Day 7 - Wellington to Gulgong

After lots of rain during the night, we were happy to awake to a clear day this morning, however it was very windy.

The Support Crew appreciated the sleep in and then sorted out everyone’s breakfast.  Bikes were moved out, water bottles filled, sun screens lathered on, photos taken, bags packed and then it was on their bikes to take on Day 7 which thankfully was a reasonably short day of only 75 kms, given how cold and windy it had become.

There were some lovely signs made especially for Greg as we were on our way into Gulgong:

There was only one School on the list to visit today and that was in Gulgong.  The poor riders were freezing by the time they got there and a lovely Pastor opened up the Church Hall for everyone to gather for lunch before it was time for the Puppet Show he even put on the heaters and boiled the urn – so lovely of him.

 

After some nice warm soups and salad wraps, everyone piled over to the little School of 40 pupils to watch the Puppet Show and visit with the kids.  The School visits have been such a highlight for all the riders and support crew and we have loved having our two awesome Puppeteers, Chris and Shanaye spending the last 4 days with us.  They have joined in all the fun and games and even been fined a few times.

Tonight we are staying in a lovely little Motel called the Ten Dollar Motel and directly opposite it is a Pub so dinner will be there.  Everyone has had nice warm showers, massages, some walks around town and just generally chilling out.   The days are flying by and it’s hard to believe we are already on Day 7

Tonight's Jersey Winners were:-

Rider's Joker Jersey went to Bully who took everyone half way up a hill they didn't need to go up and ignored the Support Crew's directions.

Support Crew's Joker Jersey went to Big G who snuck off to bed when a beer was waiting for him.

King of the Mountain Jersey went to Lucy who got up all the hills with such determination encouraged by the beautiful Sarah.

Rider's Most Supportive Jersey went to Nathan who took on the radio on road today, drove to Dubbo to sort out Toddy's bike wheels and constantly helps out riders and support crew.

Support Crew's Most Supportive Jersey went to our amazing Clivey who does SO much for Camp Quality not only on this Ride but through esCarpade, Wescarpade, Golf Day, etc.  he donates his car to use and is always bringing in balls and gifts for the kids of Camp Quality.  Most importantly he makes awesome scrambled eggs.

 For the third day in a row Team Glencore are the No. 1 Team and will lead out again tomorrow.

Big G handed out fines to:-

Paul E for putting a can of drink on top of the piano that had a specific sign saying "no drinks on top of the piano".
Ged and Nick Newton for being "too cool for School" and not wearing their jackets and then complaining about the cold.
Doc Bec for running over JD's foot
Bruce because he was out of uniform with no beanie on.

Nugget who left his phone in the room back in Wellington and Steve had to drive back and get it.

After this Scotty Sam got up in front of the gang and spoke to everyone about his family's journey through his daughter Hannah's cancer treatment and how they come to be involved with Camp Quality.  It was such an honest account for such a quiet achiever like Scotty who doesn't normally say too much and you could have heard a pin drop in the room.

Everyone has gone to bed early as tomorrow is the biggest day yet with 143 kms to ride into Sandy Hollow - fingers crossed the wind stays away.

Keep those Messages of Support coming through - they love hearing them each night.

Until tomorrow.

Donna. x