Day 1

This morning everyone was up bright and early and were very excited to get started. We farewelled the lovely people from The Metro International Ipswich after a yummy sausage sizzle and headed to the West Ipswich State School. All the kids were so excited to see us and really enjoyed seeing Kylie, Dean and the Puppeteers as well as all the riders.

When we left this School we then made our way to Rosewood School where the school had decorated the entrance to the school. We came across the railway crossing, rounded the corner and were greeted by a stream of coloured CQ balloons!

The school has raised over $400.00 for Camp Quality through their Fun Day.

The riders were on a high and set off to make their way to their last school for the day which was the lovely little school of Ma Ma Creek. This School had 20 students who were very excited about us visiting them.

Unfortunately the riders hit a head wind and it was extremely hard riding. As hard as they peddled, the more it seemed like they were going backwards. They finally arrived at Ma Ma School at 2.45 pm, over an hour late and really exhausted from fighting the head wind. They had their lunch, chatted with the kids and then jumped back on their bikes - they still had the great dividing range to conquer !! The wind was still blowing and the riders were tired, they refused to give up. It was so inspiring to see these people climbing this mountain, some on bikes, some walking their bikes up and over and some pushing other riders up and over the ranges - their was pain, tears, teamwork, blisters and we were really starting to lose daylight. Eventually after 10 hours on the road because of such harsh conditions and the fact that the daylight had almost gone we had to tell the riders they were no longer able to ride due to no proper lighting on the bikes. Some riders reluctantly climbed into cars while others refused to and walked their bikes the rest of the way. What an absolutely inspirational group of people - I am in awe of their courage and tenacity. 10 hours of riding, 36 degree heat and at times 35 to 40 knot winds - what a first day. Heath was today awarded the Most supportive jersey, Ekert got the joker jersey and Kristy got the king of the mountain jersey. MJ and Eden were kept busy with massages while we all sat around cooking a BBQ and having a few drinks before everyone departed for a good nights sleep.

Let's hope tomorrow brings better riding conditions !!