Day 7- Wycheproof to Ararat

Nicks induction into the Weinert Family

Participiants- Josh, Trav, Andrew P, Hamish, Cory, Simon, Scot, Eddie, Nick

Support Crew- Ron, Carmel, Eliza, Bruce, Marg, Ian, Sarah, Melissa, Rose Marie

An interesting nights sleep was had by those who stayed at the Birchip Lawn Tennis Club last night with the aircraft carrier air conditioner that ran for most of the night until we found the off switch, the toilet lights that provided a beacon of light and the local who called Cory's mobile at 10:30pm asking what days the Wycheproof Grain Grazing Festival was on after confusing the MS1000 article (with the number attached to it) with the Grain Grazing Festival article next it. After complaining that he couldn't hear because Cory was speaking too softly and being bluntly told that was because it was 10:30pm and we were all asleep, he quickly apologised but the damage was done. It topped off a great night which included our only night of sleeping on the floor (thank goodness). Earlier in the night we were treated to some Birchip hospitality as the Leisure put on a great spread including a short formal welcome speech and call for donations. Various distant relatives of the Weinert Clan showed up to offer their encouragement and catch up with members of the support crew they had known as children.
The morning came quickly and before we could head back to Wycheproof to begin the long slog to Ararat (168km) there was a small formality that had to take place so we headed back to the centre of town to officially induct Nick in to the Weinert as an honorary cousin. The ceremony performed by Spider (The Don of Brichip) was very moving and both bride (the bull) and groom (Nick) looked the part. Nick was presented with a terry towelling hat (a trademark from the days of our Pop Ted) and recited an oath composed by Spider whilst grasping the oversized appendage of the bull. He rode with extra spin in his pedals knowing that he was now and forever will be a member of the Weinert Family.

By the time we got around to riding it was 8:13am and 70km to Stop 1. We performed as a well oiled cycling machine and stayed together, sharing the the extra load of taking the wind and setting the pace. But as always, good things can only last so long.
We reminded of this most bleakly during the last 42km as the rolling hills of crossing through the Great Dividing Range and the over exuberance of some riders smashed most of us to pieces and made the finish line feel like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. To make the moment even more enjoyable it was also our earliest finish at 5:12pm.

A special mention today must go to Josh, who as one half of the Golden Centurions (with Hamish) tried everything possible to try and get out of riding. First he broke a spoke (which we replaced with a spare wheel) then he pulled all the screws out (he claims they fell out) of his front chain wheel so it fell to pieces but still the persistent little bugger wouldn't give up. The 6 foot 2 Josh jumped on the spare bike, a small giant, and rode like a monkey on a mini bike at the circus until he succumbed to the hills. His 135km, although not the whole way was a mighty effort.

The early finish allowed us an earlier night or an A League Final for those interested and some extra recovery time which we'll need tomorrow as we tackle our last cycling day- a lazy 180km to the beach at Port Campbell. We also had so special visitors who came to thank us and offer their support- more members of the rural MS community. Fred, Ros, Gary, Heather and Ian made an extra effort to come from the surrounding areas to our caravan park to share their stories of MS and their lives. It highlighted the variety of ways people can be affected and the changing nature of the disease over time. Gary will be joining us tomorrow night for the full 100km of the Great Ocean walk in honour of his wife Ros and we are excited to have him. Katie Ballard and Neil both representing the Foundation 5 million from Sydney arrive shortly too and it will be good to be able to link rural Victoria with our charity partner.
Bring on the end of the bike. Start time 8:13am Last bike 5:12pm.