The tour started with Doctor Kerfuffel and Doctor Colourful giving us a heads up as to what was planned for the day; the best way for us to be involved; and a little bit about the wards we would be visiting.

Being on tour with the Clown Doctors is very special but its important to recognise early that they are skilled in the delivery of humour; not us … so when I made a comment to Doctor Kerfuffel about the tea pot hat that was sitting on his head … a comment along the lines of “have a look at your head” … I should have expected that he would hit me harder than I hit him … the response he delivered almost before I had finished mine was “have you stood in front of a mirror lately” and we all know there is nothing better than watching your mates get smacked so for both Aaron and David, this was the perfect start to the tour.

Abi Group

Now before I chat about the tour, let me introduce Aaron and David. Aaron Rodgers has participated in all the entoure events and been a previous winner of the Best Fundraiser Jersey on a number of occasions. He is a man with a big heart and loves nothing more than to raise a lot of money for kids charities. He takes on the challenge of fundraising like it is a game … a very serious game … and he doesn’t muck around. It would be fair to say I have never met anyone quite like him … he is an incredible human being. Well that was until I met his boss at Abi Group David Vicenzino; a very different person to Aaron in many respects but with a shared passion for fundraising and supporting kids charities. The first year team Abi Group entered an entoure event was in 2010 and Aaron Rogers was the team leader and thanks to some serious planning and support from many of Abi Groups contractors, the team raised an incredible $83,000. So for the Brisbane to Salt 2011 ride, Abi Group had a few options;

1. be happy with what they achieved in 2010 and go easier on their network, or
2. step it up

2011 saw David Vicenzino (Aaron’s boss) take the Team Leadership spot and the decision was made to step it up. The team created a very professional flyer and developed a clear plan and call to action: OUR FUTURE IS OUR CHILDREN. A soft target of $100,000 was set and a business plan was established. Accountabilities were established across team members and emails were issued to go hard. The team raised $110,000 and secured a major sponsor in Real Serious Games at $10,000 and a further product sponsor in McLay Industries at $2,500. No surprise the entire team won the 2011 Best Fundraiser Jersey.

Team Abi Group raised enough money to pay for 2 Clown Rounds a week for an entire year so to show them the Clown Doctors in action was not only important, but deserved and a real privilege for me to share a Clown Round with 2 of entoures strongest supporters and mates.

The Clown Round

Watching the Clown Doctors is a lot like watching a flower blossom in high speed. I had the happy tears streaming down my face before we got out of the main foyer of the cafeteria. On the way to the wards and within minutes of starting the round, the Clown Doctors engaged with a young girl (probably 3) who was with her grandmother. It was incredible for me to watch the girl react as both Doctor Colourful and Doctor Kerfuffle focused on her. Just like the blossoming of a flower in high speed, she grew in confidence; grew in acceptance; and innocence that looked lost, came back. As the Clown Doctors worked their magic, the little girl ever so slowly released her tight grip on her grandmothers hand almost finger by finger. Her face took a long time to go from a stare to a smirk; to a grin; and then to a laugh … but it happened and it was beautiful. It was the first time I had seen the re-birth of lost innocence and that’s what drove my happy tear moment. Whilst I don’t have kids, the most prized asset of any child and parent must surely be the innocence of a child and serious illness or accidents can sadly see kids loose this innocence for either a long time or sometimes for ever. My view has always been that whilst we can’t change the outcome, we can help … but here I was watching the outcome change … watching the Clown Doctors breath life back into a little girl and enrich her in a way that was life changing. It was a simple visual … but a visual I will never forget as it really brought home the power of love, laughter and the need for fun on the human soul.

The Roll Call

The Clown Round continued through a variety of kids wards but one of the most entertaining of moments was the visit we made to a day ward; a ward where kids and families that had recently been released from hospital come back to see doctors and to get a feel for how the recovery process is going. The ward was busy and in any ways for me a bit like a public emergency ward with people coming and going; people lining up to register as they entered; and doctors calling out the names of the next patient in line.

After working the room and seeing many of the kids, Doctor Kerfuffle and Doctor Colourful moved silently to the centre of the room and started to yell out the names of people that quite clearly didn’t exist. The first name was “I P Daily” … Doctor Kerfuffle yelled numerous times “Calling I P Daily … has anyone seen I P Daily”. And on they went … roll call after roll call … with each name that was called out, more laughter. The kids looked as if the Clown Doctors were being naughty; the parents looked as if the Clown Doctors were being funny; and the nurses and doctors looked on as if thank god … a mood change. I looked on not wanting the roll call to stop. I thought it was one of the greatest things I had ever seen. What was initially a very busy and slightly hectic room transformed into something very different; and all because of the time and skill of the Clown Doctors and how they use Humour to change the world.

To Doctor Colourful and Doctor Kerfuffle … THANK YOU for everything you do … you really are amazing.

The Entoure Cycle events are fast becoming the premier cycle event for both experienced and semi experienced cyclists and a fantastic opportunity to raise money for a special cause. The Queensland Cycle Classic will more than likely be a new route that will take place over 3 days in October, 2012. Places are limited to 70 riders so people will need to register quickly; take advantage of the early bird give aways; and come join the entourage.

Registrations Open March 2012

To get a feel for what you are in for, watch a video from our recent Brisbane to Salt Ride.

What you must know

Register

Opens March 2012

Early Bird Bargain

Register by March 31 and receive a complimentary Babici designed entoure race kit valued at $225

Fundraising Opportunities

Under a revised model, riders will for the first time have an opportunity to;

1. fundraise for an incredible cause
2. support their own cause, or
3. simply participate.

Details

When: October
Where: Queensland
Cost: TBA
Start: TBA
Finish: TBA

Inclusions

2 Nights accommodation Friday and Saturday Nights
All meals including Breakfast, Lunch andy Dinner
On road file, Electrolyte drink, Gels and Bars
Bike washing and full on road support (mechanical parts on a user pay basis)
Massage therapists (user pay basis $30 for 30 minutes)

Terms and Conditions

Before registering for our events, riders need to commit to doing a couple of things:

1. be registered with Bicycle NSW (or it’s equivilent), Click here to register online.
2. be fit and healthy,
3. have a road bike (no hybrids allowed), and be
4. fit and experienced enough to participate in the event safely

Rider Rules and Safety

Riders need to follow some basic rules when participating in our events. These rules are designed to keep our participants safe. Click here for more information about rider rules and safety.

What you should know

Routes

TBA

Pelotons

Riders will be split into a variety of pelotons based on rider experience & speed. All riders will be allocated into these pelotons prior to the event. It will be important for all riders to chat with their team captains and nominate a preference prior to allocation. Riders can swap pelotons throughout the tour but not throughout the day as the intention will be to keep the pelotons separate in order to limit road congestion.

Qualification

All riders must qualify to participate in this event and have reached a level equal to or in-excess of C Grade vet and we will contact all riders individually on receipt of their registration form to discuss the pre event qualification process in more detail. The purpose of this qualification is to ensure riders can ride safely at a collective pace without getting dropped or requiring the sad wagon.

Pace

The pace will be steady and safety will be a priority. Riders will once again compete for a series of competition jerseys and we will provide details in regards to the jerseys and how they can be won, closer to the event.

Competition Jerseys

Whilst it is not a race, some organised challenges will occur and a detailed briefing will be held throughout the event. In short, the competition sections will include:

1. Yellow Section - Leaders Jersey
2. Green Section - Sprint Jersey
3. Polka Dot - Climbers Jersey
4. Pink - Individual Fundraiser
5. White - Best New Rider

Riders will not be allowed to win more than one of the above categories and we will provide more detail on this closer to the event.

Support

The  pelotons will be fully supported with lead and rear vehicles and roving motorbikes; mechanics, massage therapists and doctors. Water, electrolyte powder, carbo shots, bananas and sun cream will be available as required. Riders requiring mechanical parts will purchase on a needs basis from the mechanics.

Massage Therapists

Massage Therapists will be available throughout the event at a cost of $30 for 30 minutes. Riders will be advised of the booking process at the event and are encouraged to utilise the therapists to release unwanted aches and pains. Why get a massage ?

Clothing

Both team and individual kits are available. For individual kit, simply visit the entoure shop. For team kit, contact us and we will help you with your designs. Minimum quantities apply.

Accommodation

The location is yet to be confirmed however riders will have the options of Twin or Triple share.

Flights

No flights planned for this tour. Riders are to arrange their own flights.

Meals

Meals will be held at the resort on Friday and Saturday Nights. Lunches on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be held along the route. Riders with special food requirements should let us know at registration.

Training

Training requirements differ from rider to rider however, we have put together a training program based on a 14 week lead period. We have also provided riders with some information on health and wellness together with a few tips when it comes to Urologists designed bike seats.

Click here for information about our health tips, training rides and training program.

Riders Factsheet

For a brief snap shot of the event, download the riders fact sheet here.

Dr Tickle Me Please and Dr Sniggles (pictured above) are 2 of the 55 very special people who make up the Clown Doctors. Today I watched lost innocence reborn. I watched kids faces light up; parents and nurses laughing; people having fun in an environment that is simply not built for laughs. We visited Randwick Children’s Hospital and whilst this was not my first visit to a children’s hospital, it was my first “Clown Round” and just like the kids, the parents and all around me, I didn’t want it to end.

The Humour Foundation is entoures Major Beneficiary and the recent Grape Ride raised around $52,500 in support of the Clown Doctors program which will fund 1 Clown Round per week (2 x Clown Doctors) for an entire year and from what I have witnessed today, that’s got to be one of the best investments on the planet.

Who are the Clown Doctors ?

The Clown Doctors work in partnership with health professionals. While regular doctors focus on the sickness of the child, Clown Doctors focus on the health. There are currently 55 Clown Doctors operating in 20 Hospitals around Australia who touch the lives of more than 135,000 people in the health care system each year. All are highly skilled professional performers trained by The Humour Foundation to work in the hospital setting. The Foundation provides ongoing support and professional development to ensure that Clown Doctors are well-nourished professionally and are able to perform to the best of their ability. Read more.

The Visit !

Ian Doig collected both Mark and myself and drove us to the Hospital. The plan was to meet Dr Tickle Me Please and Dr Sniggles before the Clown Round and in discussions before meeting the 2 doctors, I told Ian that I often felt like an intruder on these tours and that I wasn’t sure how I was going to react when placed in a situation of a child, their parents and the Clown Doctors. Well how wrong could I have been ? Both Dr Tickle Me Please and Dr Sniggles (one of the original Clown Doctors back in 1997) are so skilled when it comes to evaluating a child’s emotional connection, engaging me and getting me involved from what was a safe distance for me and for the kids, was all too easy. The visitation started at around 10.30 am and whilst for Mark and I the Clown Round finished at around 11.45 am, both Dr Tickle Me Please and Dr Sniggles were just warming up.

How do they operate ?

Both doctors were quick to assess each and every child. Quickly and silently identifying and strategising each situation; standing at the door of each ward; shouting things such as “DID ANYONE ORDER 2 SPECIALISTS” and then asking the kids if they could come in.

Once given the nod by a child within the ward, in they would go; slowly working their way around the ward as each child showed interest; heavily involving parents and nurses and very quickly changing the emotional state of the entire room.

The transformation was simply incredible. The humour (whether it be tricks, jokes, magic or song) was pitched at a level that entertained all ages; either that or I have some growing up to do; because I loved it.

Our first interaction with Dr Tickle Me Please and Dr Sniggles was outside the hospital cafe where we were waiting before starting the Clown Round, where a shy little girl stood with her mum.

The 2 doctors confronted the little girl (probably aged about 3) and it was just so beautiful to watch them ever so slowly bring a smile to this little girls face. The little girl never said a word but her face wrote a book; I had happy tears rolling down my face caused form the size of my grin and it didn’t take me long to realise that to support the Clown Doctors was to support something special and that the tour of the hospital was going to be very rewarding.

A Moment To Remember

A moment enjoyed and not easily forgotten occurred when a young boy being wheeled into his ward after either an operation or a series of tests, got wheeled through a corridor where we were chatting with the clown doctors and nurses.

The young boy was coming from a direction where he couldn’t see us but we could see him. Dr Tickle Me Please and Dr Sniggles organised us so the bed could be wheeled past us and then at the last moment stretched a line of toilet paper (a tool used for a variety of their gags) across and in front of the bed; much like a finish line to a race.

As the bed got wheeled closer and in between where we were standing, the toilet paper was placed closer and closer to the young boys face; and then to his surprise the toilet paper (which had by this stage been stretched across his bed and as low as to gently touch his nose), became the finish line to a race the boy had no idea he had entered.

All of us cheered as the boy got wheeled under the toilet paper finish line and a small Mexican wave irrupted. The boy didn’t know what had hit him. What was to always have been a routine trip back to the ward became something very very different and a great example of what the Clown Doctors bring to situations on the fly.

Get Involved

There are video’s on our website that talk about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Clown Doctors and what I witnessed today was so unique and so special, it would be great for you to get involved by:

1. riding in one of our cycle tours,
2. sponsoring someone to ride, or
3. simply donating funds direct to the Humour Foundation.

We spoke to parents of some of the kids who said their extended families overseas have nothing like this and that when their families came over to visit their sick child, they couldn’t believe the program and the joy the Clown Doctors provided in the hospital system.

If anyone is looking for an efficient and effective charity focused on program deliverables, I strongly suggest you check out the Clown Doctors. They deserve all the support they can get. Imagine a world where the Clown Doctors could access every child in every hospital around Australia. Currently, that world is about $6 million away …. and whilst that’s a lot of money, its certainly not impossible.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in making the Grape Ride such a wonderful event.

Whilst our focus is to raise funds for kid’s charities, my focus (as an event organiser) is to design and manage events that excite our network. Events they feel they could easily invite their mates too participate in and events that fit into their busy lifestyles.

Entoure made some pretty bold changes this year in terms of our funding model and the beneficiaries we would support. We moved away from supporting medical healing and more towards the emotional healing of kids and expanded our focus from critically injured kids to seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged kids. In addition, entoure became a third party logistics company for a variety of other charities and events.

For the first time in our events, we invited riders who participated in the Grape Ride to complete a short online survey and the feedback has been fantastic. I would like to thank all the riders for taking the time to give us their thoughts and will be working over the next few weeks on strategies to address some of the great feedback people have given us.

To view a high level snap shot of the survey results received to date, click here.

It’s not too late to have your say.

Anyone who participated in the Grape Ride event and has not yet completed the survey please click here.

Kathryn Holloway
Winner of the Sydney Altitude Training Centre Best New Rider

Kathryn has shown interest in doing one of our events since we launched in March 2008. She has come to many a finish and shared many coffees with me saying “I must do one of your rides love”. I had heard the expression that many times that whilst I got the point that she was keen, I wasn’t sure when or if it would ever happen … until she registered this year for the Hunter Valley Grape Ride.

Only 12 months or so earlier, Kathryn had purchased a nice pink road bike she excitedly called the Diva but with a variety of other sporting commitments the Diva had spent more time in her house than outside it. You see Kathryn is not a cyclist; she is a runner; and a dam good one; recently coming 17th female to cross the line in the Herald Half Marathon at a time of 86.26. Kathryn is also a newly accredited personal trainer and between training clients and smashing herself, she had little time and on some days little energy to dust the bike off and to give it a crack.

Team Positive Fitness

Kathryn does very little in life in halves, so when she moved away from a very successful corporate career into personal training she made the time to create a brand … and established positive fitness. This of course meant she now had a brand she could market into our event and an opportunity to enter the Grape Ride not simply as an individual but as a team … enter team member Rob Fraser.

Together, they now had a reason to make the time to get fit and to strategise how they were going to raise funds without having access to a massive corporate network.

They set themselves a team fundraising target of $2,000; dusted off their bikes and began what was really a journey into the unknown.

1. How do you train for an event you’ve never done ?
2. How do you ensure you are fit enough to finish ?
3. How do you raise thousands of dollars ?

The answers to questions 1 and 2 are really pretty simple.

1. Get on your bike and ride with some mates
2. Get in a spin class and extend yourself, and
3. Take 2 large table spoons twice daily of harden up

And that they did … however, somehow between training for the event and getting to the start line, Kathryn then asked me “what peloton should we go in lovie” ? Based on Kathryn’s fitness pedigree and having previously been smashed by her riding up McCarrs in the big ring, I said “peloton 1“.

Knowing that both Kathryn and Rob had done the miles and that fitness was not going to be an issue, the challenge for them now was how to blend into an experienced peloton without having the same level of experience.

1. What would they do if they got a flat ?
2. Would they know how to draft the rear van ?
3. Would anyone in the peloton help them ?

Whilst at times lessons were probably learn’t on the bike, it is fair to say they both answered the call; at times chatting ever so briefly to Elvis and learning a little bit about the importance of applying regular chamois cream before the start of each day.

For those of us that ride regularly, it is sometimes all too easy to forget that at some point we didn’t know what it is we now know and it is only through experiences that we learn and grow. If you do the level of preparation that Kathryn and Rob did leading up to the Grape Ride then you position yourself well to learn fast on tour.

Day 2 was the 5 k Team Time Trial and a great opportunity for Team Positive Fitness to join forces with exT1D (Allan Bolton and Stephen Borness) and 3 individual riders Julie Graham, Andrea Lourey and our infamous team doctor, Dr Paul Russell.

Team Datacom was always going to be the team to beat in this event and won the challenge in a time of 8.13 mins and whilst the Positive Fitness Team (Called for the purpose of the race “Bikesexuals”) came in 8th in a time of 9.48 mins, the gap in real terms was quite small.

Now with all that said, both riders crossed the finish line on day 3 very emotional … shedding the odd tear when greeted by family and friends … reflecting back on what they had physically accomplished and how they had shared it together. When I questioned Rob on whether he had in fact shed the tear he answered me by saying “just after Peats Ridge and prior to the KOM up Brooklyn, my legs were starting to cramp up and to be honest mate I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to ride in and see my wife and kids … and then at Brooklyn I got a second wind and felt fantastic”.

Now anyone that has done an endurance event of any sort will know exactly what that moment feels like … when you think you’re out of the game and cant go any further and like a gift from god, the pain goes away and at the finish of the event when the tears hit your face and your struggling to understand why … thats the moment that defines why you entered the event and why you completed it and why you will need to come back next year to do it all over again.

It’s not all about the bike !

BUT, for me as an event organiser, it’s not just simply about the participation in the ride and how people achieve the sporting hurdle. The hurdle that I am most interested in is:

1. how hard will they go to raise funds ? and
2. What level of commitment will they have to do the very best they can ?

When I award someone the best new rider’s jersey I do so for very good reason and awarding it to Kathryn was a no brainer. The target they set of $2,000 was smashed with a fundraising contribution of $4,968 and thats pretty impressive when you no longer have access to a corporate network and its the first time you have set yourself such a high fundraising benchmark. So how did they do it ?

Kathryn and Rob pulled together around 70 of their mates (that was the first hurdle gone) and hosted a dinner at a local Italian Restaurant. They door knocked the local community of Mosman and collected some fantastic Auction and Raffle Prizes. They sold tickets to the dinner at a price people were more than willing to pay and went to work on ensuring people had a great night; were well primed by the time the auction came around; and utilised the services of 2 gun ticket sales agents in Diana Raice and Sandie Barber; who I think on the night did 2 sweeps of the tables cracking jokes and helping to sell around $2,000 in ticket sales.

Now I have been to plenty of charity dinners and the success of the night has always been determined by the preparation;  it always gets back to the people staging the event; whether they invited the right people and whether they succeeded in connecting them to the cause; it always gets back to the level of enthusiasm and belief of the hosts and this is where in my view Kathryn and Rob really excelled.

There is nothing better in this world than for me to see people within our network pick up the baton and believe whole heartedly in what we are doing; trusting where the funds are going; how the funds will be used; and personally taking on the fight to raise funds. That is the moment in all our tours where I, as the event owner, sit back and say “we got something special here”. Because it is at that moment when you know we are no longer just making a difference to the lives of kids that need support, but we are making a difference to those around us by giving them an opportunity to give to something they can personally connect with and afterwards feel good about … in essence, its at that moment where I know we are sharing the love and making the world a better place.

So Kathryn (being the Team Leader of Positive Fitness and the least experienced cyclist out of her team) won the Sydney Altitude Best New Riders Jersey and Kathryn received the prize with the same level of enthusiasm both her and Rob brought to the entire event.

Congratulations to the both of them and let them be an example of how to get your teeth into something; have fun; and make a very big difference to the lives of your family, friends and the kids our events go to support.

As always we have some incredible stories in terms of:

1. riders preparation to get fit for the event,
2. riders strategies to fundraise, and our
3. support teams ability to manage curve balls.

To view all the images of the tour, visit the entoure gallery or click on the video below.

Set Up

To mitigate any risk of riders getting wet before the ride had even started, the start line was moved from Rofe Park Galston to Berowra Community Centre. By 6.50 am and only minutes before the riders briefing, the clouds opened up and the rain pelted down; sending everyone a very clear message of  what lay ahead … “thank goodness we moved the start”. Riders ran for cover and by the time the debrief was over and a few prays were shared amongst the troops, the rain miraculously stopped … as if the big fella upstairs knew we had some important work to do and that our ride was more than just a bunch of people in silly clothes going for a spin.

Day One

Day 1 took riders 165 k from Berowra to the Hunter Valley. Riders took on the peaks of Peats Ridge and Mooney Mooney together with a series of undulations from Somersby to the Hunter Valley. Both major climbs were completed in the first 50 k of the event and had an average grade of around 4%.

A police escort was made available to riders from the northern side of the Hawkesbury Bridge and took riders safely through the 2 climbs to Somersby; where riders were further escorted into one of our minor (but very important) beneficiaries … Riding for the Disabled Central Coast Centre (RDACCC); where morning tea was to be served in addition to an introduction to some very special kids and their horses.

RDACCC operates 6 days a week and services the needs of around 120 disabled kids living in or around the Central Coast of NSW. RDACCC have around 14 horses and $20,000 raised from the Grape Ride will go to support their operational expenses for 2011/12. This is an incredible contribution for them and allows them to focus their energies on wish list items not normally on their agenda.

After morning tea it was off to Kulnura where riders would once again take on a 6 k challenge into Wollombi for the Lend Lease Green Sprinters Jersey. Whilst the entoure events are not a race, the events always include a series of challenges that give riders the ability to blow off some steam and for the event to raise additional sponsorship funds through the purchase of competition jerseys.

The Winners of the Lend Lease Green Sprinters Jersey were:

1. Michael Cole Open
2. Ben Dean Graded

Day Two

Day 2 took riders 95 k through the quaint towns of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rutherford & Rothbury and included a 23 k challenge and a 5 k team time trial before finishing the day at what has become the infamous Ballabourneen wine lunch.

The 23 k challenge was for the Bike Bug Yellow Leaders Jersey and takes in some of the best rural land the Hunter Valley has to offer and once again proved to be an epic contest between several of the riders. The team time trail was much closer than anyone could have predicted and from all reports was a huge success.

The day included patches of rain that certainly tested the riders from time to time but once again the big fella looked after us and only gave us what he thought we could handle.

The Winners of the Bike Bug Yellow Leaders Jersey were:

1. Ian Matthews Open
2. Dylan Robertson Graded

The Winners of the Team Time Trial were:

1. Datacom 8.13 mins
2. AMP Capital Shopping Centres 8.18 mins
3. Propel INvestments 8.32 mins
4. Goodmans / Rode Duivels 8.55 mins

Other team times were:

1. Holcim Lend Lease 9.07 mins
2. Harvey Norman 9.08 mins
3. Bike Bug 9.40 mins

Day Three

Day 3 took riders 150 k back to Hornsby and included a 4 k KOM challenge up Brooklyn and despite forecasts of rain throughout the day, the big fella gave us blue sky all day.

The tour is basically an out and back route so riders basically rode through Wollombi to Peats Ridge for lunch were they once again had a Police Escort to the Hawkesbury River bridge.

Winners of the HP Climbers Jersey were:

1. Luke Brown Open
2. Paul Russell 75 to 80 k
3. Simon McCarthy 80 to 85 k
4. Peter Richards 85 to 90 k
5. Rob Coska 95 k +

Other Competition Jersey Winners Included:

AMP Fundraiser Jersey

1. Adrian Tesorerio
2. Kieren Mottershead
3. Mike Whelan

Assessment Measures White Best New Riders Jersey

1. Ken Crawford
2. Peter Wilson
3. Allan Boltan

Sydney Altitude Training Centre White Best New Riders Jersey

1. Kathryn Holloway
2. Simon McCarthy
3. Peter Dowding
4. Ian Doig

Harvey Norman White Best New Riders Jersey

1. Scott Kessell
2. Steve Borness

Congratulations and Thanks

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the event and supported our cause. Special thanks to Allan Bolton and Ian Doig who both participated in the ride and proudly represented their beneficiary. Special thanks also to our fantastic sponsors and support staff whom without our events would never be possible.

Jersey Sponsors:

1. Bike Bug
2. Lend Lease
3. HP
4. Assessment Measures
5. Harvey Norman
6. Sydney Altitude Training Centre
7. AMP Capital Shopping Centres

Team Entrants:

1. Amp Capital Shopping Centres
2. Bike Bug
3. Boomtime
4. Datacom
5. exT1D
6. Goodman / Rode Duivels
7. Harvey Norman
8. Lend Lease
9. Positive Fitness
10. Propel Investments

Supporters:

1. SIS
2. Budget
3. Flowers Financial

Support Staff:

1. Dave Sharpe
2. Mark Williams
3. Justin Roscoe
4. Ollie Martin
5. Ian Doig
6. Paul Russell
7. Michael Hunt
8. Dean Venturato
9. Daniel Nicolas
10. Paul Jenkins
11. Coby Du Preez
12. Vanessa Fries
13. Thienan Han
14. Rocky Fortuna
15. Jimmy Howard
16. Emma Schibrowski

Estimated Disbursments:

1. Humour Foundation $50,000 (Clown Doctors Program)
2. Sydney University Diabetes Research Foundation $30,000
3. Riding for the Disabled CCC $20,000

Our next event will be the Brisbane to Salt Cycle Classic and will be held Oct 7 to 9. Check it out.

How did you find out about entoure?

I have been involved in riding for charity for a number of years and was one of the earlier starters in the Tour de Kids, both as a sponsor of the inaugural 2001 event and rode with them in 2003.  Kent Williams (aka Willie, Massive, Big Fella et al) and I have remained friends ever since.  When I learnt of his intentions to commence his own organisation dedicated to this cause, I jumped in…

What’s motivating you to train, fundraise and participate in The Grape Ride?  Is this your first entoure challenge?

I have been riding for around 20 years or so, first as a triathlete and then as simply a cyclist.  The ability to combine my love of cycling with the added bonus of raising money for a good cause was irresistible.  I have participated in every Entoure with the exception of 2010 Hunter Ride, so I think I have ridden in five of the six events.

What bike do you ride? Why do you love it?

I ride a Wilier Imperiale – this has only been a recent upgrade (five weeks ago) from my previous Wilier Gladio, which I have had for four years… Wilier is an little boutique Italian frame builder that has been around for over 100 years and sees a continuation of my love affair with all things Italian including my Alfa, Vespa and road bikes.

Any special cycling equipment or technology you like?

No special equipment really, but just a love of all things on two wheels – I have two road bikes, two fixies, two mountain bikes, a Motor Scooter, and just recently got rid of a Harley Davidson – that said I do like the emergence of the GPS solutions and social networking tools to share rides, results, performance etc… We are really only on the tip of this area and will see a rapid acceleration in technology and offerings.

Most memorable cycling adventure and why?

My most memorable cycling event is probably the Tour de Kids in 2003.  This was a tremendous event; a seven stage ride from Melbourne to Sydney up over the snow fields of Victorian and NSW.  We had around 28 riders, and it was my first multi-stage cycling event.  It was most memorable due to just how difficult it was, which forged great friendships and camaraderie which still exist today….

Do you have a favourite saying, quote or joke?

“Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do.” – Bruce Lee

Who inspires you?

Dalai Lama, Tim Ferriss, my children and my Father to name a few.

Any other sports played?

I did play semi-professional tennis early on in life, and have dabbled in a number of sports including AFL, Touch football, golf et al.  I did triathlons thru my 20’s, and ran a few marathons in my early 30’s – today, now in my late 40’s, I find cycling is the easiest on the body, and something I can do without too much toll – not to mention the wonderful social element to cycling where you meet like-minded, motivated, individuals.

Most treasured possession?

May sound corny, but I really don’t have anything I truly tangibly treasure… Yet what is really most valuable to me is my relationships with my wife, my family and friends.

Why do you want your friends and family to support your team and donate to entoure? How can they donate?

I don’t really want my family and friends to support me – there are numerous calls for support today from floods and earthquakes to tsunamis, so raising money is difficult due to all the competing demands, and individuals should put their money where their passion lies. If my riding for a cause sparks a level of interest, and a desire to support then great… I would rather lead by example; I am fortunately fit and healthy enough to be able to participate in events like this, and hopefully this motivates those less interested in participating by sponsoring…. If people want to sponsor me they can go to my Hero Page at ….http://www.entoure.com.au/riders/rshooter/

Any other Facebook pages, Twitter pages, blogs or a sponsor’s website you’d like us to point to?

t: http://www.twitter.com/rshooter
f: http://www.facebook.com/russell.shooter
b: http://rshooters.blogspot.com/
Lkd’in: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/russell-shooter/0/467/50

Name:  Simon McCarthy

How did you find out about entoure?

Through the father of one of my boy’s friends.  James Howard has been a mate of Kent’s for some time and been involved with entoure for a few years.

What’s motivating you to train, fundraise and participate in The Grape Ride?

I don’t really see it as training.  I love riding, it’s my main form of exercise and transport.  The camaraderie among riders, whether the normal weekly crew or someone new you just end up beside in the peloton is fantastic.  Of course being able to do something you love, having a great time with a bunch of like-minded individuals, for a great cause such as helping sick and needy children is a privilege.

Is this your first entoure challenge?

My second; 2010 was my first.

What bike do you ride?

A Wilier Mortirolo is my main ride and I commute on a Merida Extreme 905.  Unlike me, the Wilier is light weight, firm and looks good!  The Merida is more like me – old, heavy, a bit scratched and faded – but it’s a trusty old thing that just keeps going.

How many years have you been cycling?

11

Any special cycling equipment or technology you like?

Compact gears have made it much easier tackling hills.  Means you can avoid the embarrassment of having to use a granny gear.  C02 is also great in getting 120psi back into a tyre quickly.

Most memorable cycling adventure and why?

Entoure 2010 – it was my first multi-day long distance ride and riding in a large peloton was a new experience.

Who inspires you?

Anyone who tackles a challenge and gives it their all.  Also, anyone who works with sick people, particularly kids.  My beautiful wife Hendrika works with cancer patients and the way she remains positive even when those she has become close to succumb to their disease – it’s inspiring.

Any other sports played?

I love skiing but don’t get a chance to do enough of it these days.

Why do you want your friends and family to support your team and donate to entoure?

Even though I get a great sense of enjoyment and achievement from what I  am doing, it is reinforced through the support of friends and family.  At the end of the day it is only through their generous contributions and donations  that the ride becomes a successful way of raising much-needed funds to support the Humour Foundation, The University of Sydney, Endocrinology & Diabetes Foundation and Riding for the Disabled.

More about Propel Investments here (link ‘here’ to http://www.propelinvestments.com.au/Default.aspx)
More about Greenwoods & Freehills here (link ‘here’ to http://www.gf.com.au/index.html)

And you can donate to Simon’s upcoming Grape Ride with Team Propel here.

Simply:

Visit Bike Bug and present to them 1 SOLD RAFFLE BOOKLET and receive:

1. free service (not including parts) valued at $99
2. road worthy certificate (to be displayed at event registration)
3. free on road support throughout the event.

For interstate riders, or riders unable to get to Bike Bug, simply:

1. show evidence of a recent bike service at event registration by way of a job card / certificate etc
2. bring a sold raffle booklet to the event

It is important all riders take bike preparation seriously and as a thank you for selling raffle tickets (soon to be provided to you via your team captains) additional on road support (including tubes, tyres etc) will be provided free of charge.

Prizes include:

Ist Prize:

Argon 18 Gallium Pro Team Edition SRAM RED FFWD Wheels, Speedplay Pedals, Carbon Cages Value $9,999

2nd Prize

Bike Bug Cycle Kit …. Jersey, Bibs, Socks Value $350

3rd Prize

Speedplay Zero Cro-Mo Pedals Value $250

Show your support and give yourself a chance of taking home something very special courtesy of our friends at Bike Bug.

Entoure posts to its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/entoure) about once a day in the lead up to an event, but photos, blogs and anecdotes are posted more frequently for the duration of the Grape Ride (29 April – 1 May). This is the perfect way for your social networks to stay updated as the action unfolds. Find us at www.faceook.com/entoure – and don’t for

get to use the ’suggest to friends’ button and to share relevant posts from entoure with your mates!

We love to tweet too, as @fordakids (www.twitter.com/fordakids) – and getting tweets from our riders is the best. If you’re on Twitter, look us up and send us a tweet sometime. Tell your followers you’re doing The Grape Ride and to follow @fordakids for live updates! Who knows, some of your Twitter followers may want to support and sponsor your ride.

So, don’t forget to join us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/entoure) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/fordakids). Say g’day, tell your friends how they can follow your next entoure ride, and let’s share all of your great efforts!

In the meantime SHARE AND PLAY, OUR VIDEO

The Humour Foundation is a national charity founded in 1997 by performer Jean Paul Bell and General Practitioner Dr Peter Spitzer. The primary aim of The Humour Foundation is to promote and deliver the health benefits of humour. The core project is the Clown Doctors™, bringing support, fun and laughter to sick children in hospital.

There is no better way to understand the benefits of what programs like these are to seriously ill kids than hearing a child’s story and how laughter brought them happiness and how their relationship with the Clown Doctors gave them hope. The Humour Foundation is entoures Primary Beneficiary and we are proud to be associated with the Clown Doctors program.

READ HARMONY’S STORY

Day One Adelaide to Meningie 163 K

The day starts with a sensational climb into the infamous and very beautiful Adelaide Hills. The first 35 k of the 165 k journey is about as good as it gets with riders very quickly celebrating over a coffee and muffin in the quaint town of Hannsdorf. I am not sure of the history of this town but it would be criminal to ride through without having a stop. Riders will then ride a further 80 k or so to the small town of Tailem Bend where lunch awaits at the 113 k mark. From there, it is a pretty easy (subject to wind) 50 k through Salt Flats to Meningie. Riders will bed down at one of 3 motels in Meningie (The Waterfront / Lake Albert and Meningie Caravan Park).

Check Out The Videos For Day One.

Day Two Meningie to Robe 190 K

Day two takes riders a massive 190 K to Robe. The route is flat and takes riders along the coast of Adelaide, courtesy of the Princes Hwy. The route is at times open to the elements but in the main should be flat and fast.  The scenery takes riders through Salt Flats, Vineyards, Pine Forrests and Rural Farms. First stop is the Salt Creek Road House for muffins and coffee at about 60 k; then onto Kingston for a well earned lunch at either the Kingston Bakery or Crown Inn Hotel (will confirm shortly) at around the 140 mark. Riders will bed down for the night at one of 2 motels in Robe (The Best Western Melaleuca and the Blue Haven).

Check Out The Videos For Day Two.

Day Three Robe to Casterton 161 K

Day three riders will ride a fantastic 161 k to Casterton. The route is once again extremely flat however, this time, riders are protected from the wind thanks to tree lined streets. Riders will need to carbo load as there is no where to stop for coffee or muffins until lunch at the world famous Penola Bakery at 108 k. At around 25 k out of Casterton riders will cross the Victorian border and the country side becomes even more protected, fast and flat. Riders will bed down for the night at the magnificent Albion Hotel / Motel.

Check Out The Videos For Day Three.

Day Four Casterton to Warrnambool 190 K

Day four riders will ride 191 k from Casteston to Warrnambool. The route is once again flat with a few undulations that the peloton “should”, comfortably roll over. The route includes some truly great rural country side but limited cafe options for stoppages. As such, riders will need to bypass once again coffee and a muffin and replace with an early (but more than satisfying) lunch at around 80 k at Kings Bakery at Hamilton (Home of the Famous Kings Pie). This will be the only major stop for the day before riding the remaining 110 k route.  Riders will bed down for the night at the Best Western Olde Maritime Motor Inn.

Check Out The Videos For Day Four.

Day Five Warrnambool to Apollo Bay 170 K

Nothing I write will do justice to Day 5. I could only liken driving on the Great Ocean Road to maybe running on the turf of the MCG. It is sacred ground; the cycling mecca; and all for very good reason. Day 5 is where we say goodbye to the flat country and hello to a few hills. Its the day some of you will wonder why you registered for TDK and ride purely for the kids. But for all of you, it will be a special day and a day when you (together with some great mates) came face to face with the elements of the Great Ocean Road. Riders will bed down for the night at the Seaview Motel and Apartments.

Check Out The Videos For Day Five.

Day Six Apollo Bay to Queenscliff 120 K

Day six will take riders further along the Great Ocean Road from Apollo Bay to Lorne. Due to the floods impacting Victoria at present and closure to parts of the Great Ocean Road I haven’t been able to see this section of road but, from all discussions with the locals it provides some of the best coastal riding the country has to offer. Riders will stop for morning tea at Lorne (a trendy beach suburb at the 60 k mark) before climbing once again along the undulations of the Great Ocean Road; first to Torquay (80 k mark) for a quick stop and then to Queenscliff (120 k mark). Riders will bed down for the night at the classic Vu Grand Hotel; an historic hotel centrally located in the heart of Queenscliff.

Check Out The Videos For Day Six

Day Seven Queenscliff to Melbourne 130 K

WOW WOW WOW. Day seven is in my view one of the best routes I have seen outside of Europe. It basically starts with a 40 minute ferry ride to Sorrento and then the following:

1. 8 ks of Sorrento coastline
2. A wonderful rural route along St Andrews & Gunnamatta Beaches
3. The legendary Mornington Peninsula National Park
4. Beautiful towns and country side such as Flinders, Shoreham, Red Hill and Arthurs Seat
5. Port Phillip Bay Coastline of Dromana, Safety Beach, Mount Martha, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Frankston etc
6. The legendary BEACH ROAD and suburbs from Parkdale to St Kilda

This is the perfect final day to an epic journey. Whilst riders will need to climb a few hills in the morning, all the hills for the day are over in the first 50 k and by the time riders stop for coffee and some food at Red Hill Bakery. Riders will then have a 2.5 k switch back descent at Arthurs Seat (caution zone) and then it’s flat all the way to Melbourne along roads that I reckon offer some of the best cycling in the country. The final destination is still being decided however for the purpose of my reccie I stopped at St Kilda for a wine (or 3). If we progress further the route will be 130 +.

It’s been a privilege doing the reccie for the 2011 Tour De Kids event and riders should be very excited about the ride. Congratulations to the TDKs committee; with a special mention to Tom Handwick; the route designer.

Check Out The Videos For Day Seven

The Clown Doctors

The upcoming 2011 Hunter Valley Grape Ride to be held April 29 to May 1 will be in support of a series of incredible beneficiaries; with the Major Beneficiary being the Humour Foundation with funds going to support their Clown Doctors Program. This is an incredible opportunity for entoure and one I am very passionate to support.

The Humour Foundation commenced operations in 1997 and now services hospitals all around Australia; servicing the needs of over 85, 000 sick and injured kids per year. Their unique set of skills bring healing to kids in need of love, laughter and support.

Support us and help give a kid a reason to smile.

Watch the clip below.

Whilst I certainly don’t want to give too much away, Harvey Norman has already registered a team of 6 riders, agreed to sponsor a competition jersey and will no doubt add plenty throughout the event. However, they will not be alone and the list of newbies is growing fast.

Don’t let another day go past; register today and secure yourself a spot and come join the entourage in the beautiful Hunter Valley.

This year’s Kingscliff Cycle Classic produced an outstanding success raising an incredible $234,000 for the many children and their families desperately in need for our charities support.

Without your passionate support of our charity, the purchase of urgently needed medical equipment which is an integral part of our Family Support Program in Queensland would not be possible.

Critically injured children and their families in Queensland will know that the dreadful journey they are now on will be shared by you in the spirit of our charity through the purchase of life saving urgently needed medical equipment, by employing Child Life and Music Therapists and will help to implement a Family Support Coordinator in Brisbane in the near future. You are truly making a difference to the lives of many children and their families by supporting them in their journey from intensive care to recovery.

In 2011 we look forward to seeing you again on our cycling events as we travel through beautiful countryside in our great nation. If you would like to find out more about upcoming Day of Difference events and activities please join our mailing list by emailing enquiries@dayofdifference.org.au.

We thank you again for your ongoing support. We wish you a safe and happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Sincerely,

Ron Delezio

Executive Chairman & Founder

Funds raised will go to support the Day of Difference Foundation’s new Family Support Program and most likely go to fund play therapists and music therapists at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane. Congratulations to everyone who rode in the tour this year and thank you to all those who supported them.

A special thanks to the organisations / individuals that sponsored our jerseys this year and provided product and support. Without your support we could not stage our events.

View the tour from a riders blog.

The riders faced some challenging weather conditions.

Day One saw them get smashed by wind and rain … but not smashed enough to stop them from doing it for the kids.

Riders were given a choice of two route options and graded into 1 of 3 pelotons prior to the event.

Route option 1 took riders 172 k via Mount Tambourine whilst route option 2 took riders 154 k. Both routes took riders into Murwillumbah for lunch and both routes kept riders pedaling for around 8 1/2 hours.

At the start of day 1, each rider was given a card; detailing the story of a critically injured child; and asked to pull it out when they felt tired; when they felt they had suffered enough; and reminded of the fight critically injured kids and their families face daily in order to survive. The stories of the kids (see Adania above) gave them strength and ensured that when the weather did get a wee bit nasty (which it did), they were ready to dig deep before arriving in paradise to a well deserved massage and meal; Mantra Salt Resort (if you haven’t been to this place do yourself a favour and go … it is fantastic).

Friday night was buffet night … a sensational mix of seafood, meats, salads and desert. Traditionally, this is the night we chat about the cause, introduce a guest speaker and hand out some very special jersey awards. Andrew Csabi was our guest speaker; Andrew was a Bali bomb victim who shared his journey leading up to that infamous night at the Sari Bar 12 October 2002; the effects of that night and how it had changed him. Andrew now spends a lot of time talking and chatting with victims of critical injuries and helping them through the recovery process and was involved in helping the Delezio family cope with Sophie’s first accident.

Day 2 saw riders take on an undulating 110 k loop around Mullumbimby and compete in a couple of challenges; a 5 k Green Sprinters Jersey (kindly sponsored by Careers Australia) and a 2 k Climbers Jersey (kindly sponsored by MB Cycles). From Mullumbimby, the course becomes quite undulating and the wind at times was that bad it nearly blew one of our riders back to Brisbane. Unbeknown to us, there was another challenge to be had that day. Ben Koop had been challenged by one of his donors $500 to ride 2 k in a Borat suit. Not sure how to explain what it is like to follow someone on a bike in a Borat suit but fair to say the challenge was carried out and the rider involved will never be forgotten. Then it was off to Cabarita Surf Club (one of our beneficiaries this tour) for a well deserved lunch and to present the surf club with a cheque for $5,000.

Day 3 was the Team Time Trial Challenge and a 20 k individual challenge; the weather was another cracker. Not a cloud in the sky; the wind had subsided and the day was a postcard from heaven; well that was until Calum (one of our gun riders and mechanical support personnel) went over his handle bars in the first 4 k of the 20 k individual challenge and broke is collar bone. Thanks to a fantastic support team of doctors we were able to quickly attend to Calum, get him into an Ambulance and I am pleased to say he is recovering well. As a result of the crash no challenges were held this day however, it was agreed to give the Place Design Yellow Leaders Jersey to the riders involved in the crash.

Key Jersey Winners Included

Place Design Yellow Leaders Jersey
Calum Lazenby and Zoe Watters

Careers Australia Green Sprinters Jersey
Dave Shelbery, Lee Stevens, and Angelo Venardos

MB Cycles Polka Dot Climbers Jersey
Rob Goldbolt, Joel Ferris, Michael Beitz, and Michael Foster

HP White Best New Rider Jersey
Warwick Tidswell

Intebuild White Best New Rider Jersey
Meredith Burke

Talbot Family Foundation Pink Jersey
David Vicenzino

Grey Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Best Female Jersey
Zoe Watters and Kelly Myers

Our History

Entoure commenced in March 2008 and has raised over $1.2 million across its events. Whilst boutique cycling events remain key to what we do, we have started to trial a series of community based events; with our main focus being to test our Wigs4Kids concepts.

Our Network

Currently on average each of our cycle events have attracted around 60 or so riders however, we are looking to increase participation rates to around 100 + throughout the later part of 2010 / 2011.  Our network currently consists of approximately:

1) 60 + Organisations
2) 300 + Riders
3) 3000 + Donors

What Have We Funded ?

Funds have been used to purchase:

1) Audio visual equipment at the Paediatric Simulation Centre at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead,
2) Emergency equipment for the Royal Children’s Hospital at Brisbane, and
3) To support the Day of Difference Foundations Family Support Program.

What Will We Continue To Support ?

The Day of Difference Foundation have moved their attention into Family Centered Care and have developed a Family Support Program. Funds from the 2010 Entoure Cycle Classic Hunter Valley supported this initiative and moving forward, the majority of our events will support this program.

Thanks

Thank you to all who have participated and supported our events to date and given so generously. We hope we can continue to provide a reason to support critically injured kids and give you all a reason to actively participate.

Registrations opened last week for the Entoure Kingscliff Classic. This October we’ll be riding 400 k over 3 days from Brisbane to Kingscliff and then Byron to support the day of Difference Foundation.

I got my registration in and am looking forward to the event. The challenge between now and October is to get as many quality k’s into the legs in  preparation for the 145 k – 165 k we’ll be riding on day 1.

Weekends are the best time for me to get some decent rides in and today was no exception. Today was my first ride over the new Gateway Bridge (or the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridge to be precise). The bridge has been open to bikes and pedestrians for a couple of months now.

We set off from Racecourse Rd and headed for the Gateway. The first challenge was finding the way on to the path. Maybe it’s still early days and the signage is incomplete, but it was definitely no easy task finding the entrance.

Once on the path though it’s a nice steady climb up the rise to the peak. We passed a couple of pedestrians heading down carrying cameras, obviously up there to catch the sunrise. From the top the view is quite spectacular. The lookout at the top has a glass pane through which to look east. The rest of the way the wire fence is around 2 m high on top of the concrete wall.

I’d heard that the speed limit for bikes is set at 10 k/h. Coming down the hill you’d need to be braking pretty hard to keep to that limit. Needless to say, we coasted down at a reasonable clip. From the bottom of the bridge it was off to Wynnum and then a standard return to Ascot via Southbank.

George Zdanowicz

Entoure is looking to test a new charitable concept called Wigs 4 Kids and is looking for people to wear a wig, to have fun and to raise funds for the Day of Difference Foundation.

REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN SOON.

The Wigs 4 Kids Day Challenge

Challenge yourself to wear a wig for say 1 hour, 4 hours, or 8 hours and get your network to sponsor you. Make it a day to look like your idol; your hero; a rock star; or a model. Bring back the Mullet, The Beehive, The Bob, or The Afro. Most importantly, let Wigs 4 Kids Day be your Day of Difference and in transforming your looks and having a bit of fun help transform the lives of critically injured kids and their families.

What Can You Do On Wigs 4 Kids Day ?

1. Host a Wigs Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Fashion Show
2. Give out a prize for the funniest, sexist, best wig
3. Recognise the top fundraiser within your office and make them feel special
4. Catch public transport, do a gym class, the bridge climb … wearing your wig
5. Make the day your day to have a laugh and save lives
6. Take an amazing photo of yourself somewhere special and share it with your network

The Day of Difference Foundation

The Day of Difference Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to working for critically injured children. Critical injuries come without warning; often impacting how children live for the rest of their lives. Involve your family, friends and work colleagues and together make Wigs 4 Kids Day a fun day that saves lives and supports the Day of Difference Foundation.

To enter Wigs 4 Kids is simple.

1/ Register for the event (it’s free).

This will provide you with your own personal username and password for the entoure website; where you will be able to manage and control your very own personalised hero page. REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN.

2/ Grab a wig.

You can either purchase, hire or if your really creative, make a wig. The choice is yours.

To FIND A WIG STORE nearest to you, visit YELLOW PAGES ONLINE.

To BUY A WIG ONLINE, visit the WIG OUTLET.

The Wig Outlet is Australia’s favourite online wig website and renowned for their cheap prices, quality wigs and prompt customer service. A portion of all sales from the Wigs 4 Kids campaign will be donated by The Wig Outlet to the Day of Difference Foundation. In order to track the Wigs 4 Kids campaign, please insert the below mentioned tracking code in the Gift Voucher / Discount Voucher of the online order form.

3/ Post a photo of yourself on your entoure hero page

Simply use your personal username and password to log into the entoure website and gain access to your hero page. Edit your profile and upload a photo of yourself wearing your wig.

4/ Create or join a team

Once you have logged into the entoure website you will have access to the entoure launchpad. From here, you can create a team and or join an existing team. If you have existing links to the organisations and teams entering this years Kingscliff Cycle Classic, simply click on join a team and click join this team near their corporate logo on the team directory page. If you don’t have existing links, create a new team. This will link funds raised on your individual hero pages and display them under a team category and allow your networks to either sponsor you as an individual and / or your team. This is handy if your sponsors are familiar with other members in your team and are torn with whom to support.

5/ Send your entoure hero page to your friends and family and ask them to sponsor you

Once you have posted a personal photo of yourself on your hero page, share your event on facebook, tweet the event over twitter or email your hero page to your friends. You will find easy call to action buttons on your hero page.

Share this campaign with your family, friends and work colleagues and come join the fun and together let’s help save the lives of critically injured kids.

To register for the Kingscliff tour, click here.

Adania, 3 years, Hypotonic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Little Adania doesn’t give up easily. In the past 6 months alone she has battled both bacterial and viral pneumonia, as well as the daily challenges that come from her complex condition.

During her most recent hospital admission, Adania’s mum, Kate, became very concerned. “She wasn’t herself and her breathing wasn’t normal,” she said. “We’d already spent one day in Emergency and a couple of nights on the wards and Adania was on the maximum amount of oxygyen, as well as antibiotics. She had nasal prongs and a face mask to deliver the oxygen, but it became clear that she needed a more sophisticated system to help her breathing.”

Doctors moved Adiana to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and placed her on the Bipap Vision non-invasive ventilator. “This ventilator provides respiratory support in a relatively non-invasive way,” said Dr Tony Slater, Director of PICU. “Traditionally we have used breathing tubes placed through the vocal chords as a means of providing respiratory assistance and children require sedation to tolerate this,” he explained. “With this ventilator, respiratory assistance is provided via a snugly fitting mask and children do not need nearly as much sedation to tolerate the help. As Adania recovers it is much easier to give her breaks from the ventilator, and gradually reduce her time on it.”

Adania’s response to the ventilator was a great relief for Kate. “Since being on the ventilator her oxygen levels have been maintained and her chest x-rays show better expansion of the lungs,” she said. “As a parent, it’s much less scarier to see this ventilator being used than the traditional tubes and sedation.”

To Our Riders, Sponsors and Supporters

On behalf of Ron Delezio (CEO and Founder of the Day of Difference Foundation) and myself, thank you for supporting us. Whilst the Day of Difference Foundation, and for that matter Entoure, have focused their attention on supporting critically injured kids, the above story shows that purchasing emergency equipment for the ICU goes way beyond simply helping kids with critically injuries. All kids admitted to the ICU benefit from what we are doing.

Note: the above piece of equipment was funded from the proceeds raised from the Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa 2009.

Kent Williams
Director Entoure

For just $40, someone is going to take home the incredible 2011 Merida Scultura Evo valued at $10,000. Buy yourself a ticket and share this amazing opportunity with your network.

All proceeds will be directed to the Day of Difference Foundation.

Read more.

Cyclists keen to exercise the whole body, often do more than just ride a bike; some do yoga; some hit the gym; and some paddle surf ski’s. I have just got back into paddling after a decade or so and the paddling world has changed since I last bought a ski / kayak. How do you know what to buy ? How do you know what’s right for you ?

The main players include EPIC, FENN and THINK. All make fantastic ski’s and all deserve a test paddle. However, buying a surf ski is nothing like buying a bike. Price determines the weight of a ski; how it will handle; how fast and sensitive it is; and how it reacts in a variety of weather conditions. Also, unlike the push bike market, the paddle market is filled with people all claiming to sell the fastest and best product. How do you identify the truth; hidden deep within the used car salesman type spin ?

My Experience

I would categorise myself as an intermediate flat water paddler. I have paddled K1, K2, TK2, Surf Ski’s and a wide range of Racing Sea Kayaks. I have raced the 20 Beaches, the Hawkesbury Classic and a variety of club and state races. My paddling experiences were however, around a decade ago and spanned across an 8 year period. It was without doubt, my love sport. Racing with my best mate David Kirkby was for me about as good as a sport could get. But after such a long break away from the sport, and now looking to buy a ski for open water (Inner Sydney Harbour and Ocean), I had much to learn. Whilst I had paddled on the ocean and raced in the 20 beaches, it had always been in a sea kayak; wide and stable. Buying a ski for these conditions was something I didn’t know much about nor, was I much good at it. Sea swell, wind chop and boat wash had not previously been my friend when paddling tippy and fast ski’s or kayaks.

My Story

Anyway, my first contact after some 14 yrs or so was with Tony King from EPIC Kayaks and I met him down at Clontarf and paddled the V 10 Sport and V 12.  The V 10 Sport felt like I had never left the sport. I was stable, it was quick and I felt as if I could power down in almost any conditions; it was simply fantastic … but it wasn’t EPIC’s fastest ski and my ego was searching for the quickest ski the market had to offer !

The EPIC V 12 was far less stable than the V 10 Sport but something I felt I could master reasonably quickly. The V 12 was reported to be EPIC’s speed machine on flat and / or inner harbour conditions and that was all I needed to flick the V 10 Sport.

But to ensure I had tried them all, I test paddled the Think Uno; a ski that felt very much like a K 1 Racing Kayak. I test paddled the Think Uno off Rose Bay and regardless of what my ego was telling me, this ski was simply too tippy for me. As much as I wanted my ego to tell me things would be ok if I just stuck at it, this ski was built for someone much better than me.

Then a mate of mine suggested I chat with Ocean Sports Australia about potentially buying a Fenn; EPIC’s South African cousin. I test paddled their speed machine the Fenn Elite (Full Carbon) and listened to a lot of negative comments in regards to the EPIC Ski’s; (*) negative comments in regards to their manufacture; their price point; their warranties; their durability etc. Ocean Sports Australia sold hard the benefits of a Fenn and whilst I always knew I was getting a one sided argument, the Fenn Elite was a bloody nice ski; very quick on flat and a good buy.

(*) If someone needs to bag a competitors product in order to sell their own, they probably have a hidden agenda.

Leg Numbness

So, I became the very happy owner of a Fenn Elite; until I realised my legs would go numb after about a 30 minute paddle. First the left leg and then in around 60 minutes, both legs would go completely numb from the buttocks to the toes.  If you have ever tried to paddle with leg numbness you will know, this was not a good sign and not something I could just put up with. I stuck at it for 7 weeks; but with each and every paddle sending my legs to sleep, I was soon back talking to Tony King of EPIC Kayaks about what options EPIC had that would prevent this from occurring.

Why did I trade the Fenn for an EPIC ?

From chatting to other paddlers at the time and from spending time reading various ski reviews, it appeared I wasn’t alone. Leg numbness had impacted many paddlers before me and the impacts seemed personal. Not necessarily linked to a particular manufacturer; but linked more to how individual people fitted individual ski’s.

The numbness is a result of pressure being applied to a blood vessel in the buttocks that stops the circulation of blood getting to the legs. Getting the legs lower than the buttocks can relieve the pressure however, with the Fenn Elite already being a tippy ski, raising the seat was not an option for me. The EPIC V 12 had the lowest leg position to the buttocks and felt equally as fast. So after a quick test paddle and chat with Tony King, a deal was done; and I was the proud owner of the EPIC V 12.

After trading my much loved Fenn, I was keen to see how the EPIC V 12 compared so I set course from Balmoral to Roseville Bridge and return; the same 18 k course that previously sent my legs to sleep. To my surprise, I showed absolutely no signs of leg numbness; the ski felt fantastic and all was good.

Tennis Elbow

So just when I thought the world was now sorted, my over enthusiasm for paddling lead to a variety of tennis elbow ailments. 3 Months of paddling tippy ski’s had resulted in a change in paddle stroke and poor technique that had given me tennis elbow . Tennis elbow pain sneaks up slowly and can stay with you for many months. It is not something you can ignore as it impacts everything. So after 3 months on the water, I was back in Physio and now off the water for the same period.

How did I get an EPIC V 10 Sport ?

After the injuries and all the mucking around and as soon as my tennis elbow was resolved, I traded the EPIC V 12 for a ski that would allow me to paddle without worrying about stability; a ski that would allow me to venture beyond Sydney heads without fear; a ski that would allow me to power down all day long without the need to brace and reignite my tennis elbow.

The EPIC V 10 Sport

The V 10 Sport Ultra; the ski I fell in love with some 6 months ago. The ski my head said to buy but my ego wouldn’t allow. The V10 Sport Ultra is full Kevlar and weighs in at 9.5 kilos. The ski is shorter than the V 12 and a little wider. The difference in stability is significant however, the drop off in speed is negligible. My first paddle after a 3 month layoff took me from Balmoral out past north head to Manly. A trip I could never have handled in the other ski’s but, a trip I can see myself doing regularly. The V 10 Sport is a ski I could race right now. It is a ski I could do the 20 Beaches in. It is a ski that meets my level of competency and a ski I hope will keep me injury free. All hail the V 10 Sport. Happy Days !

Tips before you buy:

1. park your ego and buy wise
2. paddle the ski for up to an hour … this will identify issue’s around numbness and comfort-ability
3. test paddle in a series of conditions
4. talk to paddlers and see what they reckon
5. make the time to talk to Tony King of EPIC Kayaks .. highly professionally and a great contact to have
6. beware the used car salesman
7. buy something you can paddle now … and upgrade as you improve
8. have a think about whether you may want to race or tour

Note: the fastest ski will be the one you can most competently paddle !

Visit EPIC Kayak Australia and ask for Tony King.

In my opinion, EPIC Kayaks Australia had the best range of ski’s; the best team of people (headed up by Tony King); a series of options to purchase (including direct from the warehouse or retail outlets); and a truly fantastic product. The EPIC ski’s are produced out of China and are beautifully made. Do yourself a favour and check them out.

Website: www.epickayaks.net.au

Epic V10 Sport Ultra: Review

Epic Mid Wing Paddle: Review

Visit Zhik for wet weather gear.

Whilst in summer, a simple rash vest and shorts is all that’s required … not so in winter. I made the decision to purchase gear designed by ZHIK (the worlds leading dinghy sailing gear). ZHIK is a small Australia company that started business in 2005 and much like EPIC, has their product produced out of China and I got to tell you, it is truly fantastic stuff.

My recent wet weather purchase was their Microfleece Mens Skiff suit. The suit is super light and designed for skiff sailors. So it is built to keep active people warm and mobile whilst not over heating them. If you are looking for a top quality product to keep you dry in winter, take a look at Zhik.

Finally, for news and views on surf ski’s, visit Surf Ski Info.

Happy Paddling.

Kent Williams
Director Entoure

Since announcing his win a few weeks ago, Adrian Tesoriero has been in hiding … too excited to venture out in public … and struggling to live with a face that knows only how to smile.

The bike has had the new Dura-Ace D12 electronic shifting gear installed. “This will sort them out” says Adrian … “I am going to look hot on this thing … just look how well it goes with my Rode Duivels Team Lycra”.

(Pictured left Ollie Martyna from Bike Bug North Sydney and Adrian Tesoriero during bike set up).

“The revolutionary Dura-Ace Di2 electronic shifting option with SEIS (Shimano Electronic Intelligent System) takes the already superior Shimano shifting performance to a whole new level never seen before. The increased accuracy, smoothness and reliability of electronic shifting makes gear changes faster and virtually eliminates missed shifts.” says Durace Australia

The question for all of us will be:

1. will this new toy make Adrian faster on and off the road ?
2. will the technology grant Adrian the ability to win one of our much coveted competition jersey’s ? OR
3. will the new bike simply allow Adrian to brag about having the latest and greatest bike on the road ?

Only time will tell … but from where I stand, Adrian is (thanks to Bike Bug) the happiest bloke on 2 wheels … and if that is where Adrian’s dream was to finish, he would still be a winner.

Congratulations mate … a great bike has gone to a great bloke and at a great home. Enjoy the new toy and I look forward to seeing you on the road … out in front … and driving the peloton until the cows come home.

Kent Williams
Director Entoure

Adrian Tesoriero has been riding with entoure since we commenced in 2008 and has in that time developed (with the help of some mates) his own team brand called, the Rode Duivels.

Adrian has brought riders to the network, raised a considerable sum of money for the Day of Difference Foundation and been an integral part of the entoure team. But, a search through the entoure gallery shows Adrian as  a man who dreams … a ponderer … a deep thinker … one doesn’t stand with a face like this without having a good reason. Is it possible Adrian knew then what we all know now ? Was he dreaming then of taking home the Argon 18 Gallium Pro ? In Adrian’s own words he says “I tell you what, I can hardly sleep at night just hanging to get the new wheels. The digital gears are going to be gold dust”

Congratulations mate … I can’t wait to see you on the road on your new machine.

Kent Williams
Director Entoure

I would like to thank our fabulous sponsors and supporters.

• Jersey Sponsors: Bike Bug, Lend Lease, Astrontech and HP,
• Team Sponsors: Propel Investments, Primatec, Lend Lease, McGrath, Macmil and Rode Duivels,
• Supporters: Bike Bug, Cannibal, Budget, Wedsalad and Fitness First

Check Out Team McGrath

Funds are still rolling in but my projection is that we will raise around $200,000 from the event; of which around $125,000 will be donations paid to the Day of Difference Foundation. A truly fantastic result in what has clearly been a difficult market and taking total funds raised since we commenced in March 2008 to over $1.2 Million.

The winners of our much coveted HP fundraising jerseys went to long time entoure rider Mark Worrall (first place) who raised in excess of $11,000; with runner up jerseys being awarded to Stephen King (second place) and Trevor Armstrong (third place). This year also saw an increased team focus with many of the teams exceeding 100% of team target. Congratulatons to Team Propel who finished in first place at a staggering 182 % of team target.

In addition to our riders raising funds, they sacrifice their time to get fit for the event. In light of the event being a fully supported tour, it is imperative riders are skilled enough to ride in a peloton and to stay together. For some, this hurdle was greater than others and the ride became a massive achievement and one that will stay with them forever. For others, it was a great opportunity to ride with like minded people, to help those less experienced and to race for the Bike Bug Yellow Leaders Jersey, the Lend Lease Green Sprinters Jersey and the Polka Dot Cannibal Climbers Jersey. Congratulations to all the winners of this tours competition jerseys with a special congratulations to Geoff Troup … the strong man of the tour who lead Peloton 1 for the entire 3 days and took home the very much coveted Bike Bug Yellow Leaders Jersey.

This tour over 70% of our riders were new to entoure … which allowed for good existing entoure people to bring more good people. The Astrontech White Best New Riders Jersey was in hot competition and whilst the jersey could have been awarded to any number of the new recruits, 2 standouts from opposite ends of the earth were identified. Peter Richards (left of photo) and Joshua Williams (right of photo). Peter was team captain for Team McGrath … a new team with high hopes. Peter’s leadership was outstanding and as good or better than any that have gone before him. He was the key driver across all aspects of his team … from initial engagement and sign up, to fundraising, to training rides, to hospital visits to winner of competition jerseys. If it was on offer, Peter was all over it … and put his team in a position of real pride and prominence. Joshua (my nephew) on the other hand is 15 years old and his achievements were far more personal. Two months ago Joshua told his dad (a previous tour rider and winner of entoures inaugural Yellow Leaders Jersey in March 2008) that he would like to ride in the tour. The only issue was he hadn’t been on a bike, didn’t know the road rules, and had no network to raise funds. But, with a strong desire to achieve Joshua raised in excess of $1,500 and cycled 110 k on Day 2 of the tour and received strong praise from Ron Delezio and all who witnessed him conquer what for some would simply have been the unachievable. Congratulations to the other white jersey winners but a special congratulations to Peter and Joshua … all hail your achievements.

The tradition of dressing a rider as a clown continued however, this year it had a twist … with Sophie Delezio face painting a very deserved winner in Robert Montgomery. The purpose behind the clown award is to identify someone the riders believes makes them smile, brings joy to a struggling peloton and happiness to the tour. The award is selected by the riders and is a symbol of the great work performed in hospitals by clowns and the joy clowns bring to sick and injured kids right throughout the country. Michael Foster and Robert Montgomery were the winners of this tours clown award but a special thanks must go to Sophie Delezio who beautifully painted Roberts face and who in many respects changed the entire feel of this years tour.

Finally, I would like to thank the support team … lead by David Sharpe; but included:

• Ron Delezio
• Cam Wood
• Veronika Vosynkova
• Mark Williams
• Joshua Williams
• Ollie Martin
• Kylie Bernoth
• Stephen Trethowen
• Alfie Brown
• Paul Russell
• Jimmy Howard and
• Andrew Bennett

This year the support team included Lead and Rear Vehicle Drivers, Motor Bike Traffic Support Riders, Massage Therapists, Doctors, Luggage Transfer Drivers and on road Bike Mechanics. Thanks again to all who rode, supported and donated to the cause and I look forward to bigger and better things next tour.

Kent Williams
Director
Entoure

Our initial brief to SMPC Creative Communications was to design a logo that was fun, fresh and engaging. Something that would appeal to all ages; in particular kids; and have strong use of block colours.

We would love to hear what you feel about the campaign and our logo. Drop us your thoughts !

Whilst the launch of it’s first community initiative will be low key; the launch remains significant and we encourage everyone to get involved.

The Wigs 4 Kids concept is based on Red Nose Day, Jenes For Genes Day and Movember; and simply encourages people to transform their looks for a day and to raise money for the Day of Difference Foundation.

The idea has come about after a detailed review of what has worked in the past and what we believe could work now. The campaign will be launched April 30 and it will be very interesting to see what traction we get across our existing supporter base.

For details of the campaign and or to participate, read on.

• “I couldn’t do that”
• “I don’t have a bike”
• “I don’t have time”
• “I don’t have a corporate network to raise funds”.

Well meet our youngest ever competitor Joshua Williams (my nephew); aged just 14 years young.

Joshua has no bike, no network and no experience. But what he does have is a supporting father who is highly experienced in endurance cycle events (having won our coveted yellow winners jersey at our inaugural cycle tour in 2008) who has agreed to support Joshua in his efforts to become a cyclist over the next 6 weeks.

Joshua is a natural athlete and has already achieved plenty in his short life; but the challenge he has set for himself this time is big and a classic example of it can be done if you want it done.

Joshua has agreed to cycle day 2 of our 2010 hunter event; a 100 k loop around the hunter valley and raise funds for the Day of Difference in the process. His dad will be with him throughout his training ordeal and is very confident that Joshua will achieve what he has set out to do.

Joshua’s training will be a mix of spin bike in his fathers garage and on-road cycling about 2 weeks before the event during his school holidays. Joshua is in year 10 and like all of us will be time poor; nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how he applies himself to complete the cycle challenge and how he is able to raise funds.

It’s hard for me not to be biased (being Joshua’s uncle and all) but how good is this ?  It is this type of effort that inspires me to do what I do. Our tours are about raising much needed funds for the Day of Difference Foundation; but they are also about providing people with an opportunity to shine; to achieve something for themselves and for others; and to engage their family and friends in the process. Joshua is the first teenager to put his hand up to have a crack; I hope his efforts inspire other teenagers to follow in his footsteps.

Congrats Josh and thanks for taking on the challenge and supporting critically injured kids. Train hard and let’s go and have some fun in the hunter.

If you would like to SPONSOR JOSHUA, click here.

Safe miles.

Kent Williams

Director Entoure

More and more I see people having less and less time to be polite. I see drivers and riders fighting for road ownership; each one thinking they own the road; and I see drivers thinking cyclists are nothing more than a nuisance; a cause for being late; and an excuse to behave badly and a reason to make poor decisions.

What often gets mentioned when it comes to a solution is:

1. licenses for cyclists, and
2. cycle ways

But what rarely, if ever, get’s discussed as a solution is:

1. COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION.

Is it just me that thinks this could be the solution ?

Giving cyclists a license and or getting them onto cycle ways will do little to improve rider / driver relationships. Will do little to increase tolerance levels between those who “share” the road. I believe the solution to the problem is simple … but it will take a quantum shift in thinking and tolerance from both sides of the fence. The road is there to share … but how do we share it when those who use the road have run out of patience with each other ?

The Communication Revolution

1. Integrate cycle awareness into schools and driver licensing tests,
2. Develop a consistent communication platform for cyclists,
3. Educate and test cyclists online … as part of their membership to say Bicycle NSW,
4. Roll out an education platform across cycle clubs and communities,  and
5. Test and educate drivers to ensure the cyclists communication platform is understood

Cyclists already have a range of signals that alert other cyclists to:

1. slow riders ahead,
2. holes on the road,
3. park cars, etc etc

But not all cyclists are consistent with the signals, controlling lanes and communicating and or warning vehicles. Whilst cyclists have a communication platform of sorts, a far more rigid set of signals needs to be introduced and in my view, shared across all road users. If we want harmony on the roads and respect between cyclists and drivers, better communication and education is key. Like any relationship … if you fail to communicate … you fail the relationship.

So whilst the debate continues:

1. ride smart,
2. spend a bit of time understanding each others signals,
3. set some rules that you will all abide from,
4. respect the road rules,
5. give some thought to the driver behind you who has no idea what’s in your head,
6. do whatever you can to ensure they (the drivers) are better informed and able to make better choices,
7. thank them (the drivers) when they make a good choice,
8. don’t get aggressive when they (the drivers) make a poor choice, and
9. don’t allow or encourage them (the drivers) to make a bad choice

A Final Thought

Why is it that ?

A driver won’t overtake another car on a roundabout and / or across double yellow lines that is for some reason traveling at say 30 or 40 ks an hour ? But they will happily overtake a bike rider under the exact same conditions ?

Answer ?

1. Is it the fact that the driver sees so much spare road between the bike rider/s that they just have to take it ?
2. If bike riders had backsides as wide as the rear of a car … would drivers still overtake them ?

I think the road can at times be compared to a badly proportioned birthday cake … too many people wanting a slice and no rules on who should get what slice first.

Safe miles.

Kent Williams

Director Entoure

Some riders need no training …. some riders need a plan …. and some riders need help.

Ergo Trainers

I recently purchased a TACX Bushido ergo trainer and for those of you who are time poor and don’t know much about these, I highly recommend you look to purchase something like this if getting out on the road is just not working for you. One hour on one of these is like 2 + hours on the bike. There is no where to hide and no free wheeling.

The Bushido is the newest Ergotrainer by Tacx and if you listen to them, by far the most advanced available today. The Bushido is entirely wireless and therefore requires no mains allowing you to ride it indoors or out. It comes with a handlebar-mounted computer showing you all the necessary information (power, heart rate, cadence, speed, time, watts etc). Operation is easy; and the choices of route options is vast. I have had the unit for a few weeks now and intend to do the bulk of my tour training in my backyard with my dog by my side.

Road Rides

But with all that said, time on the road with friends can’t be under valued. Equally, riding in a peloton before the tour is essential.

For Peloton Etiquette and Rider Rules for the tour, click here.

For a look at our Training Rides, click here.

Safe Miles

Kent Williams

Director Entoure

Riders will shortly receive a newsletter, advising that our new website is live and ready for action. With the launch of our new website, it is important all riders and donors keen to receive newsletters and to stay engaged, REGISTER FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS by clicking on the button identified in the newsletter and / or registering for our newsletters via our website.

This tour we are expecting around 60 + riders across 6 or so teams.

The teams so far include:

1. Primatec
2. Lend Lease
3. MacMil
4. McGrath
5. Rode Duivels
6. Propel

Make sure you do the following:

1. Register and secure yourself a spot,
2. Nominate a team Captain and have them log in and establish a Team Page,
3. Link yourself to the team page,
4. Dust off your bike, and
5. Giddy Up

To learn how to use the site download our user manual.

Tony Abbott is coming

Tony Abbott, the new leader of the opposition, is expected to ride on the 2nd day of the tour. Tony has been a big supporter of the Day of Difference and as we all know, a very keen cyclist. It will be a pleasure to have him along and I look forward to sitting next to him in the peloton and chatting about life.

Training Rides

I look forward to seeing you all on the road soon and will shortly announce our training ride schedule.Stay tuned.

Safe Miles.

Kent Williams

Entoure Director

An important change this tour however, is the rebuild of our new and improved website and the ability for riders to take control of their fundraising and to better engage their communities in what they are doing. The site has been streamlined for both riders and donors and is scheduled to go live tomorrow March 4, 2010. Congratulations to the team at Websalad and I hope everyone who uses our website enjoys what has been created and the increased levels of functionality now on offer.

To the riders soon to register for the 2010 Hunter Valley event ….. WELCOME.

Spend a bit of time to:

• learn about the website,
• download the user manual from the newsletter that will issue to you tomorrow,
• register for the event
• establish your hero page
• create a team page
• link your riders
• dust off your bike, and
• get ready to start your journey that will save kids lives.

Safe miles.

Kent Williams

Director Entoure

Many of our riders were new to the sport and cycling 400km in three days was for some of them, a life-changing experience. Thanks to the contribution of the riders and their supporters, the event raised an incredible $200,000 (split approximately $90,000 in fees and sponsorships and around $110,000 in donations to the Day of Difference Foundation).

Net proceeds will be used to purchase important medical equipment for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

Check our photos from the event, especially Bozo the Clown, our team mascot during the ride for critically injured kids. And if you haven’t already, be sure to follow Entoure’s adventures on Twitter and Facebook!

If you’ll be in Brisvegas on Thursday 26th October, join us for our post-tour party at Hotel Conrad to further celebrate the tour and to thank our major sponsors. Tix are $65 and you can buy them here. It will be a great and fitting celebration – with all proceeds from the night going to the Day of Difference Foundation!

Thank you for supporting Entoure and the Day of Difference Foundation.

Kent Williams
Entoure Cycle for Life
kent@entoure.com.au

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fordakids
Become a fan of Entoure on Facebook
Follow the ride on Facebook: Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa

Day three saw the riders leave beautiful Noosa for Brisbane and the run of luck we had with the weather promptly ran out. Light (and sometimes heavy) rain hit the two pelotons, making road conditions a wee bit scary at times. But with the help of experienced riders and a fantastic road crew this year, all riders made it back to Brisbane without an issue.

Ron Delezio (CEO and Founder of Day of Difference) again donned the lycra and rode with us from Caboolture to Brisbane … Mastering about 100km of the route over the 400km in three-day tour. A fantastic effort for someone new to the sport and as busy as he is – it was inspirational to have Ron riding with us.

Before Brisbane however, riders fought hard for the final yellow jersey – the Merida Leaders Jersey. And this was won by a Team Lend Lease rider, Ben Richardson. Well done Ben!

The day finished with a sausage sandwich at Norths Leagues and Services Club, and with riders tired and wet, a few quiet beers were had, and then off home to shower and share some important time with close family and friends. Time to relive what they had achieved, share the stories of how they climbed a mountain, on how Karni Liddell’s speech on Saturday night changed their perspective, and how they rode with a bunch of people who have now given critically injured kids a better chance of life.

From ten years experience in this game, I know riders will awake today with some form of post-tour blues. After six months of training, raising cash, and now, the event is finished. The reality is that their next opportunity to share in something like this again will be a year away. Send the guys your best wishes via Twitter or our Facebook page!

It is 5.30 in the morning on Monday October 12 and I am about to jump in the car with my co-driver and long-time friend David Sharpe … We have lined up Byron Bay for breakfast and then we’re headed straight for home.

Riders – stay tuned for the post tour party – this amazing result deserves a celebration!

A heartfelt thanks for following the Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa, and for all your messages of support and donations … it has made all the difference.

Kent Williams
Entoure Cycle for Life

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fordakids
Become a fan of Entoure on Facebook
Follow the ride on Facebook: Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa

No-one said the Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa was going to be a walk in the park – but it is worth the challenge because kids who are critically injured don’t have a say in the matter and we are able to help speed their recovery.

Today, Angelo Venardos donned Entoure’s inaugural ‘Bozo the Clown’ kit and had his faced painted by Lauren of Cool Faces. Good on you Bozo and thanks Lauren! The outfit was such a hit with everyone we met, the riders have now implemented a process where each day the previous clown hands the crown on to a new rider. On Sunday, Bozo will be inhabited by Christo Vissor of Lend Lease … we can’t wait to show you all the pics next week.

Lunch was held at Zacharys Pizza Bar on Hastings Street, the pulse of the Noosa community, and once again the Entoure team was treated to an unforgettable afternoon.

Our major awards night was held tonight – I will update you with the winners when I get back to Sydney. But for now, I need some sleep – tomorrow is another early day and another 130km for our weary muscles to ride back to Brisbane, where our weekend challenge to raise significant funds for The Day Of Difference Foundation will finish.

Stay tuned and help us keep doing it for critically injured kids,

Kent Williams
Entoure Cycle for Life

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fordakids
Become a fan of Entoure on Facebook
Follow the ride on Facebook: Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa

As per my last blog, Ron Delezio, the CEO of Day of Difference Foundation (who will receive the funds we raise to help critically injured children), rode the last 30km with us and rode very well. A man that has had endured the journey he has is used to kicking goals, despite all obstacles. Ron has ridden a bike before, but he is not a cyclist, so to see him ride the challenging undulations of Noosa with the Entoure team was absolutely an inspiring sight.

The Propel Investments Green Sprinters Jerseys were won by Simon Juniper in B Grade and Shaun Smith in Open. They will receive their jerseys tonight and we will post a few photos soon. Well done Simon and Shaun!

Tomorrow we have the King of the Mountain and it will once again be a graded event in weight categories … Riders will ride in weight categories with increments of 5 kilos – starting at 75k and finishing at over 95k … This makes it fair for all and ensures the big boys get a fair hit out … Stay tuned for who wins – it’s going to be a fun challenge for us all!

Stay tuned and help us keep doing it to raise $200K for critically injured kids,

Kent Williams
Entoure Cycle for Life

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fordakids
Become a fan of Entoure on Facebook
Follow the ride on Facebook: Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa

Yesterday consisted of 15 hrs in the car travelling from Sydney to Kallangur, Brisbane. There we had a few logistical meetings and the sorting of riders kit bags (the stuff that keeps them informed and energised between pit stops).

Today was another busy day getting every final detail organised for the 400km ride over the weekend. It included the collection of support vehicles from Budget and Range Rover, plus getting an elegant sufficiency of bananas and carbo foods from Clayfield Markets, before final discussions with riders, supports and sponsors.

A pasta night was held in Milton tonight to carbo load for the first 128km to Noosa tomorrow, the handing out of kit bags, and a general meet and greet with the riders.

The support team are well equipped and the riders are itching to go. Some of the riders will handle tomorrow with ease whilst some will be chatting to *Elvis* before lunch!

Tomorrow comprises of 128 clicks and we will be and at ‘em by 5am. Brekkie is being served at 515 and the riders are due to arrive at 6.30am for a 7.30am departure. By the time you read this blog, we’ll be well on our way to Noosa!

I can’t wait to don the Lycra, brief the riders, and head to Noosa. Weather is forecast to be a beautiful 28 degrees and paradise is calling.

Stay tuned and help us raise $200K for critically injured kids,

Kent Williams
Entoure Cycle for Life

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fordakids
Become a fan of Entoure on Facebook
Follow the ride on Facebook: Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa

When riders initially fall short of their fundraising targets, Entoure looks at why, and keeps the focus on saving the lives of critically injured kids. See some of our fundraising tips here.

Riders have an array of choices when it comes to entering an event and raising money for a good cause. And we as donors are often approached to support a friend or colleague’s challenge for a particular cause.

Our inaugural Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa in 2008 saw many teams fall short of the fundraising pie – more about Entoure’s communication around achieving goals than it was about the riders. Our first year was also about getting a presence for the event in Noosa rather than raising huge amounts of cash. But we learnt from the experience and are coming back strong!

Team Conrad have proved to be a shining example in the upcoming Entoure Cycle Classic Noosa for 2009 (October 9-11), by:

1. Setting up a fundraising task force weeks out from the event
2. Meeting early and identifying key drivers and campaigns that could work
3. Drilling down to what they felt would be the most effective campaigns
4. Implementing a series of goals and driving milestones over a four-week period

Team Conrad will share their achievements once we get to Noosa – and I’ll blog more then – but they are an example of what can happen. Team Conrad’s fundraising ALREADY sits at $15,500 (on a $12,000 target) and they go into this tour very proud of their efforts. Regardless of what happens, Team Conrad are winners.

I love nothing more than to see riders engaged in the cause, working hard off the bike and going the extra yards for the kids. The transition in Team Conrad across the 2008 and 2009 tours is for me one of the best examples as to the value of good people, and why more people should have a crack at Entoure events.

Cycling is simply the portal I use to raise awareness and funds for critically injured kids. For me, the cycle tours are about mateship, having fun and raising funds – if we can continue in that vein, we will save the lives of many more critically injured kids.

If you have a fantastic story about your team, please email it to kent@entoure.com.au

Let’s keep doing it for the kids,

Kent Williams
Entoure Cycle for Life

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fordakids
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There’s one cyclist who had me wiping away a happy tear when I saw the results on his Hero Fundraising page, and that person is Entoure’s Hero of the Week.*

Franco Dibartolomeo, Captain of Team Coronis / MDEV, has raised more than $16,000 for critically injured children in four short days. When I saw the tally and comments from Franco’s donors I couldn’t believe it. Everyone at Entoure and the Day of Difference Foundation is blown away – this is an absolutely outstanding effort with many within Franco’s network contributing and some contributing massive amounts of money.

This achievement says a lot about Franco because whilst people support good causes, in the main, they support people they connect with and trust. Those who have supported Franco in just four days must think the world of him and see him as a hero – just as we do.

Good on you Franco, the subject of our first blog and Entoure’s Hero of the Week.

You may or may not know, but this tour we have a Riders’ Fundraising Jersey, sponsored by HP, for the rider who raises the most funds. Currently it has Franco’s name on it – but who knows – next week could be a very different story!

To see the donations and comments to Franco’s Hero Page, click here. And to select another rider to donate to, click here.

Fantastic effort. You should be very proud of yourself. – Ron Delezio, CEO and Founder, Day of Difference Foundation

Well done Franco!!!!! – Angelo Venardos

Let’s keep doing it for the kids,

Kent Williams
Entoure Cycle for Life

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* Hero of the Week didn’t exist before Franco’s massive effort, but it certainly does now!