Day 6

Well, as we thought before, it couldn't get much worse, but it did. It rained most of the day, was windy with a max temperature of a solid 10 degrees. Only six people completed the whole day and only two of them being kids. Within the first 10 minutes it was already hailing on them as they took off for the dreaded 140km cycle of hills. The first hill was 5km and 14 people tackled the hill whilst most of the younger kids got on at the top.

There was a cold descent following the hill with 20+ knot winds and the outside temperature being 6.2 degrees. Coming down this hill the riders decided it was the end of the day for them due to the freezing temperatures and chilly winds. The cars were filled and the bikes pace tacked on the back and the remaining riders took off. Many riders had difficulties throughout the day including some coming close to hypothermia and other suffering from ankle and knee injuries. However they soldiered on, including Jordan (our fearless cameraman) who we thought would fall out of the window countless times.

Morning tea was extremely quick as it was still hammering down with rain, with people force feeding others whilst they tried to keep warm. Quickly jumping back on the bikes, they rode off shivering once again, some more than others. Throughout the next 80km many people were jumping off the bikes and into the warm cars. Everyone was counting down the km's until lunch where we stopped at Manjimup. Lunch was delicious, yet again as we all ate heaps and tried to keep warm.

40km left till we reached Bridgetown, most of the ones who jumped off before came back on for the final descent. The rains decided to put on a final show for us as we had some sweet descents in the last stretch. Turning into Bridgetown with a little lip to go, people finished the day strong and were so proud they'd made it to the end. Many riders jumping in front of the pre-lit fire as soon as we got there.

The day was topped off in the afternoon as coffee and wedges were put on by Mr. Lewis at one of the local coffee shops. This all continued into a curry night with apple crumble and custard for dessert. Carly got the yellow jersey for completing the whole day which was a remarkable effort and Holly got a yellow jersey as well for making it three quarters of the way. Green jersey was given to Mr. Bolt for many a kind word.

Kasey, Carly, Lindsay, Kaleb and Tegan over and out :):):):):):)

Apology

We apologise that the blog is currently not uploading due to technical difficulties!

Day 3

Today began much like yesterday. Some woke at sun rise and others, like Brooke were harrassed until they had to get up. Brooke was first to talk on the radio this morning on 98Five Sunshine FM, while the rest of us had hot drinks and messed around in our sleeping bags whilst the adults got coffee in bed.

After a great breakfast, we packed up, again and departed from the show grounds. On the way out, we passed Bart, the giant ram. However before departing Cameron had a standing crash later followed by Jared, yet again, not moving. As we were heading for morning tea, Josiah tried to encourage and engage some of the riders by telling them today was pretty much flat, whoops... 20km into the ride we had to have a nature stop (because of the boys, except Josiah who feels sorry for the girls) and to fix Carly's cleats. At morning tea we all had our up and go's followed by some playground fun.

We bravely soldiered on, sore legs and all, as we ventured on towards the next break, Katanning. It took a while to arrive and it was a bit confusing as all the signs were giving us different differences, we passed the two kilometers sign only to fine one 500m down the road saying 5km's. Prior to arriving a break away group was formed with the wearer of the yellow jersey, Elliot, powering along. Finally we stopped for lunch at Broomehill, where the road crew were waiting yet again with a great lunch.

We took off from Broomehill and the rest of the day flew by as we cruised at a pretty fast pace. Well, finally we are in Gnowangerup after a sprint with the boys just before we came into town. We made a few trips to the local stores asking for donations from the locals. Then we had a delicious dinner of barbecued chicken, steak, sausages and fried rice ( we had a feeling it was the cow that messed with Mrs. Howell this morning). Afterwards we had the awards ceremony where Cameron got the yellow jersey for never giving up even when things got tough and Josiah got the green for the hard effort and work he has done for the team in helping others ( Tegan wrote this bit, not me). Holly decided that the crashes today were insignificant and therefore decided that Mr. Banks would get the privilege of riding with the pink basket, which he took graciously. Despite the embarresment, Mr. Banks gave a great devotion about worthwhile things taking effort followed by Josiah recalling his trip to Cambodia in the year in which he was able to see the benefits of the money being raised.

We're looking forward to another great day although the weather conditions aren't looking too good. It is set to be a great "character building" experience.

Tegan and Josiah signing off :)

More tomorrow....

Day 2

Day 2

I woke up this morning with Merlot the team mascot, slobbering all over my face and Mr Lewis deflating my air bed. Brookton put on a nice cool morning for us and after a quick breakfast we checked the bikes and then headed out to the next town for a quick break. Before we arrived, Holly's water bottle went on an expedition and while it was being returned to her the group slowed down unexpectedly and she consequently rear-ended Elliot. After a quick dusting off and a few laughs we continued on our merry way. We rattled the tin in Poppanyning and some kind locals gave to the cause. Next up was the long haul to Narrogin. Josiah thought it would be a good idea to inform the group that all the hills from Poppanyning to Narrogin were ones we'd be riding down. It didn't help to boost the morale when we started the climb up to lunch.

10km's out from lunch Mr Lewis' bike apparently malfunctioned and he was left on the side of the road for some time wondering what had happened. This seemed like a good enough excuse for him to get in the car and miss out on the climb up to the lunch stop. After another nice lunch prepared by our dedicated support crew we headed out for the last leg of the day out to Wagin. The yellow jersey (Brooke) was strong through the hills and everyone at the front of the group was gearing up for the last hill of the day. 7km's out Mr Banks informed us that there were only two hills left and then one long descent to the town. Five climbs later Mr Dallin decided that it WAS the last climb and sprinted off the front off the group with Tegan hot on his wheel. Lindsay decided he couldn't let Dallin take the first king of the mountain and took off after them. Tegan and Lindsay couldn't match the surprise attack of Dallin and so he rode over the top of the hill only to discover that he had taken out the win on the second last climb of the day. The three came into sprint formation, Dallin leading with Lindsay then Tegan. Dallin kept the pace high however halfway up the climb Lindsay kicked and came around Dallin who couldn't match this sudden acceleration however all was not lost as Lindsay had gone too early. Tegan and Dallin were working together however the gap was too big and Lindsay took out the first King of the mountain win.
We regrouped and rolled into town together and spent a quiet afternoon in the peaceful town of Wagin.
Today we head out for Gnowangerup and we are more frequently seeing signs pointing to Albany, were getting closer!

Brooke and Lindsay signing off.