Date Published: 15 Nov 2010 11:03pm
Author:Sam Bach
Blustery conditions greeted the red team for the start day 16 of the Host Plus Pedal For Prostate. And with a tricky and congested route the only option out of town the two most experienced riders (Mark and Steve) saddled up for the first leg. The convoy drew some bemused looks from Port Hedland’s morning commuters, offering the perfect stage for Caribou Publications support staff Allen and Rick to get the message out across the CB radio to the truckies and mine workers.
From Port Hedland the ride headed south west toward Karratha and with temperatures on the road still in the mid 40’s and a strong sea breeze hitting the boys in the right shoulder the going was slower than previous days, but with a media commitment in Karratha at 1600 riders took stock and battled on through the arid moonscape.
After a wholesome lunch comprising salad rolls and Beraldo chocolate coated coffee beans the red team turned off the great northern highway and headed toward Karratha and Roebourne. The ride came to a halt briefly in Karratha for team spokesman Conan to do an interview at ABC studios Karratha. ABC Karratha transmits throughout most of the Pilbara and Kimberly as well as Christmas and Cocos islands and has hundreds of mines and oil rigs in its listening audience. With miners and oil riggers being predominately male work forces this was a great opportunity to get the message out on mass.
Out of Karratha the red team headed for Fortescue along the coastal highway. A majestic sunset provided the ideal backdrop for the final rotation of riders who were all keen to make good use of the cooler evening conditions.
Spirits were high as the teams final two riders took to the road along with support team member Paul for the final 25km to Fortescue River road House. After a lightning fast transition Red team is now on the road to Nanutarra Road House for the night before tomorrows stage which begins at the Tropic of Capricorn.
Cooler temperatures and quiet roads tonight for the blue team. All reports are that they are still travelling strongly as the HOSTPLUS Pedal For Prostate rolls on. Rolling through the Pilbara is the perfect place to get our message across to all the blokes at the mines. "Prostate cancer kills as many blokes as breast cancer kills women. Get yourself checked every year".
Tomorrow nights addition comes to you from Woomeral Road House WA, donations can be made to the EJ Whitten foundation through this website. Till the next addition. Peace Out.