Kimon Lycos

AUSTRALIA


Joined November 25th 2006

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Day 5

October 16th 2008 00:22
The body was screaming no way, sod off, not another stroke. But, the show had to go on and as we drove to out start point, I could feel my heart rate rise. When I got on the bike, the Polar had me at 100.

From Kersbrook in the Adelaide Hills, I decided to put the hammer down. Heart rate went up to 160, 170 and stayed there for a while. Just felt this massive rush to nail one more ride, one more chance to experience 5towns.

The legs felt great, Peter is a miracle worker, and wearing the Skins must have made a difference, because I covered ground at a rapid rate. Hitting the hills at Kangaroo creek the legs still felt good. A peloton of young club riders were chasing me and caught me easily going up one of the hills.

I blurted out "Want to come to a party?" No reply, so i said, "Guess that is a no then." One of them the said, "No worries mate." Just blowing me off. Which was kinda irritating. They kicked on, leaving little space for me, which also got under my skin. Cyclists are a funny lot. Reminds me of Rugby in a way. You do what you can to show dominance over the weak, but when the ride is done and the coffee flows, everything is sweet.

They tore my legs off going up another hill, but I knew that some serious descent was coming up, so I kept pace as well as I could. Reaching the top I gave it everything to catch them and pay back the attitude, plus expand a bit on the invitation.

Two of them had been dropped on the descent and my speed reached 80km/h, which took me past them in a flash. The main pack of 10 were still ahead and I could catch glimpses of them. Came to a main straight and just kept pounding away, until i eventually caught up! It was so funny to see at the front one of them take a look and then needed to take a second take. He said something to the next guy and so it went down the line. One face of incredulousness after the other.

I got chatting with one of the guys at the back. He was from Perth and unfortunately they all had to head off after the ride to go to school - so there would no buns for them in Adelaide.

I got to the end of Gorge Road in just of 50 minutes. It was a cracking pace and blew some cobwebs out - I love going fast downhill!

Stopped at a cafe to wait for the others and realised I had no money. Dying for a decent coffee, I told the owner what I was up to and he was kind enough to put one on the house.

Josh had two punctures - just 10k out! Unreal! I was jumping out of my skin to get into the city, but it was important to arrive together. Thankfully Trak Cycles had loaned gear so the problem was fixed quickly.

Arriving into Adelaide and seeing family and friends made the whole thing come together. Lena, Stella and Zack gave bear hugs, friends had come out and it felt so good to be back home.

Mum had engaged sister and nephew to shake a few cans, we gave out Bakers Delight buns, and the whole team just absorbed the great vibes.

Adam Internet and Bakers delight made it and so grateful for their support, along with everyone who took me up on this adventure.


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Day 4

October 15th 2008 23:13
The previous day was a nightmare. That headwind really was equal to a 90k hill climb, but to have done it felt great, but the legs, shoulders and bum were very sore.

Thank goodness for Peter, who for a small guy can really pound the muscles back into shape. Wearing the Skins religiously - so had them on that night at dinner, which drew a few stares.

The road to Renmark was much easier and at only 113k, we took the time to use the ride as a recovery session.

I was interviewed by a radio station, standing on the side of the road when a huge truck screamed past, nearly blew me over - made for some exciting live radio.

I really love the riverland, it's just a fantastic part of the world, and that's reflected in the people. Our reception had a band playing on the back of a truck, the group play for free, for charity and did all the old favorites, it was such a pleasure to meet them.

The people here really put on a show and I spent a lot of time talking and chatting with as many as I could. The mayor put his weight behind the event and the afternoon was perfect, with the river flowing freely in the background.

ABC radio did an interview and I nearly lost it when it came to discussing home. Man I miss them and waiting for that first hug and kiss is agonizing. When I came back from the studio the team were up on the stage doing a "ho-down." Rohan had a catastrophic go at getting a sing along happening, and managed to make the whole thing just damn funny!

Our hosts had plenty of surprises in store - a power river cruse with 25 of the most fun loving and silly people you can meet. The beer, wine and jokes flowed, and we were laughing until we reached shore. Then a huge BBQ, with more drinking, jokes and laughing - it was a real blast.

Tanya sung like an angel, and tried to be modest, but with a voice like that, you know you are good!

The whole team were swept up into a feeling of euphoria, after 4 days of early starts, hard riding and a bit of groundhoging.

We were put up at a massive holiday home, sleeps 10 people and just first class all the way. Missing home like crazy, but leaving here will be hard - could get used to this royal treatment.

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Day 3

October 13th 2008 03:51
Start time: 0.530
Temp: 22
Wind: Great tail wind - then Sadistic again
Distance: 164km

Leaving Whyalla was fantastic - while it was dark, the tail wind kick ahead and the going was a blistering 34km/h to Pt Augusta. Then the fun started as we swung to Pirie, a 15 knot headwind for 90 k was a real challenge.

Just a matter of gritting the teeth and knowing the next 4 hours will be a slog. And it was.

We finished at the Council chambers with three of the local riders, average age of 70! Real goers for last 10k and really enjoyed their company.

A local tv station interviewed me and when I was getting ready for a ride through - I fell off the bike! HA HA HA.

The reception was very hospitable with the Mayor, who let me use his office to thump out this blog. I had a quick look though his stuff and could find no secrets - so he's clean.... kinding!
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Day 2. - a lot of wind

October 13th 2008 03:42
Start time: 0.700
Temp: 33
Wind: Sadistic


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Day 1

October 11th 2008 06:51
Start time: 0.630
Temp: 24
Wind: Easy


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It takes village and then some

October 9th 2008 08:54
Thank you to all who have sent words of encouragement for 5Towns. Amazing how words can strike an absolute cord, and bolster a weary spirit to keep on, keeping on. But there is one stunning truth that has to be aired - 5Towns would not be, if it was not for a lot of people, giving time, product and resources.

Take Peter, our first aid/massage/driver/mechanic/p athfinder and now supplier of trailer guy. He was minding his own business studying at TAFE when we sent out a request for someone to join the trip and help with recovery sessions. Peter put his hand up, and at the same moment, raised our odds of success dramatically


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You give, you get

October 7th 2008 10:38
A friend said something that actually cut a bit deep yesterday (and we have resolved it!). Essentially he said, "you're lucky to have the luxury, to do something like 5Towns." What that off the cuff remark did was set-off a whole lot of memories and experiences associated with 5Towns.

It has been far from easy, far from a luxury. In the midst of caring for a family - 1 great wife, 2 great kids, a business, a couple of developing business ideas, coaching rugby and wanting to enjoy a social life - squeezing 5Towns in has been a bit of a juggling act


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Is this the result of a mid-life panic? The sudden urge to haul 90 kilo on a 5 kilo bike, with a seat that becomes more of a moulded g-string, than a place of comfort for 730 k.

5Towns came of the result from talking with the Leukemia Foundation (I knew the former State Manager) and then the cogs in my head go firing. You see the issue is, if you are out in the sticks and you get what has to be at the top of most people's list of worst things to hear - the news you have a blood cancer - life is turned upside down, in every sense


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An amazing journey to beat a killer

October 4th 2008 00:57
730 kilometer bike ride across South Australia, raising money for the Leukemia Foundation, to build a village in Adelaide.

October 11 to 15, 2008


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