacts – the competition for the highest fundraiser is certainly hotting up!

What to expect at the Launch

After departing the hotel at 8.15 riders will arrive at Hickson Road Reserve between 8.30 and 8.40 (you will be reminded all of this in the briefing the night before).

Attending the launch will be the Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, Clover Moore, other government representatives, cycling and corporate dignitaries, sponsors, media and our newsletter, facebook and twitter followers.

The Lord Mayor will officially launch the STRT prior to media photo opportunities. We encourage you to be a part of the ‘colour’ of the Tour and get your faces in the picture (please follow instructions on the day).

Cadel Evans and Rochelle Gilmore will officially lead you out at 9.30!

Day Six – our final day – Northern Beaches and Centennial Park

Northern Beaches
Pittwater and the Northern Beaches, including Palm Beach, was the land of the Garigal and Cannalgal people, part of the Guringai language group. Fish was the staple diet, including shellfish such as oysters, whelks, and mussels. Stranded whales were eaten, but not hunted directly. Men and women were highly skilled at fishing, both from the shore and from canoes using spears, lines with shell or bone hooks, and nets, with chewed shellfish or discarded fish for bait. Often a small fire was kept alight on a bed of seaweed in the canoe and the catch cooked on board. Other food sources were birds, reptiles, marsupials, as well as roots, fruits, berries, and nuts.

Centennial Park
Centennial Park has a distinctive and special place in Australian history and culture. It was once a huge catchment of creeks, swamps, springs, sand dunes and ponds fed by ground water, and were traditionally home to the Gadi people.
In 1811, Governor Lachlan Macquarie designated the area as the second Sydney Common and it was used for grazing, lime burning and timber clearing.

In 1825, convict labour was used to build a 3.5 km underground aqueduct, known as Busbys Bore, from the swamps to Hyde Park. This bore supplied Sydney’s main water supply from 1837 to 1859.

In 1888, Sir Henry Parkes dedicated Centennial Park as a public open space for the enjoyment of the people of NSW. Hundreds of unemployed men were enlisted to turn swamps, scrub and rock into a grand park in the Victorian tradition with formal gardens, ponds, statues and wide avenues for Sydneysiders to drive their carriages around to ‘take the air’.
On 1 January 1901, Centennial Park became the focus of the nation as the site of the inauguration of Australian Federation (this event is commemorated today by the Federation Pavilion).

Fundraising – A last look before we depart

So far we have three riders who have reached their $7500 target and in a couple of cases exceeded. Tony Gaudry has moved past Hodgie and is chasing down The Support Crew who has almost doubled
Support Crew $14560
Tony Gaudry $12960
Stephen Hodge $12500
Paul O’Dwyer $7648
Steve Cesinger $7500

Hodgie’s STRT Training Notes #8 – Last efforts before the Ride!

Time for a rest! All the work is done for our Share the Road Tour and we can concentrate this week on light training and final tuning of our bikes and bodies. I mentioned last week that I wanted to discuss the mindset and attitudes that have made this event such an enjoyable and positive experience in the past. I’ll get onto that in just a sec.

Last week’s note from Margie, our physio and masseur, was a great reminder of what to do and not to do for our bodies. I have just booked in for a massage for Tuesday and my osteo for Thursday to ensure I have dealt with any niggles before we start in Sydney next week.

I have to admit that after two weeks travelling (and no cycling) I was in need of some serious distance and packed in a big weekend here in Canberra with the all in ‘Bakery Gallop’ (~85km) on Saturday and Fitz’s Challenge (165km) on Sunday. I am now sore and tired and in need of that massage!!

I have had a few questions from friends and family of STRT participants worried that their friend/partner will struggle to keep up in the group of highly experienced riders. So I think it is worth just mentioning how we organise ourselves and the mindset we adopt to ensure we all enjoy what should be a privileged week doing something we all love, riding a bike for a good cause in a great part of the world with good friends.

Firstly, we approach this ride not as a competition to see who can impress the other riders with their prowess on the bike, but as an inclusive group ride where everyone is out to enjoy themselves and get to the end of each day’s challenging ride together and in good spirits. Of course there are some times when the riders who want to stretch their legs can ‘give it a nudge’ and this is usually a big climb or other discrete sector following which there is a general regrouping to allow everyone to continue to the finish.

Secondly, we organise ourselves into groups based on our abilities and with each group on the road we have Tour hosts to ride and pass on tips and ensure we stay together, as well as assisting riders along the way. There is the freedom to move between groups if we feel like taking it easier or looking for more of a challenge. Being in discrete and organised groups is also a key strategy to manage safety on the road as we are aware of where all riders are at all times and each group is accompanied by a following vehicle. The rider briefing on Monday will cover all this and more.

The tour hosts also move around between groups so you will have a chance to talk to Phil, Rochelle and all of us during the course of the ride. You’ll also meet and get to know everyone on the ride and there will be plenty of chance to share jokes and ‘tall stories’ during the week.

So, what should you be doing this week?

Over the next 7 days, you should have at least 3 days off the bike. On the other days you should keep the volume down to around ½ to 2/3 of your normal weekly training and this weekend you can fit in one ride that has a good hit-out or some intensity to pep yourself up before our departure on Tuesday.

In summary, give yourself at least an extra two days rest this week, on one day have a bit of a hard ride, but not excessively long, fit in a couple of easy rolling rides when you can.

Looking forward to seeing you all for the Gala dinner.
Regards, Stephen

It doesn’t need to be like this. It seems that in countries with a long tradition of cycling – such as Italy or France – riders are treated with care and patience. Italian or French drivers are not exactly noted for being cautious, and yet there is respect and understanding for cyclists.

Australia is developing a cycling tradition. Hopefully we can also develop an understanding and respect for cyclists on our roads. The Amy Gillett Foundation is helping to do this. For all of our benefits. We should help them.

It is with this scholarship that helped me to get into the European racing scene giving me the opportunity to get the results and exposure on the International circuit, leading to an offer by one of the womens biggest cycling teams. Consequently I signed professional with Cervelo Test Team and have helped them reach World number 1 status over the last 2 years.

Now in my off-season, I am back in Australia. I wanted to give something back to the AGF after what it has given me. I want to help promote the importance of Sharing The Road and making the road a safer, more enjoyable place for all Australian cyclists.

I am looking forward to a great week with a nice bunch of people!