Date Published: 06 Nov 2010 3:18pm
Author:Steve Moore
Before I start today’s diary I have been remiss in not introducing the other two members of Red Team. Rick and Al are with the event organisers Caribou and have been assigned to us to look after our “back door” They’re an integral part of the crew and the last car on the road when the riders are travelling. They protect the riders from upcoming traffic. They are also spending a lot of their time on the CB talking to Truckies and Caravanners. Their easy demeanour and liking of a chat has resulted in us receiving great treatment from the truck drivers so far on this journey. We presented them with a couple of MFB T Shirts and if you didn’t know you would swear they were a pair of SFF’s [ed: So they're good looking, intelligent people who know their jobs?].
The crew have develop an organised routine for morning departures and are getting slicker with each passing day. Sam and Conan headed off first and were soon at the 22 k mark for a changeover with Axe and Louey. They thought we were doing 32.4 k legs. The Leylands strike again.
Mark and Steve m were ready for their turn – well almost, a Whitten Foundation Baseball cap does not substitute for a helmet Mr Moore. After a false start off they went and already the temperature was rising. The road follows the coast and occasionally you get a glimpse of the ocean, very nice. Across the outskirts of Townsville through some roadworks, a quick chat with the lollipop lady (traffic controller) and it was into the next change.
Conan and Sam got back their 10 k’s they were denied on leg one and we arrived at the next changeover just in time for Andrew to do a radio interview with Pulse FM in Geelong. On the way to the next change the crew found the “Frozen Mango” and thought it best to make them aware of the ride and also sample some wares.
Around midday 27oC and Hollywood and Smiley are heading for Ingham for a meeting with the Mayor and are also escorted in by the Local Brigade. Some of you may remember Mark Drysdale of 10 B a few years back. He is now an SSO in Ingham. His crew were after some dirt so feel free to contact Sammy Bach who has e-mail addresses for Ingham.
The Mayor presented the riders with a cheque for $340.00 which was the proceeds of a morning tea held there. Thanks Robyn. Leaving Ingham we stopped at the river as the Mayor assured us we would see crocodiles. Unfortunately not a one in sight.
Just out of Ingham is a bit of a hill which starts with an 8% climb flattens out a touch and then kicks again to 12%. Along the river flats towards El Arish, up one more hill down the other side and another 300 k’s are done. Pack up the gear and head for Cairns for a meal then off to Atherton for the night ready for the next day.