The crew retired last night in high spirits after a cracking feed at Lees Hotel Ingham. Not only did they throw in a tops donation of $250 after dessert, but the local rugby team, the mighty Ingham Crushers also threw in a nifty as well. GO CRUSHERS!! This was celebrated by Loey and the Cam Train with some totally rockin air guitar to the gunners in the front bar of Lees, much to the amusement of the locals.
A breakaway bunch (mainly those who Nanna napped in the arvo) filed in for the 8.30pm session of The Terminator to cries from big Dan B, come on guys “you can do it!” but the saner retired to our cabins, only to be kept up by the KOM mechanic’s “Block Party” complete with McFlurries. T1 the original got a review of 3/5 hammers from the hammermeister Dan B btw. The KOM boys were also celebrating their gift of a bottle of Bombay Sapphire from Sinclair for their amazing warranty work arranging a new Cannondale frame to be delivered mid tour to replace the one Sinckers busted up with his mighty powerhouse calves. Evo finished his night with his rib and nipple physio work which he has proclaimed “isn’t actually needed, Megan just likes to rub it”.
Today started with even higher spirits (possibly due to team Travelforce finally being allocated this blog chore and the crew eagerly anticipating the eloquent witticisms that would reprise the day). The Cam Train started the day as he finished it, leading bunch 2 out, with the same style and panache as he brought them in, (but nevertheless accompanied by Geoff to supervise) and Mal and Pup (Tom H) leading out group 1. A bonza email from 1.3 Tour veteran Andrew “the muppet” Lemon reminded us all that we were nearly done and that we should soak up every last moment to “live it and love it, as next week we will be back in our offices, or at our jobs, wishing we were still on tour”.
The stretch between Ingham and Cardwell was some of the most picturesque scenery of the entire tour with a magnificent, yet for some ominous, mountain range looming in the distance (OMG a hill!) and mist covered cane fields either side of us. Inspired by Lemmo’s email message, cries of “how good is this” rang loud from group 1 followed by Evo’s booming voice “and soak it up ladies, only 2 days left with the Evo!!”
The mountain range was quickly on us and the riders were allowed to hit it at what ever pace suited them. With pride on the line, and the challenge of only the 2nd hill in 1300kms sent the climbers scrambling to the front. The group 1 king of the mountain was claimed by Pup, followed closely by Loey. Pup conceded his heart rate hit 197 to beat Loey to the top, but as he didn’t ride the king of the mountain 2.8km challenge in Townsville yesterday it really was a very soft hollow victory.
Our first little lunch saw group 1 powerhouses Sarah and Evo lead us in to Cardwell, followed by Steve R and Ben Watson who apparently pulled a strong solid 300m turn to bring in group 2. Cardwell was an absolutely tops watering hole with the ocean lapping almost at the highway edge and Hinchinbrook Island off in the distance. Friendly horn honks saw us roll out on the next stage where group 2 saw Fi really suffering with her damaged rotator cuff. While not one to suffer in silence, those who have ridden with injuries really felt for her.
Group 2 apparently played some sort of speed dating game as the turned on a rolling echelon (consult a cyclist for details) and while those in group 2 assured us that it was very funny, you probably had to be there.
The final stage 90-125kms saw action aplenty. Highlights included Maxxy taking over the title as the new Hammermeister by completely obliterating his crank (that’s part of his bike- see cyclist again for details). Mark Watto popped Steve D who, after burying himself 3 days straight finally muttered to Watto “mate, I’m going to have to roll back for a bit”. Nick, clearly recovered from his knee problems, unleashed the beast within and popped Sinckers and the big unit Shane. Amazingly, the Cam Train, who many would have thought would pop early, called on the extra 20% power that comes with a category jersey, and powered home to the finish, as strong as he started, declaring to all “I AM A CYCLIST!”. (Accompanied by his unique and very special celebration dance). Cam also made a big turnaround on his stance on photos, and appeared out of nowhere to feature in nearly every one today!
Howls of delight and joy erupted as we rolled into our Mission Beach Resort, which apart from being fantastic, was also filled with many partners family and friends. Suddenly it became obvious where many people gained the extra 20% pedal power today as they propelled themselves to Mission Beach….not the anticipation of a swim and a great feed but for many, it was “Booty Time”! and as Evo said to the newly married Mr and Mrs McBride “what better place to bring your new wife, than away on a cycling tour with 43 of your best mates!”. The Rotary Club of Mission Beach turned on a cracking BBQ and we spent the afternoon frolicking by the pool or at the beach (unlike those re-uniting with partners, who seemed to frolic elsewhere). Phil Mouret has also clearly done a great job wording up his kids and talking a very big game at the family dinners as his 4 year old daughter Elodie apparently declared to flight attendants and all who listened “my dad is winning the Tour de France!”
Category jerseys tonight went to:
Category Jersey Winners
Orange (“Doer”): Gary Bertwistle
Yellow (“Attitude”): Nick Williams
White (“Focus”): James Buttleman
Blue (“Guts”): Fiona Tyler
Pink (“Support”): Steve Reibelt
A great dinner and an ripping slideshow showcasing the last 9 days put together by Sinckers and Maxxy made us all appreciate the amazing journey we have been apart of and we cannot wait to smash it up the last 144kms to Cairns and celebrate one of the most amazing TDC journeys ever!