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Today was meant to be a straightforward 176km ride with around 1,200m of climbing - a challenge, sure, but one we thought we were ready for. Little did we know the cycling gods had a sense of humour.
The morning began peacefully as we cruised through the picturesque northern NSW countryside. Rolling hills, sprawling fields, curious chickens, and even a rogue horse set the scene for the first 90km. Spirits were high, and we were sedately spinning along, blissfully unaware of the chaos waiting around the corner.
Then came the turn.
Leaving the smooth tarmac behind, we hit a 20km stretch of gravel. Despite the chaos - punctures left and right, with a record-breaking 30 flats - everyone remained in good hands. Luke, our unstoppable mechanic, worked at lightning speed, swapping tyres and passing around wheels like trading cards. Thanks to the incredible support team, every rider was kept safe, spirits stayed high, and we rolled into Woodburn for lunch looking more like a mud-splattered carnival than a peloton - but together and in one piece.
And then there was the weather. Mother Nature kept us guessing with bright sunny intervals cruelly interrupted by sudden downpours. Dry one moment, soaked the next, we never knew what was coming - but it never failed to keep things “interesting.”
Despite the challenges, the camaraderie in the group remained unshaken. There’s something about shared suffering - gravel, rain, punctures, and all that strengthens the bond within a peloton. And every tough kilometre we endure is a reminder of why we’re out here: to push ourselves, to raise vital funds, and to make a real difference.
So tonight, as we scrape the mud off our kits and recharge for tomorrow, we’re asking for your support. Every donation fuels not just the kilometers we ride, but the lives we aim to change.
