Day 7 Kyogle to Southport: Well it's finally over, our journey to the Gold Coast with the Youth Off The Streets crew and the Engadine Rotary boys has come to an end!

As I type this, we are driving back to Sydney reflecting on our last seven days of touring. It's hard to imagine that is was only last Saturday when we left Hornsby TAFE. The weather that day was wet, cold and generally miserable. Our spirits were down thinking that the rest of the journey was going to be similar, on reflection we were after that day blessed with great weather  (the tan lines are quite contrasting!!!).

Yesterdays ride took us from Kyogle over the mountain ranges, through Uki, Murwullimbah, and onto the Gold Coast. It was around 130 klm all up. Day seven is definitely the hardest, there is no real opportunity to warm up before the hills start and it's some 30 odd kilometers of climbing to morning tea.

Our pack performed really well over the hills, the Beast showed great form, the Bull was once again on fire and unfortunately I got a flat at the top of the first climb. From that point it was going to be one hell of a chase to catch the pack. Nathan and Graeme waited with me and we hit it hard. Unfortunately Burgo (Badger) was too good to get and he received the "King of the Mountain" honors for being first into morning tea.

Once the pack regrouped we had a great roll into the little hamlet of Uki. It's tradition to get a few beers & some photos at the Mount Warning Hotel. It's a great spot. We then had a 30 klm ride into lunch at Tumbulgum, a pretty location that's just before Terranora, our last hill before the flats of the Gold Coast.

We hit it pretty hard with Luke "ring in" Salter, Bull & myself taking joint KOM honors. (Luke had our number). It's a great view from that point towards the Gold Coast, but you do get an appreciation that there's still quite a way to go!! We rolled as a pack to the grouping point at Broadbeach and from there celebrated the last few kilometers with a police & fire truck escort into Sea World!

At the regrouping point we learnt that one of the Youth Off The Streets kids had completed every kilometer of the journey, a massive effort that everyone was really proud of. Lots of backslapping, handshakes and hugs were shared as we all reflected on the ride.

I need to mention my father in law, Phil, at this point, as without him we wouldn't have been able to stay where we did. Phil drove us around after each finish to the accommodation and also helped with our morale. Through the day Phil drove from place to place checking out towns where he and Lyn might come for a visit in the next few years!! Thanks Phil.

Burgo (Badger) once again did a wonderful job organizing the accommodation and everything went smoothly, thanks Paul. We also need to thank the Macarthur Cycling Club for the use of their trailer, it was a god send for our entire team, thanks guys. To Paul Nunnari, we'll see you next year, fitter and stronger. Our pack captain Reg was once again everyone hero, without him we'd be lost. On reflection the entire ride has once again been fantastic. Everyone has had their own personal challenges, achieved their own goals and walks away with their heads held high knowing they contributed to a wonderful thing.

Youth Off The Streets is a great cause and anything you can do to help them is much appreciated. I've enjoyed summarizing with Burgo our travels, we thank you for showing an interest. I'm fairly certain we'll be back again next year and I look forward to sharing with you again. Until then, rolling.....

Day six by Scott Wakeling. What a day!! Day six of the Sydney to Surfers charity ride, Grafton to Kyogle, is always a nice recovery day and this year all the elements for a great day were there. We had a reinvigorating feed last night, a few re-hydrating drinks and a long sleep. As well as the things we can control, the weather and the roads were great.

The day is 130 klm in length with a good rolling 50 to morning tea at a tiny town, Whiporie. After his epic day yesterday, Nathan (The Bull) Hayes was nominated pack captain in a move that captain Reg used to nullify Nathan's massive break away ability.

In an even greater worrying sign ride newcomer, Graeme (The Beast) Derrig declared today that he was starting to feel strong, he proved this over heaps of rolling climbs and we wait with baited breath to see what he can do over the Kyogle hills tomorrow.

After lunch "F troop", a self titled sub pack of pack four, started an easy roll out ahead of the main protagonists. Soon into the 50 klm ride to lunch in Casino, pack one came flying through and in the blink of an eye Badger and myself jumped on for a great 30 odd klm ride at great average speeds!

With Greg Ball's rear cluster stuck on a smaller cog, Badger & myself elected to try and bunch up with the original "machine" into lunch.

At one incredible moment we looked over our shoulders to see Bull tossing aside his captain duties to bridge a massive gap, strong stuff. We then made Nathan aware of his responsibilities and he returned, tail between his legs, back to the main pack.

The remainder of the ride into lunch was uneventful with myself taking line honors in the lackluster sprint into Casino (we were knackered), once again captain Reg was nowhere to be seen....

After a nice lunch beside the Richmond River in Casino, we once again mounted our chariots for a quick and flat 30 klm into Kyogle. The pack was somewhat subdued at the start and pretty soon Berge (The Surger) Der Sarkissian decided he'd make a massive break away attempt some 25 klm out of Kyogle.

With a quick chat to Bull, I decided to see whether I could run him down. It was a long chase but worth it in the end catching him 8 klm out of the finish!

Knowing the pack would be chasing, we kept the pace as high as we could, and with the last hill into Kyogle it was clear the win was mine, Bull, Badger, Beast, Barts and the rest of the pack came flying home and the day was over! Hot, sunburnt, sore but happy.

As Kyogle is a small town we have had to travel back to Casino for accommodation and we finally got the opportunity to hoe into some well deserved KFC devil wings.....yum....

Driving back the way we had just come through allowed us to pass a few riders who were still heading into Kyogle. It was great to see the YOTS kids being helped on the way, not giving up and trying their best, inspirational.

We'll probably have pizza tonight and an early sleep because tomorrows ride is massive, easily the hardest of the week. The journey tomorrow starts with a 32 klm climb to a wonderful cafe in the mountain passes of Kyogle. We then head to Uki pub for a traditional beer before lunch. It's 140 klm to the finish and indeed a long journey, so far but all would agree it's definitely been worth it.

Until tomorrow, rolling....

As each day unfolds we learn a little bit more about our traveling companions. Last night was no exception, as we sat huddled around the kitchen table with a pack of cards. "Let's play euchre", cried Nathan "I'm a deadset legend at euchre". Well, after an initial flashy start, Phil "Pop" showed the brash talker how to play a hand, in a style Kenny Rogers would have been proud of!

So onto Day 5. Mick was pack captain and our numbers had grown again as 4 lads from the 'Gong, who after riding with Pack 1, fancied an easy day with us. Little did they know that we were lifting the pace a tad.

As we made our way to Urunga in the bus it was time to psyche the boys up. A quick skitz mix of Metallica and G&R, with Bomfunk MC's "Freestyler" thrown in, we were ready to hit the road. We cruised along the freeway to Coffs Harbour at the 40 klm mark, most of the talk was on the upcoming Bruxner Pass climb.

As we turned into the climb Reg, The Fox, made his move and took an early lead, with the Beast hot on his heels. Although late to start the climb, Bull (Nathan Hayes) and the Machine (Scott Wakeling) made up ground as the road began to wind up past the banana plantations. By the top, the Machine had passed all but The Fox. However, gracefully he gifted him the podium, perhaps a premonition of later events.

The roll out to lunch was hot and fast as the pack was strung out across the road, hardly noticing if Russell was in residence as we raced through Nana Glen. After lunch it was decided to separate the pack, so "F Troop" rolled out with a 15 minute advantage. The hounds set out determined to reel them in by the sprint finish.

We motored along at a great pace passing riders, including Shawn who was helping Uncle Darryl. With 5 klm's to go for the sprint finish, the strategy was sprung as the Bull (Nathan Hayes) leapt off the front breaking away from the pelaton. Immediately his team mates reacted, slowing the pack, much to the angst of the Fox. The Bull made good his escape and took the victory! Completing the honours for Team Wakeling, The Badger (Paul Burgess) took out the finish to Grafton!

After arriving and putting up the tents, it was time to celebrate with a modest dinner and a refreshment or two.

The Badger, signing off.

Todays ride, day four, took us from the beautiful township of North Haven to an equally beautiful spot in Nambucca. This afternoon we are sitting on a balcony overlooking the river as it runs to the ocean recounting the days events. Today's pack captain was the lovely Marina, who last night aptly earnt the new nickname of Miss Piggy. The odd snorting laugh has seen the new moniker and today she certainly earnt her stripes keeping the pack well organized on the freeway ride to Nambucca.

The journey today of 138 klms started off well with the usual pack briefing setting the tone for a disciplined day. Unfortunately, within 6 klms, we found ourselves waiting a little while for Rasheed to change two tyres with two separate tyre changes. After we got back into the swing of things, the pack formed well through to the lovely Telegraph Point, morning tea meeting point.

A few photos and some welcomed hot potatoes and sour cream saw the pack ready to roll on for a longish session for lunch.

Through Kempsey we waved to Mick Field's brother & sister in-law, and made a gps location for Fredos Pies on the way back.....yummy.

After Frederickton, the roads start to get rough and this caused a couple of mechanical issues. This years day four weather was certainly much better as we didn't have to cuddle each other for warmth at lunch! The sun was shining and the mood was high. This set the tone for the last 45 klms to go for the sprint into Nambucca.

Captain Reg was his usual coy self trying to position himself for the finish, only to have his plans thrown awry with a short pit stop necessary for Nathan at the Macksville Caltex.

The pack was ready once again....

The run into Nambucca is always a bit of a blur, the speed picks up and with the road being narrow there's certainly some jostling. Unfortunately the exceptional tactics of Nathan (The Bull) Hayes & Paul (The Badger) Burgess were brought undone with a late flat for The Bull ending his chances. The remains of the pack took off showing no compassion for Bull at all, leaving him waiting for the support vehicles assistance.

Reg, Mick and a few others jumped the turn into Nambucca, dangerously crossing traffic in order to get a head start. Those sensible ones, Badger, myself and The Beast, along with a few others, waited for the appropriate moment to cross. This meant a long chase but with the help of Rasheed, he & I were able to sneak up on Reg for a worthy victory over the RSL driveway!

The day saw us complete around 4000 metres of climbing for the ride, and 500 odd kilometers in distance. Not surprisingly the legs of the boys are a little sore, but the spirits are still high. The forecast for the next few days has us anxious but we are still looking forward to the challenge.

A note on the four Youth Off The Streets kids - as of last nights dinner, the majority of them had completed a least 300 klms, with only a few days preparation. With all the challenges these kids have it's great to see their determination to complete as much as they can.

The ride has taken us through some lovely areas in NSW, we are fortunate to see the regions doing 30 km/h rather than down the freeway at 110 km/h. In Australia we are truly blessed to live in such a magnificent country. The only negative so far is that its such a tragedy that our "national highway" is in some areas limited to 60 km zones and two skinny lanes, we can do better.
Anyway, the beers are waiting and we're looking forward to a good feed at the Nambucca RSL!

Tomorrow sees us head to Grafton, and we look forward to catching up with you then, rolling....

Day three for Pack Four - Bulahdelah to North Haven by Paul Burgess.

It was an early rise as we had to leave our humble lodgings to meet the rest of the pack at Buladelah for breakfast at 7am. With our reputation for the odd sledge and a few laughs, our pack had grown to 22. We started with a few early climbs, a test for sore limbs, and set out for morning tea at Nabiac some 45 klms away. With freeway conditions, the pack rolled along at a good pace.

Following yesterday's scenery, the boys were in high spirits! The songs were coming thick and fast. Scott, our Film Director, spent time rolling along the pack taking photos and videos, then uploading them to the Web. Luckily the Police were not looking!

After morning tea, the focus was on the upcoming sprint into Laurieton, with the smart money on Scott Wakeling (The Machine), although Captain Reg was firming up with a few of the punters. The sun beat down on our backs as we pulled into lunch after a solid 55 klms at a hot pace averaging in the mid 30s. As the bodies were starting to fail, thoughts turned to a remedial massage at the local establishment, unfortunately a booking could not be obtained!

As we set off for lunch the betting was starting to firm on the sprint. Embarking on the last leg the burglars were loitering at the back marking each other. The games were starting! We turned off the the freeway and headed into Laurieton. By then the jostling had started at the front as the Bull (Nathan Hayes), led by some metres. Scott (The Machine) was biding his time and Reg the Fox was well tucked in.

With a few hundred metres to go, The Machine seized his chance after the great lead out by the Bull, and shot to the front to take the win (and Mick's cash)!

Reg finished a good second. We then assembled on the balcony for the ritual refreshments and post race recap. Another day and a few more stories saved for another day. That's it from the Badger (Paul Burgess). See you tomorrow boys!

Day two, Morisett to Bulahdelah, is normally a day when the pack settles & the conversations turn away from how far is left to go towards more mundane topics like what's for lunch. Day two this year was no different. Once again the Rotary Club of Engadine guys did an outstanding job co-ordinating the day and making sure all the riders needs were taken care of.

We left Morisset this morning having said goodbye to Paul Nunnari who has decided to leave the ride, (he'll be back next year). The skys were clear and everyone was in great spirits, and the rest of the day didn't disappoint. Pack four showed some strong form today, we only had a few flats and we soon found ourselves at Hexham enjoying morning tea at the local Mcdonalds.

The ride to Karuah for lunch is normally a quick one, our average speed increased 50% and we enjoyed stretching the legs. Karuah is an extremely beautiful place, lunch is on the edge of Lake Macquarie and the new guys fell in love with the views.

Lunch to the finish in Bulahdelah is again a good hit out along the freeway and with Leon expertly piloting our support vehicle, we were able to hit good speeds along the rolling hills.

128 klms today was relatively easily covered by the pack and we finished with strong form, with Captain Reg once again winning the sprint into town. We had a few ring-ins today with the rest of the ride hearing how good a time pack four has, it's a testament to the team culture, a great bunch of guys & gals.

The arrival in Bulahdelah was great with locals showing their colour in a great welcome, memorable. Tonight we eat & rest again knowing that tomorrow brings another 130 odd kilometers and a great sprint finish into North Haven. Until then, rolling....

The 2011 Sydney to surfers has begun!!! What a beginning, the rain that has pestered northern Sydney and the central coast region certainly proved an uncomfortable challenge. Day one to Morisset - 114kms.

This year we are in Pack Four, with Captain Reg Young once again leading us with his usual aplomb. Starting at Hornsby TAFE early, we found the overnight rain had stayed around. The crew however was undaunted and handled the difficult challenge with courage and conviction!

The morning was not without it's challenges with an early flat to Ken, and Don having a fall that has required stitches, (he'll be back tomorrow). Additionally Paul Nunnari has decided to return home and will be a large loss for our crew. There are about 190 riders in this years journey, making it one of the largest. As usual the organization is fantastic with the Engadine rotary crew being once again inspiring.

As far as I know there are at least two three YOTS kids joining the ride and today they certainly rode with strength for people who aren't regular riders.

Tonight we are staying at a beautiful B&B in the hills around Morisset and we are looking forward to hitting the showers, and then enjoying the dinner at the local bowling club. The crew with us are so far in great spirits and the new guys are happily finding out why this journey is such a good challenge of self and of developing friends for life. Tomorrow we hit the roads again towards Bulahdelah, and whilst we will be riding at the same time as the Wests Tigers are playing, we hope they win too!!!

Until tomorrow cheers!!! 

By Scott Wakeling

Well tomorrow is the big day. This week has been a bit of a blur. With the dealership running busily as usual, we find ourselves on late Friday and lots of packing still to do. The time for training is way over and the rest of the guys thoughts have started to turn towards the challenge of the next seven days.

Our journey will take us north from Hornsby nearly 1000 klm’s to finish at the Gold Coast next Friday afternoon. As well as last year’s Wakeling's starters, myself, Paul Burgess and Nathan Hayes, our group has this year been bolstered by the addition of Shawn Price, Graeme Derrig, Michael Bartley and Paul Nunnari. This year we have the need for a separate vehicle to transport us at the end of the day, my father in law Phil has agreed to join us, should be a blast!!

Allmost everyone has trained well and is prepared but I can’t speak of Paul Nunnari, who certainly is the dark horse this year!!

At this stage I’d like to thank all those who have supported us, especially, Hyundai (NSW Region), Mitsubishi Motors, Esanda Finance, Harrier National, Motor One, Trans-West Insurance Brokers, Campbelltown Macarthur Advertiser, Macarthur Chronicle and C913FM.

We are looking forward to catching up with all our mates in pack 6 from last year, knowing that this year we have been renamed pack 4!!

Importantly, the cause for the ride is Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets program. If you can, please consider giving to this worthy organisation they make a massive difference to many young peoples lives. Throughout the ride we’ll be posting images and keeping a daily blog so be sure to come back and check out our Facebook page.

All the best and we’ll talk to you from tomorrows destination Morisset!

Last week Paul Wakeling & myself were proud to be guests of Amanda Larkin, the General Manager of Campbelltown and Camden Hospitals, and her very impressive staff.
The purpose of the meeting was for the Hospital to present to us the equipment that our Wheels For Life Program had recently purchased, a Bipap Ventilation machine and a digital weigh chair. For more information about the program, see our Wheels For Life page.
It’s always a thrill for me when the Hospital demonstrates how the equipment that we purchase helps patients. The ventilation machine, in particular for us, was an important purchase as it allows the emergency department the ability to place a patient on ventilation in a way that helps with long term treatment. Instead of potentially having to intubate the machine, it allows a constant pressure of air to be forced into lungs, which may be suffering from fluid, or asthma or similar breathing difficulties. In the Macarthur region this is particularly prevalent, and this machine alone cost $29,000. The machine will get great use and we are pleased to help the Hospital by acquiring it.
We were, as always, particularly impressed by the caliber of staff at the Hospital. As a region, we should be proud of these people who come to work and help our fellow citizens daily. It must be a huge task to plan for the future growth of the region, and we are sure that the Wakelings Wheels For Life Program helps in some small way.

Well it’s that time of year again where we are preparing for the annual St Thomas More Fete.

I have to say that this Fete is really like no other. I can remember back to the eighties when Humphrey Bear used to turn up in a helicopter and dance on stage. The kindergarten kids loved it!

Then there was the best white elephant stall in town. Who can forget the chocolate wheel and the all too familiar call of “round & round she goes, where she stops? Nobody knows…”

Each year since 1986 that the Fete has been on ( I think it wasn’t held one or two years) Wakeling's have provided a small used car to the schools P&F for them to use as a raffle car. Each year I am blown away by the number of tickets people come to fill in. The Fete is a great example of how small communities can look after themselves and pitch together to provide for something more for the collective. A little like the recent Mayoral ball where Mary Brooksbank School was the beneficiary of funds on the night towards a new sensory playground. On that night like many in the community people gathered , had fun, swapped stories and in the end the school was better off to the tune of several thousand dollars, and importantly the children got one step closer to their dreams.

So, if on Sunday you feel like some lollies, or checking out someone’s treasure, pop on down to the St Thomas More Fete, its free and fun. Don’t forget to say G’Day to us at our stall and possibly win a car!!

http://stmfete.blogspot.com/

Cheers