Day 8 and everyone is up bright an early in anticipation of the big day ahead - almost 143 km peddaling into Sandy Hollow and there are already some very sore butts.
Support Crew had a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast, cereal and yoghurt ready for them and Yas had the coffee machine fired up.
They were so eager to get on the road that they left 15 minutes early. We didn't visit any Schools today as it was such a big day they just kept riding.
First lunch stop Kath and Maree and Bill and Ben had yummy wraps set up for them - the girls and Bill and Ben have been doing an awesome job of keeping them all fed and hydrated. The wraps and sandwiches have been so nice and fresh and everyone has loved them.
The riders set off again until they came to a second lunch stop at Merriwa where once again The Supply girls and their assistants Bill and Ben had hot chips and scallops with bread rolls ready for them to eat. They were very excited to see this and it was like a pack of seagulls grabbing the chips!
Then it was back on their bikes again for the last 30 km stint into Sandy Hollow Caravan Park where we are all staying tonight.
Once they all arrived there were cheers, hugs and high fives all round - they are so amazing and despite the fact they must be really hurting, you don't hear a word from them.
Team Belmore Hotel and Team Subtilis have given money tonight for us to purchase beers, wine and champagne for everyone when they finsih today and they were glad to grab a nice cold drink when they arrived.
The usual afternoon of showers, massages, rests and lots of chatter started up and everyone sat around in the sun enjoying each other's company. Support Crew were hard at it doing all the laundry for everyone, preparing tonight's dinner (BBQ), filling up cars, etc. ready to go again tomorrow. The Support Crew are so amazing and everyone of them goes above and beyond to make sure all the riders are looked after - amazing people.
Tonight's dinner is a BBQ cooked by our awesome Support Crew - steak, rissoles, potatoes and salads - everyone really enjoyed it.
After dinner the Jerseys were handed out as follows:-
Support Crew Joker Jersey went to Bill (Ian) for leaving his $9,000 hearing aids in Gulgong.
Support Crew Most Supportive Jersey went to Doc and Kelly for being new to the Ride but doing such a brilliant job of looking after people behind the scenes.
The Riders Joker Jersey went to Fatty for falling off his bike just as he finished for the day.
The Riders Most Supportive Jersey went to Dan for chasing, helping and generally being first there to do whatever needs doing.
The Riders King of the Mountain Jersey went to two people. One to Cody for coming on the Ride even when his partner Phoebe pulled out, for riding the Qualifier by himself, for being called "rowdy" each day on the ride - because he is so quiet but just taking the ribbing in true CQ style.
The second Riders King of the Mountain Jersey went to Sally for going from Support Crew to rider, for coming back and training hard after a very frightening accident, for fitting in all her training around the kids and working full time and for kicking King's butt on the hills.
The Team coming first is Team Subtilis.
Big G handed out fines tonight and his little mate Brody helped him by collecting people's money:-
Dan for walking to the top of the mountain and back without shoes on.
Sally R for swearing in front of Brody.
Lucy for having a double flat tyre.
Greg for not eating with the group last night.
Ian for leaving his hearing aid in Gulgong
Clive for blocking up the toilet.
We were going to do Miss Sandy Hollow tonight, but due to the cold weather (and the fa t the Swans are on tonight) it has been put off until Muswellbrook.
That's it for tonight. We are all tired little vegemites so am signing off.
Talk tomorrow,
Donna.
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