The Smiddy bubble - Smiling for Smiddy fundraising ride - Melbourne Victoria

SATURDAY OCT 4 / 2014 / by Andrew Talati
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Smiling for Smiddy_Entering Melbourne_CBDSmiling for Smiddy Riding Melbourne CBDSmiling for Smiddy_Riding Beach Rd

Smiling for Smiddy

Part of the beauty of riding is the people you meet and this is certainly true with a group of inspirational riders we met recently. These are the dedicated riders that are currently riding and ‘Smiling for Smiddy’. Speaking with a few of the riders we discovered a common thread; a love of the amazing journey they are embarking, the passion for the cause, the comradery, and the friendships formed. There’s just an awesome energy from the entire group that’s quite infectious.

So what are they riding for?

We caught up with the team as they were setting off on the 1st last leg of the ‘7 in 7’ – a ride that circumnavigates Australia over seven years – 2014 being the finale. Completing approximately 200kms per day, this year’s event encompasses two legs - Melbourne-Sydney (3rd- 9th October) and Sydney –Brisbane (12th-18th October). That’s about 1,600 kms per leg with just two rest days in between!

Legacy of Adam Smiddy
 

It all started for Smiddy

Adam Smiddy, a talented triathlete and physiotherapist, was taken by an aggressive melanoma in 2006, aged just 26. In his honour, his best friend and cycling mentor/coach, Mark ‘Sharky’ Smoothy, began with the inaugural Smiddy Challenge – a ride from Brisbane to Townsville. The ride and the aim resonated with people and so, Smiddy events evolved and haven’t stopped yet.

Unfortunately, Adam’s not the only one: Cancer will affect 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women before the age of 85 and while massive inroads have been made into treatments, prevention and research, there’s still a long road to travel. In Australia, skin cancer (like that which afflicted Adam) is the most common form of cancer. Over 430,000 Australian are treated each year for skin cancers and around 1600 succumb to this hideous disease. One of the most debilitating parts of cancer is the unknown and the sense of helplessness this brings but as the team at Smiddy state ‘we don’t like feeling helpless. That’s why we do what we do. Our end goal is to get the one-up on cancer’.

By the end of this year the expectation is to have raised over $6 million for cancer research and support at the Mater Hospital, all from exclusive ‘Smiling for Smiddy’ events.

Cycling from Melbourne to Brisbane, the last leg in a 7 year journey, raising money for cancer research and smiling the whole way; for Smiddy!Melissa Speare_Smiling for Smiddy
 

Who rides for Smiddy?

Melissa Speare, from Brisbane, is participating in her third year of 7 in 7, and while she recognises the big commitment and the hard part of being away from family, it’s the passion for Smiddy, Sharky and raising money for cancer research that will see her saddle up and make her way with the team all the way from Melbourne to Brisbane. Like the other team members, Melissa has raised $5K to participate this year and is looking forward to the ‘Smiddy Bubble’ she’s come to anticipate. The Smiddy bubble is two weeks when all she needs to do is get up each day and just ride with like-minded people, surrounded with just a lovely feeling of a great big family. And it’s not only the cyclists, the team are backed by a tireless group of road crew and supporters all along the way. All champions to us!

The only downside; the expected fatigue on Day 3 and a few sore bums (whoops we weren’t supposed to mention that – sorry Melissa – but we totally understand that!).

Paul Hogan_BikePaul Hogan_Smile for Smiddy

Dr Paul Hogan a Prosthodontist (Complex restorative dentistry) also from Brisbane (above right the real Paul Hogan, not be be confused with the other bloke who acts) is enjoying his first year of the Smile for Smiddys ride and cannot speak highly enough of the people and the amazing things that the organisation has achieved. Like Melissa Dr Hogan has the support of his family for the many hours of training for this ultra endurance ride

Get involved

If you’re along the route and you catch up with the Smiddy team, don’t forget to give a big smile. We encourage you to find out more about ‘Smiling for Smiddy’ and make a donation if you can. You can find out more at www.smiddy.org.au

Looking for a challenge and a totally new way to see Queensland? They are already planning the 10th annual Smiddy Challenge (Brisbane to Townsville) for 2015 – you can get all the details on their website.

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