Day 10 - We are Almost Home

When we rolled into Muswellbrook yesterday afternoon, it was so lovely to see some family members already there and cheering us on.  We proceeded around to the PCYC to the lovely Muswellbrook Lioness Ladies who once again provided us with the most delicious lunch followed by their yummy home cooked slices.  

Break Stop 

After this we headed to the Railway Hotel to have showers and await the arrival of lots more family members.  It was lovely to hear all the laughter and chatter as everyone relayed all the stories of the last 10 days to their families and friends.

Shari and the Captains even did an encore performance of the Can Can for all the family and friends who had come along.  Poor Todd did a hamstring and had trouble getting on the bike today !

For the last day of the ride, all the Captains are asked to get their teams to vote for who will wear in the Special Jerseys as we cross the finish line.  These people are voted overall winners of the Ride and get to keep the Special Jersey that they were voted the overall winner for.

Team Harry in consultation !

Overall Joker Jersey Winner - Ged Dorahy - for supplying so much fun and laughter every day and really embracing the Camp Quality motto of "Laughter is the Best Medicine"

Overall King of the Mountain Jersey Winner - Sal Lewis - this is Sal's first Ride and her husband Clint is also riding so she has juggled training with working, raising two young kids and looking after Clint and she has absolutely smashed the Ride.

Overall Most Supportive Jersey Winner - Stu P - always offering to help everyone, always there when needed and generally an all round awesome guy.

Support Crew Joker Jersey Winner - Clive Palmer - Clive has been involved with Camp Quality for many years however this is his ft time on the Ride.  He is so full of jokes, fun, laughter and his big beautiful smile makes a room light up.

Most Supportive Jersey Winner - Shari Nichol - for going above and beyond in her duties of helping Donna in the lead up to the ride and for keeping all the rider's spirits up daily with the mountain of costumes she wore each day and the roadside shenanigans.  Amazing !

Fines

Norm was fined for having 14 missed calls on his mobile from people trying to find out where the Ark was and him saying someone had turned the phone down !

Clive was fined for being out of uniform AGAIN. Lianne was fined for leaving the coffee grinder sitting on the outside of the coffee van while they were driving along.

Big G was fined for almost stepping on Carol's head and waking everyone up so he could get to the kettle to make a cup of tea.

Cath and Norm

Last night when we went to bed, there was once again about 8 of us sleeping in the lounge room. Wacko was in there with us.  Once he got into a deep sleep we got out the permanent market and drew on his face.  It was the funniest thing - we were all laughing so hard and I thought I was going to have to resuscitate Norm.  One again Wacko took it all in good spirits and was a great sport when he got up the next morning and looked in the mirror to find the words "Norm was Here" written on his forehead!

Beckles on Pancake Dutyu

Everyone was up bright and early this morning - I think they can all smell home and are eager to cross that finish line and get back to their families and friends.  We are all on the road and heading to Singleton for a break and then the CWA ladies Branxton for our yearly sugar fix - they do the best cakes and slices!

Will keep you all posted.

Donna. x

Day 9 - Quirindi to Muswellbrook

Last night proved to be a"painful night" for some people.

Dishpig had announced to everyone that because it was his plan to actually ride next year, he would need to get his hairy legs waxed and so was selling wax strips that could be used in the "big wax off". He has ended up with some patches of hair still remaining and some patches where he was waxed - a patchwork leg and got $110.00 for the children!

Dishpig's Leg

Denis

Poppy Pappy jumped on board and agreed to auction off the waxing of his chest for $500.00 which also took place.  In my opinion the person who got the raw end of the deal was the lovable Stu P who lost ONE only eyebrow!  He made $210.00 for the kids - talk about going above and beyond.  I think an eyebrow is worth at least $2,000.00.

Stu P - Before

Stu P - After

Well done Dishpig, Poppy Pappy and Stu P for providing the night's entertainment and embracing the spirit of the ride.

Brad has had to go back to work so the awesome Denis has arrived to take over driving the Arc back home and assist Norm.Thanks so much Denis.

B1 (Ashley) has taken off her Barista hat and put her Nurses Hat back on and jumped in the Medical Car with Doc Ally as Doc Roger is catching the train home to go to a wedding.  Doc Rog has been so much fun on the ride and we have really enjoyed having him and his "dapper looking" outfits that he would pull out of the back of the Medical Car with Doc Ally to assist the Media Car with Fun Therapy.  

Big John has jumped out of the Spare Car and into the Coffee Van to assist B2 (Lianne) and Massage Kristy has jumped into the Spare Car to help Dishpig by doing radio duties.  Everyone is so flexible and willing to jump in an doing anything required.

The riders are on fire this morning.  They were up for breakfast before it was cooked and on the road ready to go 10 minutes before they needed to.  Both Cara and Blake are back on the road and riding today which is great to see.  Everyone is so bonded and are guiding each other through the tough bits and embracing the fun bits along the way - it is incredible to see and an absolute privilege to be a part of such an amazing group of people.

We are now on our way to the Wingen Pub for the first lunch stop of the day.  More blogging soon.

Donna. xx

Day 8 - Almost There !

Another wonderful night together at The Terminus Hotel at Quirindi.  Our hosts Nathan and Lesley but on a bush bbq buffet and a buffet it was - massive T-Bone steaks, sausages, chicken, salads, chips, ride and pasta.  It was beautiful.

Some family members visited tonight and lots are looking forward to catching up with their families tomorrow night at Muswellbrook for Family Night.

The highlight today was visiting the beautiful kids of the Quirindi Pre-School - all the riders said how awesome it was go hang out with the tiny little kids and they all came in on such a high from spending time with them.

I am off to sleep now as the day starts again very early in the morning.  See below several photos from various things going on.

Donna. x

Our afternoon/night in Manilla !

Sorry for the delay in blogging from yesterday everyone but the afternoon and night proved to be very busy.

Pies, Pies, Pies !

When all our riders arrived at Manilla, we had a great feast of pies, cakes and anything with sugar to celebrate the life of Harry.  It was a lovely afternoon all spent together with the beautiful Dunn Family.

Cakes and Sugar Galore

Dinner was served by the amazing Manilla Lions Club and it was awesome - a BBQ with all the trimmings and apple pie to finish off.

After dinner it was time for "The Miss Manilla Pagaent" which was run by our amazing Puppeteers, Tim and Renee who have once again become much loved members of the 1,000 K's Family.  A member from each team and two members of the Support Crew were drawn out of the hat and they got to choose one of their team members to "style them".  Whilst this was happening the rest of their team members had to write a profile about them and their interests.

It was the funniest night and it was very hard to choose a winner however, in the end Wacko won the title of "Miss Manilla 2016".  Well done Wacko you stunner - hopefully this awesome photo of you makes it to the Bulahdelah papers for all your families and friends to enjoy.


There were so many laughs and once again everyone joined in all the fun and games.

Hairy Man Hulse

Dan

Dazza

26 of us got to sleep in a Squash Court attached to the pub last night.  There was lots of fun and games and strange noises coming from the room all night, but we all made it through.

King's bike is in need of a part so he is off the road today until Damo arrives with the part.  We have "allowed" him the privilege of joining the Command Car for the day - with this role though comes the duty of supporting the riders with fun therapy - take a look at what our illustrious leader has been up to.

Clint is in charge of on-road in King's absence and Ged has proven himself to be way too valuable to just be a member of the Peters Real Estate Team and has been elevated to on road 2IC !

Wacko has his own groupies in this area too and they were lining the Werris Creek Road as he came through.

We are on our way to the Quirindi Pre-School now, which will be out last School of the Ride for 2016 and which means we have to say goodbye to our amazing Puppeteers.  I will check in with you all again once we get settled into our accommodation.

Donna.

Day 7 - Bingara to Manilla

Well once again Karaoke was a massive success! The only way to get everyone to stop singing is to stop Karaoke and so at midnight, that's what we had to do, much to the diehards disgust! 

This morning we all met at The Living Classroom for breakfast. Today is Harry Dunns anniversary and Dean, Luke, Georgia and Sarah and Dean's parents arrived last night to spend a few days with us. They all came to join us for breakfast. 

We then gathered together overlooking the farm land and listened to some beautiful words from Sarah and Dean about Harry. It was very emotional for everyone. Luke them counted us down from 3 and fifty green balloons were released into the skies for Harry. 

After lots of hugs Sarah and Dean lead the riders out together for the start of the day. We all felt very privileged to share this day with the Dunn families and celebrate the special little boy that Harry was. 

Unfortunately Blake and Rose are both off the bikes today but everyone else is pumped for another day. 

We are on the road now and heading to the next town.  More updates soon. 

Donna xx

Day 6 - Karaoke !

Well Karaoke is taking place as I blog and once again it is almost impossible to get people off the stage - not "on the stage"!!!!

Support Crew singing

All the Captains got together and sang "Lean on Me".  There was a rendition of the ride favourite "Sweet Caroline" with the whole pub joining.

Luke singing with his mum and Rose

Team Harry did a great version of "under the Boardwalk", Team Aurizon did "I'm too Sexy for my Body.  Our Mechanics did Doctor Doctor and dedicated it to Doc Roger.  Team Peters Real Estate did "You've Lost that Loving Feeling".  Big G, Doc Rog, John, Norm, Brad and Bec did Uptown Funk, the Lucky 7 from The Love Bus did the Love Shack and replaced their wording to say "The Love Bus".  Luke Dunn was joined by his mum Sarah and Rose and sang "Soul Sister" and he was amazing. The Support Crew sang "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" and Big G and Renee just sang a Grease medley and the place errupted.

Team Peters Real Estate

Team BOQ

I am signing off the blog for now as I am about to sing Dancing Queen.

Will blog again tomorrow,

Hugs,
Donna.

Day 6 - Glen Innes to Bingara

We awoke to another beautiful day this morning. Wacko volunteered to turn the generator on for the coffee van first thing in the morning so B1 and B2 could have a little sleep in but he slept thru - unbelievable Wacko !!!!

Everyone was a big high and were excited about getting on the road together again. 

While the riders hit the road to make their way to Inverell for a 10.30 am lunch provided by the lovely Inverell Lions Club and the puppet show, the puppeteers and several Support Crew headed to Kindamindi PreSchool to see the kids. A young boy named Jed who is a Camp Quality child goes to this School. Everyone had funny hats on and they loved seeing all the Support Crew in fancy dress. After the puppet show, we all did "The Chicken Dance" and "If You're Happy And You Know It" - so much fun !

We then went onto the Inverell Public School to meet up with the riders who were all enjoying steak and sausage sandwiches.

Kindamindi Pre-School

About to leave Glen Innes

After the show the riders were back on their bikes and heading to Bingara Public School.  They hit a head wind so were late getting to the School but all the kids came outside to have a quick chat to the riders before the bell rang and it was going home time for the kids.  The riders then came around to the Sportsman's Hotel to be greeted by our wonderful hosts David Belinda - they have been so incredibly accommodating.  Half the riders are staying here and the other half are staying down the road at a beautiful place called "The Living Classroom" owned by the local Council.

David from the Hotel has been ferrying the riders from the Living Classroom back to the Sportsman's Hotel for dinner in the "Merry Ferry" described by David as "a bit dodgy but roadworthy".

Our amazing Puppeteers Tim and Renee with Jed

We are getting ready for a yummy baked dinner tonight and then it is the most anticipated night of the tour - Karaoke !  Gosh I hope the locals aren't anticipating being able to have a sing - trying to get the microphone off this gang (from previous rides) is near impossible - they are very shy - NOT !

I will be back to you with a report of Jerseys, Fines and Karaoke update very soon.

Don't forget to message us - we love reading them out.

Donna. x

Day 5 - ReGifting Auction

Crazy Hat Night at Tenterfield last night

What a fun night we have had at the Central Hotel.  Our beautiful hosts Tony, Julie and Paul put on a beautiful meal and even surprised everyone with a beautiful desert.  The lovely Renee (Puppeteer) and Norm along with Kath and Kim even helped serve all the meals.

Tonight's fun therapy was our Regifting Auction.  The items were aplenty and the Fine Master was our Auctioneer.  Bidding was high on items such as toilet seat warmers, bicycle pizza cutters, soccer balls, bicycle baskets and spokes to name a few.  In total a massive $3,500.00 was raised by our amazingly generous riders and support crew.  A special thanks must go out to Big G who bid a massive $500.00 for a Glen Innes tartan scarf (donated by the Publicans) - thanks Big G, so very generous.

Ged and Nick

Winners of tonight's Special Jerseys were:-

Joker Jersey - Eric - for riding the whole day with his back brakes on.
King of the Mountain Jersey - Sarah - for volunteering to be the green team's racer up Bolivia Hill and was the only girl out of all the teams who volunteered to do this.
Most Supportive Jersey - Maxxie - who was roped in by a friend to do the ride (who then pulled out last minute) and who helped King immensely by dropping back to lend a hand and all the time whilst wearing his Hawaiian bra all day !

Support Crew Joker Jersey - Kath - who thought the seat pole that we drove to Guyra to buy was something to help Blake with his diabetes.
Support Crew Most Supportive Jersey - Don and Trish - who have been a massive help to everyone, especially Kath and Kim in the Supply Van.

The Fine Master handed out fines tonight to Lianne for spilling hot water on Ash's foot, Renee for being out of uniform, Shari for getting their car bogged and Peta for being the navigator.  Funniest fine went to Norm for trying to buy one of the kid's (from Deepwater School) can of tuna off them.

We were excited to catch up with the girls from the Glen Innes Support Group - they are always so supportive of us and we love seeing them.


Everyone has hit the hay now to get a good night's sleep for tomorrow.

Until the next blog,
Donna.

Day 5 - Glen Innes Here We Come

Thank you to the lovely Ali for stepping in last night to write the blog. Unfortunately Brad and myself missed everyone's emotional arrival as we were off chasing bike parts, so I didn't feel I would do the blog justice after such a massive day for everyone on the road and felt it needed to be someone out there who was in the thick of it, so thanks Ali.

The Finemaster gave a very emotional speech last night and told everyone about his journey with Camp Quality. For those who don't know, the Finemaster's son Thomas was diagnosed with cancer just before his 4th birthday and that is when his family became part of the CQ family.  You could have heard a pin drop as he told everyone how much he appreciated all they were doing for all the other kids who are living with cancer and their families, by being a part of this Ride.  He must have been feeling sick too as he decided not to fine anyone last night !

Alex was such a good sport last night and let Todd shave his hair right off and he raised $375.00 by sending the hat around.  Well done Alex.

This morning the Puppeteers and several of our Support Crew went to the Sir Henry Parkes Memorial School to see the kids.  We have been to this School on previous rides and they are so very welcoming.  We had a great time there before moving onto the Deepwater Public School where the riders were sitting around having lunch with all 13 kids.  Again, we have been to this School before too and we loved going back there, they even had homemade cake waiting for us !

After this, the riders hit the road again and made their way to Glen Innes.  While part of the Support Crew took off to get bags and rooms ready at our accommodation tonight, the rest pulled into Glen Innes School to listen to the Puppet Show and speak to all the kids.  After the Show they presented us with a cheque for $513.00 which was money raised from their Camp Quality Giggle Day.  We are looking forward to seeing Nat and the other Camp Quality Support Group members at dinner tonight.

Once the riders made their way from the School to the accommodation, Mama C handed out all the keys and insttructions for this afternoon and tonight. Support Crew starting refilling snack boxes, washing clothes, massaging, getting petrol, etc.   Fun Therapy tonight is going to be the Regifting Auction.  This always proves to be a really fun night.

Everyone is now eating AGAIN, chilling, wandering the streets of Glen Innes and taking advantage of our awesome coffee machine before we all meet up again.at 4.30 p.m.

Until the next blog, thanks for reading and keep the Messages coming in.- we love reading them out of a night.

Until the next blog,
Donna.  x

Day 4 The BIG One!!!

Well it's Ali here to fill you all in on the big day from Casino to Tenterfield. We started at 6.30am and finished at 4pm....9.5 hours in the saddle is not pleasant, to be polite!!! The stats of the day were 127kms and over 2400 metres climbed. You may think only the less experienced riders struggled and found it difficult. Well just quietly, I heard a few comments from the more experienced riders that they even found it to be a very tough day. The 3 massage ladies had very very full schedules once we arrived at The Telegraph Hotel and there were many great riders lined up! Now to fill you in on the day on the road with some highlights.....we climbed and climbed and just when you thought surely this is the top we climbed again and again! It was amazing to see how we all supported each other as the Demons set in for many at different times. Cara was the Queen (king) of the Mountain for every single one of us. She will admit that she struggled but boy o boy did she fight. There were tears (and not just from Cara) and self doubt but with the support of many other riders Cara rode into Tenterfield 9.5 hrs after starting at the front of the pack. We were all so elated for her. Tonight in the presentation as Cara received the King of the Mountain Jersey there were tears all round. Dishpig Dazza asked "who just sprayed pepper spray?" And the laughter was ripe as the tears were wiped! 

Now to tell you about the amazing ways in which support crew gets us through a day like this.....by the side of the road we had Angry Bird, Marilyn Munroe, eve as in Adam and Eve, the Fine Master running behind the riders like Tour de France, Doc Rog with speedos and pink singlet and Doc Ali dancing on the top of poor Richie Merricks car in her 1980's like aerobics outfit! Sorry Richie about the two foot prints on your roof! We seriously would not get through days like this without their support! 

Well wonderful family, friends and supporters thanks for keeping us strong. 

Day 4 - Casino to Tenterfield

Today was always going to be the tough day with 125 kms to ride and lots of hills to conquer.  Support crew alarms were set for 4.45 am so we could have breakfast ready to be served by 5.30. Bacon and eggs were on the menu with lots of cereal and once again the coffee machine got a big work out. Thanks so much to G & C Mutual for sponsoring the coffee van.

Everyone was a little nervous and excited about what lay ahead. They left on time surrounded by the amazing support crew armed with lots of fun therapy and dress ups to keep the riders spirits up and laughing through the day. 

Kath and Kim and Don and Trish set off to get the lunch supplies while Mama C and I jumped in the Ark with Norm and Brad so Derrin could drive into Lismore to try and get his bike part. We took Norm into McDonalds to get his cone before we left. The riders stopped for a quick break at Mumulgum School before the School opened. The Puppeteers, Carol, Brad, Norm, Kath, Kim and myself also went and spoke to the kids at the School - they Loved the Nudie juice products and did a great job on the competitions - thanks Nudie. 

Meanwhile the riders were ahead at the Tabulam School hanging out with the kids, answering questions and judging their colouring and joke competitions. They had to get on their bikes and leave before the puppet show, as they still had a long way to go and have to be off the road by 4 pm. 

After a quick break at the park opposite the Lunatic Hotel in Drake (where Norm disappeared for a while) they were back on the road. Mama C and I jumped back into her car as Derrin had caught up to us and had managed to get his bike fixed - yay!

We then made our way to Tenterfield to get rooms ready and bags unpacked for their arrival hopefully by 4 pm after a big day. 

As I blog, Brad and I are in the car travelling the 1.5 hours to Guyra to a bike shop to get a new seat pole for Blake's bike which has apparently broken out on the road. A lovely guy in Guyra has really gone out of his way to help us with this and has left the part at the local pub in Guyra for us to collect. Hopefully this will get Blake back on the road tomorrow. 

I have been told everyone has now arrived in Tenterfield safe and sound and I will blog later tonight how the day went. 

Until then,

Donna x

Day 3 - Casino Craziness !

Our Fun Therapy this afternoon turned out to be so funny.  We all met together in a room at the Casino Motel where Mama C and I had decorated for a "duo birthday party" for both Nick and Trish who are celebrating their birthdays on this Ride.  Everyone had party hats on and formed two circles so we could play pass the parcel.  When the music stopped on you, it was your turn to unwrap a sheet of paper and whatever was in there, you had to put on and wear to the pub tonight.  There was everything from big flowers for your hair to cottontails, hair pieces and jewelery - it was really funny.

Pass the Parcel

After this we called Trish and Nick up to cut the cake and we sang Happy Birthday to them and then shared the biggest cake in history.  Even after everyone had eaten a piece, there was still three quarters of it left !

Next was the biggest surprise of all.  Our beautiful Shari (who is a professional dancer) taught the Captains how to do the Can Can.  She had made then beautiful skirts and they all did an amazing job - we have never laughed so hard - check it out:-

The Captains doing the Can Can

The Captains with their amazing teacher Shari

 After we got ourselves together King explained that tomorrow was going to be a really hard day and the hardest one yet.  Breakfast Crew need to be up at 5.00 a.m. to serve breakfast by 5.30 a.m. before the riders leave at 6.30 a.m.  Tomorrow they are not expected to arrive until around 3.30 p.m.

Our meal at the Charcoal Inn was really nice and after this everyone pretty well left to go home and get an early night's sleep before tomorrow.  Fingers crossed the weather will be good again.

Joker Jersey Winner - Todd - for keeping everyone awake late last night trying to find the door to the toilet and almost falling on top of Kath and Kim whilst looking.
King of the Mountain Jersey Winner - Holly - for being so much improved this year and despite being behind with her training, making up all necessary qualifiers.
Most Supportive Jersey Winner - Richo - for doing such a great job at the front of the pack today and keeping everyone on track.

Support Crew Joker Jersey Winner - Doc Rog - for saying it was too hot to get out of the car to cheer and do some Fun Therapy on the side of the road for the riders (even though the riders were out riding in the heat - not good Doc !)
Support Crew Most Supportive Jersey Winner - Mama C - for doing so much in the lead up to the Ride and now taking on the role of Support Crew Manager.  We love you Mama C.

Donna and Mama C

The Fine Master handed out fines to Sal and Clint for having their own coffee mug permanently at the Coffee Van and just giving the girls a nod when they want it made - no lining up for them.  Clive was fined YET AGAIN for being out of uniform and King for being late for fun therapy, just to name a few.

Well that's it for today everyone, this little blogger is going to bed as I have to be up at 4.45 a.m. to get dressed and be out on time for breakfast duty.

Until tomorrow - Donna x
PS - don't forget to leave your messages of support - we read them every night.

Day 3 - Hello Casino

Well with 26 people sleeping in a dining room there had to be some problems.  Besides all the random bodily noises continually happening, about 2.00 a.m. there was so much snoring coming from Brad, Clive, Brian, Big G and some other randoms, it was like the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Between that and Norm complaining about the cold and Todd walking around in a dazed state randomly trying doors so he could find a toilet, not much sleep was had and all of us were up by 5.00 a.m.

Todd when he finally got to sleep

Tony and Melissa cooked us all up an awesome breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausages and toast and B1 and B2 were busy with their coffee van.  We wished all the dads a Happy Father's Day, thanked the staff at the Woodenbong Hotel, packed up our gear and they were on the road and back on their way.

Support Crew getting lunch ready

Lunch was served by the amazing Kath and Kim at Kyogle and the riders were entertained by the fun loving Shari and Peta on the road.  Rhiannon and Jack are doing a great job recording all the memories on the ride and some things that people probably don't want to remember.

The weather has been so awesome and all the riders commented on what an awesome day on the road it was.  Everyone has bonded so well and we are all really enjoying ourselves.

Ash (B1), Lianne (B2), Peta, Kristy, Mama C and Doc Ally at Woodenbong

Poor Derrin had a fall off his bike today - he is okay but his bike is not and he had to finish the day in the Medical Car.  Hopefully we can get the part the Mechanics need for his bike in Lismore tomorrow so he can get back on the road.

About 12.00 noon the riders arrived at the Casino Motel where we are staying tonight.  Everyone is gathered around the pool, our wonderful Massage Therapists are busy working on all the tired, sore muscles of the riders and Kath and Kim have just come back with KFC for everyone - thanks to our wonderful KFC sponsor - Dorothy Bourke (Mama C's mum).

Arriving at Casino

I will be back to you all later tonight with this afternoon and tonight's shenanigans!

Donna. x