Blazing saddles: 2016 Future2 Wheel Classic – from the road

Future2 Wheel Classic – Day 6

Mandurah to Perth: 127kms

Up early we were soon on the bike paths weaving our way over and around the coastal dunes, accompanied by the occasional reptile and the first of three flats for the day. Our perfect safety record was challenged by sand drifts at hollows and crossings but we regrouped for a lap of Fremantle and a feed just out of town. A few took the direct route to Perth with the balance heading further North before looping back into the Southerly and Perth via Kings Park.

After the quickest change of gear all week, we were treated to the FPA conference opening “Dare To Dream” and Future2 Wheel Classic awards presentations with Anna Meares.

To mention that these events don’t happen without a significant effort from many is obvious. But with the first “changing of the guard ” at Future 2 for the Wheel Classic, David Eck deserves enormous credit for the success of this year’s tour and along with Glen and Terry a huge thank you from the riders and Future2 for their selfless support, protection and care, including travelling up to 1000kms at less than ideal pace in the support vehicles.

Thanks to all our supporters via http://www.future2fundraising.org.au/event/wheelclassic2016, the Future2 Foundation FPA Gala Dinner this evening is a fitting recognition of the importance our industry places on our role in all and any of Australia’s communities in ” giving kids a second chance” – a Future2!

One of the great things about riding with a group of people is you learn a lot more than just how to cycle.

The different characters, the different techniques, are all part of normal riding. However over the period of a week or so you learn a lot about people in general and the different ways they deal with common or not so common issues. And so, the lesson of the week would have to be, “smell the roses”:

And I actively chose to do just that today with the “Tailgaters” (despite there being decidedly less blooms to sample).

Having hung on to the lead-out group through clenched teeth, seeing little more than the back wheel in front of me for hours on end over the last few days, it was a refreshing change to sit up and just observe some sensational West Australian countryside at a slightly more casual pace.

The safer back roads led us on the less travelled route, but it was not until the 98k mark that we eventually found the much longed caffeine fix we were all craving. With a double iced coffee, a snack and a treat or 2 in reserve, we cruised into Mandurah, for our last night together at our “awards dinner” courtesy of rider nominations and some creative Bobbin magic.

Future2 Wheel Classic – Day 5

Bridgetown to Collie: 97kms (the unofficial rest day).

As a guide I’ve always considered a ride with a 1 per cent average rise as a good training run, and that was pretty much the case today, with just a bit of sprint work from Greg that was enough to slaughter. Rising from the start we rolled into the Treehouse Coffee Lounge at Boyup Brook at 32km and were treated to some good old country hospitality as the last real place for a stop before Collie.  As I dubbed them, “the tailgaters” caught up with us before the first group of nine rolled off again.

Here are three guys who stick at it, no matter how tough it gets and finish each day with a tired smile. Sean, after five knee reco’s has little right to stand straight far less ride 900k in a week, Peter, founding trustee of Future2 has completed all seven marathon efforts, and Craig, a bloke who has become a good mate over four of the last five rides is off for another three-day charity ride shortly after we finish. The character these blokes show is a credit to the financial advice profession and the Future2 Foundation itself.

If that was all, then you might be able to dismiss it, but the whole team really binds over the common cause: “to give kids a second chance”. We just ride the bikes and our supporters give generously, but the youth organisations in communities across Australia who benefit from the Future2 grants save lives, young lives.

http://www.future2fundraising.org.au/event/wheelclassic2016

Future2 Wheel Classic – Day 4

Margaret River to Bridgetown: 127 kms.

The wind looked a little more promising, but today’s leg had plenty of “bumps” as Roger would call them. The first 80kms into Nannup for lunch had some dozen or so rolling risers, sapping the strength from day-four legs but it was the final run into Bridgetown that saw some particularly nasty climbs, frequently hitting 10 to 12 per cent and each running for a kilometre or two. Every time we fought to gain height during the day we’d have to give it all back again and again.

You never know what the first Ks will feel like in the morning but as soon as we dismount we start our recovery and preparations for the new day, normally with a cup of noodles as the “go-to” choice compliments of Terry or David on the support team.

That and perhaps just the one drink from the bar downstairs.

Congratulations to Andrew and John  from Rockhampton as the most recent inductees to the league of “Wheel Classic Warriors”.

Future2 Wheel Classic – Day 3

Margaret River to Augusta and return: 110 kms.

Well the thighs were weak early, after the optional climbs out to the lighthouse yesterday (and perhaps just one too many samplings of Margaret River’s finest).

The loop out to Augusta, took in some rolling terrain through the Cape Naturaliste National Park(?) to the meeting of the Indian and Southern Oceans.

For our return we had the wind behind us so it was much more manageable given a lot of the time the front runners seem to be travelling at 2-3 kph more than comfortable, but admittedly they are taking the wind for us laggards most of the time so it is appreciated.

It’s off to the “Gourmet Escape” festival tonight as we say good bye to the six 3 day riders (450 Kms down) but welcome 2 newbies for the homeward leg over 4 days.

Future2 Wheel Classic – Day 2

Bunbury to Margaret River: 165 kms.

Refreshed from copious quantities of food and liquid, but still apprehensive regarding the pace of the day ahead, (“Am I going to be able to hang on to the group?”), the road called.  So after a few surf-side pics, we ventured out with the welcome assistance of a North-Westerly, at least for a start.

The promised 28 kph turned into 32-34 so the group fractured early and divisions remained for the rest of the day excluding a regrouping due to assistance from Robyn’s flat.

The lighthouse near Dunsborough provided an additional challenge for many and the first chance to stretch the legs, at our own pace.

More group riding finished the day, into Margaret River, in slightly better condition than day 1.

Susan Grice, the lifeblood of Future2 until recently, joined us for dinner and a few amusing tales of past rides were told.

Future2 Wheel Classic – Day 1

Perth to Bunbury: 175 kms.

Gathering for a 6.30am  kickoff we were soon on the bike path for the official launch at the Esther Cafe. After sampling their wares, including savoury muffins  and bacon and egg wraps (one of which I pocketed for a snack along the way), we heard of the enormous difference Future2 grants have made to youth working with the cafe and also to the Youth Futures own programs. We were then treated to an official blessing from Dr Richard Walley representing the local indigenous communities of our ride.

AMP, Iress, FPA and Future2 were represented, and then it was time for our performance – 80 kilometres of dipping and weaving bike tracks, another 70-odd along the shoulder of the main Southbound arterial being buffeted by an unrelenting South-Westerly. The occasional B-Double’s “draft” draws us a little too close to traffic lanes at times as it passed, then drags us along that little bit quicker as its wake washed by.

A grateful deviation on to a back road for the final 25 Ks saw the second of our 2 riding groups roll into Bunbury, to an enthusiastic welcome.

A tough day to start with, but all safe and sounding content.

2016 Future2 Wheel Classic: Riders and fundraising links