2015
El Miguelo aka Michael Snell
Currently a resident of Darwin, Miguelo (seen here as El Mig with his MiG) is committed to B2B5.
Did a stretch with Randal, Gordes and Mark at Aspley State High School in the early 1970's.
Lists current occupation as trouble shooter.
Lists his likes as going commando, cute cuddly animals, Brian Keogh and fire side chats.
Known to have treated celebrities with disdain.
A memorable quote regarding Miguelo is "Quick, better get El Miguelo!"
Memorable quotes from Miguelo are:-
"Better get someone to clean this mess up."
"It's not what it looks like, officer"
"We'd better keep the lid on that one, mate"
It is suggested that El Miguelo should be approached with extreme caution at parties, if you want to have a good time.
Currently a resident of Darwin, Miguelo (seen here as El Mig with his MiG) is committed to B2B5.
Did a stretch with Randal, Gordes and Mark at Aspley State High School in the early 1970's.
Lists current occupation as trouble shooter.
Lists his likes as going commando, cute cuddly animals, Brian Keogh and fire side chats.
Known to have treated celebrities with disdain.
A memorable quote regarding Miguelo is "Quick, better get El Miguelo!"
Memorable quotes from Miguelo are:-
"Better get someone to clean this mess up."
"It's not what it looks like, officer"
"We'd better keep the lid on that one, mate"
It is suggested that El Miguelo should be approached with extreme caution at parties, if you want to have a good time.
Randal Bishop
The Vandal is five time B2B Skipper and strong advocate for the Aspley High administration. Charity ride instigator.
Well known Gympie businessman.
Strong supporter of early retirement.
Penny farthing craftsman.
Expert in fundraising raffles.
Did an cinematographic award deserving effort with the B2B4 video.
Memorable quotes from the Vandal are:-
"%$(&*!!@"
"We will just check that the Pizza shop in Armidale is open tonight"
"We will just check that the bike lane over the bridge is open"
"Are you listening"
The Vandal is five time B2B Skipper and strong advocate for the Aspley High administration. Charity ride instigator.
Well known Gympie businessman.
Strong supporter of early retirement.
Penny farthing craftsman.
Expert in fundraising raffles.
Did an cinematographic award deserving effort with the B2B4 video.
Memorable quotes from the Vandal are:-
"%$(&*!!@"
"We will just check that the Pizza shop in Armidale is open tonight"
"We will just check that the bike lane over the bridge is open"
"Are you listening"
Tracey Weatherstone - Forming one half of the Weatherstone team, Tracey took up cycling about a year ago to do a sprint triathlon.
Thought back then 18km was a long way. Will be holding that thought about 60 consecutive times in May.
Sensed that riding was the start of a middle age crisis (It is ok ,luv, most of us have been dwelling there for some time!)
Mum of 9 year old young lady (Maddy), Tracey looks forward reuniting with her after the 8 day saga of hills, pub meals, sore bums, coffee shops, bad jokes and badder smells is over.
Tracey has a personal engagement with the ride - her brother Marc has Brain Cancer. He is currently facing some real challenges as he convalesces after his third lot of surgery last December. "I’m doing this for him"
Go Tracey!
Thought back then 18km was a long way. Will be holding that thought about 60 consecutive times in May.
Sensed that riding was the start of a middle age crisis (It is ok ,luv, most of us have been dwelling there for some time!)
Mum of 9 year old young lady (Maddy), Tracey looks forward reuniting with her after the 8 day saga of hills, pub meals, sore bums, coffee shops, bad jokes and badder smells is over.
Tracey has a personal engagement with the ride - her brother Marc has Brain Cancer. He is currently facing some real challenges as he convalesces after his third lot of surgery last December. "I’m doing this for him"
Go Tracey!
Alanah Bailey - The Queen of the B2B returns. Medically forced out of the 2014 ride, Alanah makes a come back with a vengeance. A big effort in recuperation. Self identifies as one of the two 'smells' that will form the rear guard. Confesses to getting a tear in her eye when crossing the harbour bridge (the rest of us should own up as well). Determined that the day before the ride should be devoted to putting the bikes together and having a beer. Definitely has priorities down pat.
In 2012, when standing outside Berowra's 'Top of the Ridge' Pie Shop just after ripping into some sort of custard tart and contemplating the last leg home, uttered the stirring words to her fellow riders, "Right bitches, lets go!"
In 2012, when standing outside Berowra's 'Top of the Ridge' Pie Shop just after ripping into some sort of custard tart and contemplating the last leg home, uttered the stirring words to her fellow riders, "Right bitches, lets go!"
Chris Brock - Young family guy. Gympie resident who has threatened Randal over the last few years with joining the ride. In 2015, Chris delivers. Works long and hard in the furnishing industry. Training seriously. Inspired by the research facility tour in February, Chris rode up Mt Cootha that very afternoon. Has Cunningham's Gap in his sights. Makes good promotion videos.
Ivor Ablitt - What else can you say about this chap? True Pommy gentleman that is a known raffle supporter. Doting Grand dad. Living the dream in Caloundra. Goes for 90 km training rides after work. Wants motel rooms to himself so he can watch football (soccer) matches all night. Dreadful snorer. Married to a genuine Irish Rose. Moonlights as restaurant critic. Sees Cunningham's Gap as more of a time trial rather than a challenge. Rapidly becoming a B2B fixture. Renowned Marsh Street, Armidale photographer.
Mark Driver - Earmarked as the other 'bad smell' that will form the rear guard. Apparently natters on like 'an old woman playing cards'. Looks forward to continuing the strong traditions established for B2B. Uses magic words when replacing tyres and tubes. Led the cavalry charge to the Royal Hotel in Tenterfield in 2014. B2B sign language proponent. Partners Randal in his 5th B2B. Photo taken somewhere in England.
Kev Irle - Another B2B tragic. Along with Alanah and Ivor, Kev with have a B2B hat trick once this one is over. Has yet to learn that Breakaway is a position on a Rugby team. Has used effective crowd funding techniques. Lab tested pyjamas as cycling gear. Plays masters soccer with Ivor. Drifts between the rear guard and mid field on the ride. Loves battered inner city restaurants. One of the Marsh Street Fab Four.
Shorty (Ben Short) - Welcome back, Ben, as part of B2B's next lot of repeat business. Steadying hand on the group. Well known social researcher and commentator. Enjoyed the confusion at Tenterfield. Spent a few hours in the rear guard on the first day of B2B4. Did time in a bookstore in London. Had a big welcoming committee of family and friends at the Harbour View Hotel. Another Marsh Street Fab Four personality.
Mateusz Miszczuk
Another part of B2B's repeat business, Mateusz lines up for a back to back.
Learnt a little about sign and body language on the previous ride. Has gained experience in tube changing. Did not have to even audition for the Marsh Street Fab Four - had a walk up role. Seemed to be quite at home in the Uralla Coffee Shop.
Another part of B2B's repeat business, Mateusz lines up for a back to back.
Learnt a little about sign and body language on the previous ride. Has gained experience in tube changing. Did not have to even audition for the Marsh Street Fab Four - had a walk up role. Seemed to be quite at home in the Uralla Coffee Shop.
Greg Weatherstone - Tracey's top uncle forms the other half of the Weatherstone team - riding in support of nephew Marc. Uncle Greg started riding 20 years back in the Pilbara mines and did a couple of relay rides to Perth from Paraburdoo (1500KM). Feels it is the best way to see the country. After a 10 year break and settling in Perth, he took up riding again 12 months ago in defiance of the Perth winter. While training like a absolute demon (oh no!), Greg has been giving Trace moral support from afar, cracking the training whip since before Christmas (cut it out!). Apparently has all the gear with a bike alleged to be worth more than Tracey's car. A top chap who will fit right in with the elite B2B athletes (But they aren't coming this time so he will have to put up with us instead). An adventurer, always up for a challenge, the next one being an air race across Australia (Esperance WA to Hamilton Island via Forest, Yulara/Uluru, Alice Springs, Birdsville and Cooktown) in support of the Flying Doctor. Looks forward to riding with his niece.
Helen (Nanna) Tassell - Neurosciences Physio at the Prince of Wales Hospital. Another from the frontline seeing first hand what our brain tumour patients go through.
After looking after Tracey’s brother Marc and a few others, Helen is keen to push the pedal to the metal and raise awareness and funds for research for this dreaded disease.
Known to her closest as 'Nanna', Helen will happily plod along in order to get to the finish line and keep fellow trivia night aficionados, Alanah and Mateusz, in check.
Looks forward to the challenge and whatever it takes to get over the Great Dividing Range (appears that training on the Bulli Pass is a great place to start), especially if it includes red wine and a good feed at the end (you can be assured of that all along the track). Helen's presence will improve the ride gender balance immensely, particularly after the 2014 Boy's Club.
After looking after Tracey’s brother Marc and a few others, Helen is keen to push the pedal to the metal and raise awareness and funds for research for this dreaded disease.
Known to her closest as 'Nanna', Helen will happily plod along in order to get to the finish line and keep fellow trivia night aficionados, Alanah and Mateusz, in check.
Looks forward to the challenge and whatever it takes to get over the Great Dividing Range (appears that training on the Bulli Pass is a great place to start), especially if it includes red wine and a good feed at the end (you can be assured of that all along the track). Helen's presence will improve the ride gender balance immensely, particularly after the 2014 Boy's Club.