I was not really looking forward to the day when I first woke, it was pretty much windy all night and there was still wind hanging around by the time I was ready to set off. I did get to talk with some of the other campers and met up with a lady who's son is also into charity rides for cancer and other fundraisers, it is interesting talking with other campers and people along the way.

Today was really hard, I felt like I was riding so fast but not actually getting any where. The day was tough, tough with the wind, tough with energy and tough mentally. Today was the the first day that really challenged me mentally, having someone with me yesterday definately made things very easy compared to today.

I started out with 26k's an hour for the first hour and by the time this time went by I ended up doing about 13 k's an hour just cos I was fighting with the winds. I couldn't believe it that when doing the Cardwell Range I had 10k's per hour as my slowest speed and today I was doing 13k but there was no damn hill!!!

About 20k's from Bowen I had the local Police escort me into town and this was good for breaking some of the cross winds and making the last bit of the ride that bit easier.

The welcome into town was great, we had Kylie Spilsbury and her 2 children eagerly waiting for me along with some of the local police and the rest of the support crew and the local newspaper, the Bowen Independant. Senior Constable Michelle Vico was fantastic, she was one of the officers doing the escort into town and as we were getting closer to town she had already contacted some of the farmers that she knew to get some fruit and vegie produce donated to us. By the time we were about to leave the station Michelle had already delivered heaps of bread, rolls and cakes from the local bakery Jochheims at 49 George St, Bowen ph: 4786 1227 and some snags and steak from Richie's meat at 74 Herbert St, Bowen ph: 4786 1857 all donations to help us out and keep us right with food and energy whilst in town. Bowen has been very kind and supportive to us and we thank you so much for this.

In the afternoon we had Janelle Brazil come and visit us whilst we were setting up camp at the PCYC and gave us a very generous donation, It was good talking with her about her granddaughter who also has CF.

Both sets of parents will be at the Woolworths in Bowen tomorrow with a stall to sell CF merchandise and raffle tickets so keep an eye out for them and say G'day and throw a coin in the donation tin. Tomorrow is a rest day and I am so looking forward to it as I am buggered, I have very sore legs and achillies tendon tonight, and that is even after the rub down that Megs and Bella gave me. I will also be on the Bowen community radio tomorrow Gem FM - 95.1

Riding time for 107.04k's was 5 hours and 33 minutes. Average speed was 19.26 km per hour and top speed was 37.64.

Total km's riden so far is 551kms and 25.24 hours riding time.


In the sumo outfit - getting ready at home hill to go... good look hey.


Kicking the shoes off to get the bike shoes (cleats) on - Father Rob playing a game of catch!.


Talking with other campers before I head off.


Leaving Ayr and on my way to Bowen.


On the road


Talking with Megs on the road - Megs had to deliver some capsules as I had left them behind.


Riding into Bowen with Police escort - thank you ladies.



More of me riding in.


Having a rest and a chat with the Spilsbury clan in at Bowen after the ride.


The kids wiping the sweat and salt off my face and behind my ears when I arrived at Bowen - the salt was thick enough it would have been good for fish and chips!! yuck


Having a stretch just after getting in - or trying to push the car over as the kids would say.


Group pic at Bowen.



Two dad's support crew.


Resting up in Bowen after riding in and getting plenty of kisses from my Bella babe.


Relaxing after the big ride with the big winds.