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| Proudly supporting RedKite |
On Wednesday 31st August, Velosophy’s Four Musketeers set out to complete a 360km Time Trial (95 laps) in Sydney’s Centennial Park to raise awareness for RedKite and the Sea 2 Summit Challenge. RedKite is an organisation that provides real support to children, young people and their families through the difficult cancer experience. The goal was to complete the time trial in under 10hrs.
John ‘One of the key factors in success at Ironman racing is mental strength to keep on going however arduous or painful it becomes; it also honours the mental and emotional strength that the children and their families affected by cancer display on a daily basis’
At 6am the Musketeers met at Centennial. Spirits were high as the Musketeers flaunted their very latest bit of gear. The Musketeer Cape. The turnout of fellow cyclists was awesome. There were people from numerous triathlon and cycling groups around Sydney and everyone was eager to support The Musketeers endeavour.
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| The new kit... |
The team set off with supporters in tow, setting a reasonable pace for a Musketeer warm up. As the hours wore on, the real work set in. Averaging a steady 37kph, by the time they stopped for lunch (202km) the team was starting to gain a full understanding of the task they had set themselves. Andy ‘Knowing that there was another 160 to go was pretty daunting.’ Brenton ‘We’d just come off a big weekend of training from which I really hadn’t recovered. The first 60km was ok but I really struggled physically and mentally for the next 180km’
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| Thank you to all the supporters who came to help us on our way |
The next 160km required the Musketeers to dig deep and draw on all the strength and endurance training they’d endured over the past months. This was true Kona training at its best. Brenton ‘Obviously the physically strength and conditioning component of what we did was very important. Mentally though I’m taking a lot away with me from the experience. Its about adjusting physically and mentally to get yourself through the bad patches that can make or break your race day. I fully expect to hit a few low points in Kona and hopefully this experience just sets me up to deal with them just that little bit better.’
In the final 60km, when the Musketeers were close to finish, there was an awesome shift in spirits as people came to cheer them on. Andy ‘ One of the high points was when the Velosophy boys came out to join us at the end of the day, knowing we had only around 40k to go and we were going to get there.... finishing the 360k was amazing! Aaron from Velosopy was huge support cheering us all day and also our Domestique Dave Hay who handed us nutrition when we needed it – this was vital to our success.’
The result? 360km completed in 9hrs 44min.
Brenton: The four of us working together and getting around the park the way we did, we really do lift each other which is just awesome to be a part of. The four of us crossing the ‘finish line’ together was unreal.
John ‘10hrs in a time trial position speeding around in circles averaging 37kph is testament to design and build of our new Scott Plasma 3 Bikes. These machines supplied by Velosophy make the job of riding hard that much easier.’
The conditions were brilliant, support unbelievable and made so worthwhile not only for the training miles but the money and awareness raised for Redkite.
A special thanks to Velosophy for all their support to The Four Musketeers. Without them and the Velosophy gear, sub 10hrs would not be possible
TriZone also played a huge part in getting the word out about RedKite 360 TT. They took some great photos on the day which you can see at www.tri-zone.com (and on this blog)
And the day after?
Brenton ‘An overall sense of tiredness for sure. The legs and body feel fine just mentally fatigued. Probably to do with the poor night’s sleep I generally have after those sorts of sessions.
Andy ‘My body has pulled up very well, though I’m pretty tired, need a massage and a couple of good night’s sleep!’
A BIG thank you to all those who donated. The Four Musketeers raised $3,588.00 towards RedKite and the Sea 2 Summit Challenge.
To make a donation, please go to www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers
The Sea 2 Summit Challenge covers 248 km, climbs a total of 5,500 meters and traverses some of the most stunning landscapes in south-east Australia. The ride starts on the Sapphire Coast at Merimbula Beach, located about halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. It ends at the summit of Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko. Sea 2 Summit cyclists have raised over $230,000 to ensure children and young people with cancer, and their families, can access Redkite’s practical and professional emotional, financial and education support services.
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| Domestique Dave |
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