Thanks for Supporting My Ride to Conquer Cancer

Well, it's over and I made it!

Thanks to the generous support of many, many people I commenced the Ride on Saturday 27 October 2012 wearing a special "Ambassador" jersey (awarded to about 100 Riders who met certain recruitment and/or fundraising targets), and finished it on Sunday wearing one of just 10 "polka dot" jerseys (awarded to the first 10 Riders to raise $15,000).  My final total on the weekend was $30,851, but even that may be subject to change as there are still a few more donations coming in. 

These were of course not personal achievements of mine; rather they were the product of the generosity of each and every person who made a donation, large or small.  Thank you all!

The Ride itself was challenging, indeed gruelling for mug bike riders like myself.  The 200km course took us from Albert Park Lake to Healesville and back, taking in such places as Eltham, Kangaroo Ground and Warrandyte on the way out, and Woori Yallock, Seville and Mt Evelyn on the way back.  Some wonderfully picturesque countryside - and some rather hilly roads!  Many of us at the back of the pack found ourselves resorting to pushing our bikes up a number of these hills: unable to keep pedalling, yet unwilling to succumb to the temptation of being picked up by one of the many support vehicles hovering to ensure our health and safety.  Frustrating and tough as this was, it engendered a wonderful camaraderie amongst the stragglers - many grimaces and smiles were exchanged, about equally.  References to the inaugural "Walk to Conquer Cancer" became our shared joke.

There were times on Day 2 that, of the 1600 or so Riders who had set off, I was literally the last who was then still out on the course.  I knew this because as I was pushing my bike up a particularly arduous hill between Warrandyte and Templestowe, the medical van pulled up and the guys asked me if I wanted to continue.  I said I was fine and that they could look for others who might need their help.  They told me they weren't allowed to - they had to stay behind the last Rider, and right then that was me!  Soon after that I passed a couple of people on the next downhill and flattish sections, and before you know it I was cruising through the suburbs in pretty good shape. 

The last 40km was the easiest part of the course, and the most like my Beach Road training route, so I managed to pass a few more people and thus avoided by about 25 minutes the ignominy (or was it the honour?) of having a massed Harley Davidson escort accompany me across the line as the final finisher.  Instead I was able to stand near the finish, with a drink (water!) in hand, and watch them roar by - and it was quite a sight and sound.  These were the various motorcycle club members who had volunteered throughout the weekend, giving directions at intersections and roundabouts for hours on end, and generally helping the cyclists out.  They, and many other volunteers, ably led by the small core of paid professional staff, made the whole event operate like clockwork.  It was simply remarkable that such a massive logistical undertaking could go so smoothly that throughout the weekend I heard nothing but praise for how well it was organised.

It was inspiring and uplifting to be part of such a positive and worthwhile event.  The shared spirit of contribution and commitment was palpable. 

For myself, having asked so many people to donate money for the Peter Mac cause on the promise that I would do my level best to complete the course, there was a growing sense of elation when I was pedalling the last few kilometres and realised that I really would finish without once requiring outside assistance.  That was my primary goal for the weekend.  I also achieved my secondary goal, which was to ensure that even if at any stage I fell off my own bike (which I did 3 or 4 times, but all at extremely low speed), I should not be the cause of anyone else coming down.

I can't see myself ever doing this again.  In fact, I may never even get back on the bike.  After all, I only learnt to ride earlier this year for the specific purpose of doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer, and I've done that now.  I can happily retire with a 100% record of success, and without a single doping controversy hanging over me.

That said, if anyone reading this has the slightest inclination to give it a go in 2013, I can only encourage you to do so.  It is a great event, for a fabulous and important cause, and you won't regret it.

Thanks again for your support, I would never have made it to the start line (let alone the finish) without you.

Daryl