We're Going To Do It All Again!

We're getting the jump on next year and getting in early with our prep!

I'm so pleased to be able to announce that we're set to give this Red Shield Ride another go!

This is a SAVE THE DATE announcement for those who expressed interest in joining us in 2016 for our ride around Tasmania.

Red Shield Ride 2016 is still a 6 day event, but this year we're upping the ante; 564km (100km more than last year) and over 7,500m of elevation.

We're looking for expressions of interest from riders wishing to participate in the whole event as well as individual stages depending on your availability and also from others who may wish to help out in preparation for or during the Ride itself.

If you would like an Information Sheet, then please email: johnmark.snead@aus.salvationarmy.org or call: 03 6228 8415

SAVE THE DATE: Get in early and block out space in your calendar!

Red Shield Recovery...

The Red Shield Ride is well and truly behind me now; it's Monday and that means 'back to work!'

My wife Nicole has told me numerous times that I need to concentrate on the positives rather than the negatives.  I have a tendency to see all the things that could have been better first, rather than all the things that were done well.  There have been a number of things that as they occurred over the six days of the Red Shield Ride and in the days since that I've thought could have been better, but I'm going to try and do as Nicole says; she'll be so pleased!

On Saturday morning, albeit a little later than normal, I hopped on the bike and went out for a 'recovery' ride.  Now in all honesty, I won't pretend to fully understand the concept of a 'recovery' ride - I'll probably google it when I'm finished writing this and realize I did it all wrong anyway.

It was good to get out on my own for a bit.  I've heard people saying for many years now that cycling is the new golf and therefore it is a social sport.  Now don't get me wrong, I already said here a couple of times how much I like riding with other people, but every once in a while, it's nice to get out on my own; it gives me time to think and not think if you know what I mean.

So as I peddled down to Kingston Beach and back, I first of thought of the riders who came with me; what a great group they are.  Each of their involvement carried significance (for me if not for anyone else).

Phill Abram; is a good mate and fellow Salvo Officer,  we both love mountain biking but this was the first time we'd ridden our roadie's together.   It's always great to be out and away from ministry with Phill.

Steve Miller; 12 months ago almost to the day of his involvement in the Red Shield Ride, Steve was undergoing his first round of Chemo in his battle against cancer.  Steve was the only non-rider of the group meaning he doesn't ride regularly.  Yet on Thursday last week - riding a mountain bike, not a road bike - Steve rode up and over Bonnet Hill here in Hobart.  Words don't adequately describe how proud I am of him for doing this, and how happy I was to be part of that achievement.

Aaron Petersen; my brother-in-law and a true inspiration.  Aaron paid his own way to bring his bike over from the mainland to cycle with us - who does that?  I was so encouraged to have him come and be a part of the Ride.

Stuart Foster; my regular riding buddy!  Stuart's encouraged me all the way through with this event, though a couple week from start of the ride, he started making noises about how unprepared he was and unfit; each time I waved it off with "it'll be fine, you'll do great" and guess what. He did!  Stuart rode the whole Ride with me.

It regard to my two goals for the Ride; to raise awareness of the Red Shield Appeal in Tasmania and to raise money for the Appeal too, I'm really pleased with how we performed in both.  I think I spoke with the media for 5 out of the six days of the Ride.  We had radio and newspaper promotion before, throughout and after the ride.  The TV camera's were even there at the end of the Ride for the Statewide Launch of the Neighbourhood Appeal.  So on the whole, I think we did really well in raising awareness - and there were some good lesson's learned as well for next time.  As for funds raised, at the moment we're sitting on just over $3000 with all of that coming from the sponsorship of friends and family, not bad for a first time effort.

As far as I went...?  I loved being out on the bike for six days.  My body coped really well physically - though with all of the other demands each day I was left pretty tired.  For me the ride was a dim reflection of life and in many respects, of how good of a life I live.  There were moments of joy and exhilaration.  There were also moments of pain and misery.  It wasn't easy, I had to work each day to complete the stage(s).  But each day I had company; there was always someone with me to share the pain, offer encouragement, or even to just be there as we powered on for a bit in silence.  Had I attempted the Ride alone, I truly don't know how I would have gone.

All this confirms to me that we are made for company!  We're not meant to be alone!  My faith in Jesus means I'm never alone, yet even when Adam was created, God recognized Adam's need for companionship.  I don't know what it is like for people who journey through this life alone, but the Red Shield Ride has reminded me that The Salvation Army is committed to coming alongside those who don't have anyone else and walking with them; I'm glad I'm a part of that.

The Red Shield Appeal Launch

So the whole point of riding around Tasmania for the last 6 days has been to raise awareness of and funds for the Red Shield Appeal. 

We made it!  The Red Shield Ride's complete!

As we arrived in Hobart today, the State Premier, the Hon Will Hodgman and The Salvation Army's Divisional Commander, Major Ritchie Watson, launched this years appeal in Elizabeth Street Mall.  The Premier opened the appeal with a donation for $30,000 from the State Government, for which we are very grateful. 

Stuart telling the Premier about our day.

It was great to see so many people at this event, especially the members of our Tasmanian Advisory Board to The Salvation Army.  There were heaps of camera's and it was the ideal opportunity today to voice the needs of many in our communities for whom life is often too difficult.  The Salvation Army is committed to 'Caring for People' from every walk of life.  We seek to help at the point of need and if necessary to walk folk as we work towards 'Transforming Lives'. 

A little photobomb of the Premier as he Launches this years Red Shield Ride.

In many respects the ride I undertook over the last 6 days has been a reflection of this ministry.  It isn't always easy.  Occasionally it's possible to find a simple solution;  other times you've just got to work through it.  It's at these points when being surrounded by positive and encouraging people can make all the difference.  There are moments of great satisfaction though, and on the whole it is incredibly rewarding to be a part of.

The Riders with 'Shieldy'.

If you haven't already sponsored a rider or made a donation to the Red Shield Ride, I would still love your support!  You don't have to sponsor me, each of the other riders who joined me worked hard and deserve the encourage your sponsorship will bring.  Most importantly though are those who will benefit from your sponsorship over the next year - each gift helps the Salvos to make a difference.

Will you please help us? 

You can do so by clicking here.

Major Steve Miller sneaking a selfie with the Premier.

Sharing cycling stories!

My Champs-Élysées

Today the Red Shield Ride came to an end in Elizabeth Street Mall in Hobart! 

Being only 20km long, this was the shortest stage of the last six days of riding.  In many respects it was never going to be difficult, after all, almost all of this stage is part of Stuart's and my regular Saturday morning ride.  However, Major Steve Miller was set to join us today; not being a cyclist himself and having not done very much training for the event, I was unsure how the ride would ban out - particularly up Bonnet Hill.

With Major Steve Miller and Stuart Foster at The Salvation Army Kingborough/Huon

 I was woke up feeling really unwell.  My stomach was churning and for a little while I wondered if I'd be getting on the bike at all today.  I'm still not sure how much of it was nerves or anxiety about the media launch that was scheduled to take place at the end of the ride, but I had a feeling that once I was on the bike, things would come good - and so they did.

A few early wobbles for Steve

 After a bit of drama over night that meant the bike Major Steve was going to ride was unrideable, he was able to hop on Nicole's mountain bike.  It was hardly ideal for the road riding we had before us, but we pumped up the tyres nice and high to get the best possible roll out of them and then after a few early wobbles and Steve getting his head around the gearing, we set off!

Major Steve; what a machine!  Powering up Bonnet Hill

This last stage was something special for Stuart and I.  Major Steve hadn't ridden a bike since 1998 (I think, though it may be longer).  But thanks only the small part of it!  This time last year, Major Steve was undergoing his first treatment of chemo.  For most of last year, Steve was battling cancer; in all that time I didn't hear him complain once, he just soldiered on trying to encourage other all the way along.  Today's climb up Bonnet Hill (2.5km with 160m elevation) was no different.  Steve didn't complain once.  He just kept peddling, shouting out encouragement to Stuart and I and even singing at one point.  He was and is a hero!

A nice easy ride up Bonnet Hill

  At one point, as Steve was apologising for holding Stuart and I up (for the third or fourth time), he asked whether we'd be normal going twice as fast as we were up the hill.  As I looked down at our speed, I nodded to myself - more than twice as fast normally.  But please let me be clear - that was totally not the point of today.  Steve encouraged us to leave him to it a couple of times - we were due in the city by 12pm) but Stuart and I were adamant that we were riding with Steve all the way today.  In the end though, the ride up Bonnet Hill was the easiest, slowest and most relaxed I've ever done (Stuart too, I think); it actual felt really good!

A relieved Major Steve Miller at the end.

 The last stage of the Tour de France isn't really a competitive stage, rather it is more of a relaxed and enjoyable ride to end the event.  Today's stage was much like that; not too long, not to hard, but lots of fun and enjoyment - even the hills didn't seem to offer too much resistance.  It was a great way to end 6 days of riding.

Since Saturday, Stuart and I have ridden: 466.6km, climbed: 4858m.  The website for fundraising remains open, so if you haven't already sponsored one of the riders, please be generous and head over there now and do so; every dollar raised is invested back into the community to help those who need it most.  You can find the fundraising website by clinking here.

All over!  Bit of an anticlimax not being able to ride into the Mall.

Almost There...

It was a little strange this morning to be leaving for another stage of the Red Shield Ride from home.  It was also a little hard getting out of bed this morning to head anywhere.

With the minibus considerably less cluttered than it has been for the past four days, and with only Stuart and I, with our support drive Dennis, it all felt different today.

Rugging up against the cold and potential rain.

Having rained last night, the roads were wet this morning for the first time since we started in Burnie on Saturday and it looked like it could rain some more for most of the day.  So Stuart and I rugged up when we got to Carlton.  The wonderful folks there gathered to meet us warmly and send us off with a cup of tea - needless to say I was delighted.

Wonderful crowd at Carlton this morning.

Riding familiar roads in today's weather was a blessing - depending on what the weather was going to do we now had a couple of options for alternate routes should be need them.  Neither Stuart or I thought much of descending Grass Tree Hill into the Derwent Valley in the rain.  We set off on time and soon started to warm up nicely.  We didn't get much of a view like we've been getting on previous mornings, but we did ride through some great places. 

Familiar Roads

Richmond

Almost at the end of the stage.

There were lots of laughs today on the road for Stuart and I - I wonder how much of it was relief that we are now so close to the end of this cycling adventure?  The truth is, we just really enjoyed being out on the bikes again today.  The pace was easy; much easier than the day before.  I think also that Stuart and I have become quite used to riding together now that we know each others rhythms and expectations.  It's easy riding with Stuart.

Grinning on the descend of Grass Tree Hill in Hobart

Riding along the roads around Hobart and the surrounding area gave us the opportunity to stop for lunch at Stuarts Dad and Mum's house!  Thanks Tony and Elizabeth for the wonderful soup!  After lunch we set our fastest pace of the day on the road from Austins Ferry to New Norfolk.  To be honest, having ridden this road a few times now, I can't say I've ever really enjoyed it, but today it rolled on by quickly and happily.

After just over 3.5hours (I said the pace was easy) we arrived at the Salvos to be welcomed be Lt's Di and Tim Size.  The hall was warm, the tea was strong, the fruit and nibbles were tasty; even the couch was comfy - ask Stuart.

Stuart's a little worn out

With Lt. Tim Size at The Salvation Army New Norfolk.

This week has been long though.  The days have been full on, and not just with cycling.  I have found myself this evening starting to get a little grumpy - a sure fire sign of me being tired!  But I wouldn't change the last five days for anything.  Stuart and I have ridden over 440kms.  Tomorrow it will all be over!  Only 20km still to go - I'm really looking forward to it, not the finishing, but being out on the bike again!

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Aaron Petersen: The Original Red Shield Rider

Today we thanked and farewelled Aaron from the Red Shield Ride.

Aaron (right) with me and Stuart

He really is a great man.  Aaron flew from Melbourne at his own expense to lend his support to the Red Shield Ride Tasmania and we owe much to this guy.

Contemplating the start in Burnie

His ride a couple of years ago was the inspiration for this one.  As I've already said before, Aaron riding manner makes him one of the best guys to ride with anywhere.  Certainly from Stuart's and my point of view, Aaron could have completed each stage considerably quicker on his own, but his grace and nature were directed to us, pretty much non-stop.

Setting the pace

Aaron paced us; encouraged us; offered advice from his experience; made us laugh! In short he's added to the experience.

Anyone who knows Aaron knows what a great and selfless guy he is - if you don't know him, you'll just have to take my word!  He is well worth sponsoring, so why not spare a few dollars and head over to page by clicking here and sponsoring him!

Loving it!

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Ready for the off in George Town on Monday

Day Four: A Bit Of A Mixed Bag...

In 2013, on the last day of Aaron's Red Shield Ride from Adelaide to Melbourne, I found myself for much of that final stage in a position similarly occupied by Richie Porte in front of Chris Froome; only I was in front of Aaron.  On that occasion I giving him a bit of a rest in setting the pace. 

Aaron Petersen doing "some of the work!" setting the pace!

Today, Aaron returned the favour.  At about the 60km mark, I'd been out in front for a few km's and Aaron came past; "You've got another 80km's to do tomorrow, I don't.  Let me do some of the work for you!"  It felt so good drafting behind him, and we made our best time of the day over the next 15-20kms.

Last night we decided that if we could start a little earlier today we should.  The main consideration was finishing the 100km from Bicheno to Orford in enough time for Aaron to pack down his bike and get him to the Airport for his flight home.

Aaron's Bike going into the bike bag for the flight home!

So we got underway by 8:30am with the intention of reaching Orford by 2pm at the latest, including stops and whatever else may come up!  At any given point of the ride, I was almost always thinking about the clock and the likely reality that this being day four, we may well get slower the further we went today.

Food and a breather!

In the end. despite the cold - it was cold today - we motored along quite well!  We arrived at Swansea for a second breakfast to find us on the front page of the Examiner! :-)

FRONT PAGE!!!!

Today's run was the longest single stage of the Red Shield Ride; 101km.  We completed it in just over 4hours and 10minutes; setting our best pace of the Ride so far!  We saw some of this great States most wonderful coast, and we are now facing only two more stages.

Freycinet behind us!

Today's ride was really the biggest psychological barrier of the Ride.  I expected it to be tougher; any 100km ride is a good effort.  But from here on out the stages only get shorter.

Stuart and I with Support Crew Member / Driver / Photographer: Dennis Petersen (my Father-in-law)

And to cap of the day;  we made it to Hobart Airport in good time for Aaron to make his flight and I'm home tonight: back to my family, my own bed and a home cooked dinner by my wife Nicole!

Tonight's slow cooked pork and roast veggie's.