The last day and only 165k to go!

Another earlier start to the day with the local police agreeing that 6.30am was the safest time for the riders to leave Brisbane. So it was breakfast at 5.45am a quick briefing and then it was through the city streets of Brisbane again! A much different ride than yesterday, with smaller unjelating hills, a cool breeze and more often than not, plenty of cloud cover.

Through the Glass House Mountains with more ascents then descents the ride was an easier one for the teams on their sixth day. A lunch stop at Eudlo General Store it was onto to the coast and David Low Way to follow the co...

Tonight was the Chain Reaction Gala dinner, so the awards were presented in the presence of Australian sporting greats Duncan Armstrong (Olympic Champion), Kieran Perkins (olympic Champion) & Emma Moffat (World Triathlon Champion) to name a few.
After much deliberation, the jerseys awarded to be worn into Noosa were -
White Jersey - Dale Cliff & Michael Byrom
Green Jersey - John Ward
Polka Dot Jersey - Will Tehan
Yellow Jersey - Berrick Wilson
Thinc Team Jersey - Korda Mentha Team & Tim Chadd - lead mechanic, navigator and overall support team leader

Today the riders endured not only the soreness of their saddle, but an early start - 6.15am!!
Today was the organised day ride - the 'Shake & Bake Mt Tamborine Challenge'.
With perfect timing, the riders rolled into Oxenford Park at 7.30am to meet the Day riders.  The new group of riders were not only supporters & sponsors of Chain Reaction, but also amongst them were some of Australia's greatest athletes.  Champion swimmers - Duncan Armstrong (1988 200m freestyle Olympic Champion), Kye Hurst and triathletes Miles Stewart (1991 Triathlon World Champion) and Troy Fiddler to name a few.  Following quick introductions, there was the all important ride safety briefing, and the group started the fearfull climb up Mt Tambourine.
There were a number of road signs warning of 15% climbs which all the Chain Reaction riders tackled with experience, given the past 4 days of riding they have endured.
A number of the day riders were climbing into the support vehicles while Will Tehan started to pull away and attack the climbs like the pro he is.
After 40mins the climb up Mt Tambourine was dotted with just under 100 riders - all facing their battles with the mountain....and all looking forward to reaching Mt Tamboruine winery, and the peak.
There was a well earned 70 minute break for everyone at the summit.
Re fuelled and re hydrated, the group started the knarly descent, and the somewhat easier approach into Brisbane.
With traffic and heat building, it was with relief the group was met by the QLD police for an escort into Brisbane.  With another quick refuell at the Chandler Veladrome, the last 25k to the Brisbane Hilton was enjoyed by all...especially the abundance of downhill runs!
A tired and hungry bunch arrived at the Hilton at 2.15pm, and relaxed by the pool....as is the tradition on Chain Reaction riding.
12 of the riders then wient to Brisban's e Mater Hospital to visit the Starlight Express Room. All enjoyed the games and frevolity with the kids and got to see first hand, the wonderful contribution they make to the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Tonight is the Gala Dinner, and a chance for the riders to meet sponsors, and for all to start to realise the significance of the Chain Reaction Challenge 2010.

Mr Michael Knoff and Mr Ben Hegerty delivered one of the funniest awards ceremonies to date. Firstly however a slightly smaller Kangaroo Court was held, this time photo evidence was admitted into evidence of what looked like Mr Hegerty holding onto a support car up one of our steepest climbs. The photo evidence was inconclusive however and a new witness was introduced Mr Michael Lake, who confirmed that Mr Hegerty was not actually holidng the car to get a ride, the car was broken down and Mr Hergerty was actually pushing the car up the ascent.

Green Jersey - Ben Mahoney - to help him out of his bad mood.
Polka ...