G I V E YO U R R I D E A R E A S O N

Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge 2019

How does a Smiling for Smiddy ride operate?At Smiling for Smiddy we have been operating road cycling events in Australia, New Zealand and Europe for 12 years.

Our events are safe, fun and professionally run by a team of dedicated and experienced cycling event operators.

You pedal and we do the rest.

On tour we take care of all your accommodation and meal requirements; we have experienced front, rear and mechanic support vehicle drivers supporting the peloton; experienced ride leaders within the group; UHF communications between support vehicles and ride leaders; a full catering crew; and daily laundry and luggage transfer.

Training and Fundraising Support

The Smiling for Smiddy team are professional fundraisers and also passionate cyclists with years of experience in completing long distance cycling events.

We are committed to our cause of funding cancer research and the bike is our vehicle to support this.

In terms of training, our weekly River Loop departs Adam Smiddy Park on Park Rd, Milton every Wednesday morning from 5.30 am, with coffee afterwards and we hold monthly training rides so you’ll be really comfortable within the Smiddy peloton. Both of these training sessions are a great way to meet other Smiddy riders.

We can also offer fundraising tips and can work with you to map out a fun and achievable fundraising plan.

The Smiling for Smiddy team will be there every step of the way to assist you with both the physical and fundraising preparations needed to take on the Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge.

His disarming smile, one that rarely left his face even amid the gravest of circumstances, gave his family and friends a window into the soul of a gentle, kind-hearted and unassuming boy from Home Hill.

In 2006, Adam passed away from an aggressive melanoma. He was just 26 years old, a talented triathlete and respected physiotherapist with the world at his feet.

Six months earlier, Adam had discovered a small lump in his groin, and a biopsy revealed it was a malignant melanoma. He had immediate surgery to remove the lump and his lymph glands.

Gradually over a six month period, Adam’s health and fitness started to return. Sadly however, it was not to be.

During a bike ride with his close friend and triathlon coach, Mark ‘Sharky’ Smoothy, Adam confessed he was not feeling well. Just over three weeks later, Adam passed away. He was in hospital for only eight days. Without his knowledge, Adam’s cancer had spread to his vital organs.

To honour Adam, six weeks after his passing Sharky and two other mates Ron Steel and Oliver Bodack, fulfilled one of Adam’s unrealised dreams. They rode 1600 km from Brisbane to Adam’s hometown Home Hill, with nothing but a credit card in their back pockets, and they raised $24 000 for cancer research in the process.

The next year, 22 more friends joined the ride.

In 2008 there were 50 riders, who together raised an incredible $420 000 for cancer research.

Year on year Smiling for Smiddy has continued to grow, with more and more people joining the team. You’re cyclists, you’re triathletes, you’re swimmers, road crew and supporters.

Together you’re Team Smiddy.

Why we rideAdam Smiddy never had an enemy in the world.

You’ll ride through deserted outback highways, warm country towns, stunning ranges and farmland and meet incredible people—from schoolkids cheering you in for lunch to country supporters who have been welcoming Smiddy pelotons for a decade.

As part of the 2019 Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge peloton, you’ll take on an epic adventure, cycling 1600 km from Townsville to Brisbane over nine days—challenging yourself physically and mentally.

But best of all, you’ll be saving lives by helping raise vital funds for cancer research at Mater.

Over the past 13 years, Smiling for Smiddy participants and supporters have raised more than $9 million for cancer research at Mater.

That’s an incredible effort, but there is still so much more to be done.

It’s a long, hard road to fight cancer, but we know you’re up for the challenge.

It’s a life-affirming experience and we want you to be a part of it.

What started as a humble ride in memory of a mate, has grown into a wonderful series of challenges. A circle of friends, with each of you bringing your own stories and your own passions.

Pictured: Adam Smiddy

Find out more at www.smiddy.org.au or call us on 1800 440 155

23 August to 31 August 2019

vv v v

BRISBANE

YARRAMAN

MUNDUBBERA

BARALABA

BLACKWATER

BILOELA

CHARTERS TOWERS

BELYANDO CROSSING

CLERMONT

TOWNSVILLE

Friday 23 – Saturday 31 August 2019

Fundraising Goal: $5000

Pre-Ride Arrive in Townsville and check into your accommodation. Join your fellow riders for the ride briefing followed by the official Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge roll out dinner.

D AY 2 – 19 8 K M S

Charters Towers to Belyando Crossing

Today we go ‘off the grid’ as we make our way to what is often referred to as the spiritual home of Smiling for Smiddy. What lies ahead is 400 km of open road with little civilization in between, apart from the tiny roadhouse at Belyando. It is here that the Smiddy ethos of Teamwork, Spirit and Mateship come to the fore. Tonight we will camp under the stars and sample a different way of life in outback Queensland.

D AY 5 – 1 8 0 K M S

Blackwater to Baralaba

From Blackwater we venture east along the Capricorn Hwy, where we will get to see just how big things are out here in coal country. The road is frequented by wide load trucks hauling the big gear that services the mining industry. However it’s only a short stretch along the Cap as we head onto the back roads towards Baralaba and the Myella Farmstay. Tonight it is just the riders and road crew at this little country oasis, where we will be treated to true country fare.

Teamwork. Spirit. Mateship.

D AY 1 – 141 K M S

Townsville to Charters TowersWe start with an easy roll out of Townsville to our favourite stop at the CWA Hall Woodstock for an early morning tea, before taking on the Mingela Range and crossing the mighty Burdekin River as we make our way into Charters Towers, a beautiful old gold mining town, where we will be hosted by the local School of the Air community.

Event details:

D AY 3 - 17 6 K M S

Belyando Crossing to Clermont

We continue south towards civilization and the amazing community at Clermont, who have been hosting Smiddy pelotons for over a decade. But before we can enjoy the hospitality of our hosts with a community dinner there are some hard kilometres to be done through the outback highways!

D AY 6 – 11 6 K M S

Baralaba to Biloela

After a nice sleep in and hearty country breakfast we set off on our shortest day, but one of our most important. We have many kids waiting for us at several schools including Goovigen with a student population of just 12. At Thangool the local P&C roll out an almighty spread before we head back into Biloela for our final school visit. Tonight we’ll enjoy a community dinner and festivities at the Thangool Race Club with new friends and old. Tonight will be a celebration of everything Smiling for Smiddy represents.

D AY 9 – 17 7 K M S

Yarraman to Brisbane

After eight days the finish line is close—but there is still some work to be done before you’re re-united with your loved ones. The day starts with a fast run out of town and down the Blackbutt Range, before we settle into a regular rhythm through the undulations of the Somerset regions, making our way to Kilcoy before heading onto the country lanes. Brisbane is closing fast, and soon we’ll need to switch to city riding as we make our way through the suburbs. We’ll enjoy a final stop for lunch before we make the last push home through to Mater Private Hospital Brisbane and your awaiting support crew.

You’ve done it!1600 kms in just nine days. It’s time to celebrate with your fellow riders, road crew and supporters, and reflect on what you have achieved—not just the physical feat but the funds you have raised for life-saving cancer research at Mater.

D AY 7 – 2 0 2 K M S

Biloela to Mundubbera

A solid 200 kms awaits us as we make our way out of Biloela and up on to the ranges. We have two climbs to undertake before reaching our morning tea and school visit at Monto. However after our first stop the roads are more undulating making their way through prime cattle country along the quiet country highways and back roads. Tonight we enjoy a quiet dinner around the camp fire pit telling the stories of the day. We are nearing our final destination now, and while you will be keen to see loved ones back home, you also know you will soon be saying goodbye to your new Smiddy mates.

D AY 8 – 2 2 3 K M S

Mundubbera to Yarraman

Today is the longest and will be the most challenging. But we know you have the strength to make it. We’ll have the chance to take in some quaint little towns as we divert off the highways onto country lanes and old timber towns—joining the fully sealed South Burnett Rail Trail at Wondai and meandering along the old railway to Kingaroy—the peanut capital of Queensland. From here it’s a short roll to the finish at Yarraman, where it will be just the riders and road crew for the final time enjoying the company of friends new and old.

Registration Fee ($1250) includes:

Access to monthly training rides and training support

9 nights’ accommodation

All meals on tour

Ongoing fundraising support; And much more

Pre-ride dinner in Townsville

Full on road support crew including, physio/massage, mechanic, catering, laundry and luggage transfer

Exclusive Smiling for Smiddy cycling kit

D AY 4 – 2 0 3 K M S

Clermont to Blackwater

After three days on the road the peloton will be bonding together as we make our way into the heart of Queensland’s coal country. Out here everything is big, including the hearts and personalities in the local towns, and Blackwater is no different. Tonight we are treated to another big community dinner.