The Support Crews
A big thanks to those below. Without them, the rides would have been so much harder.
A big thanks to those below. Without them, the rides would have been so much harder.
2009 Paul Bishop - drove the Shaynae's Ride support vehicle, set up camp and took on some tricky jobs. Clever sparky that can fix anything - even when you don't want him to.
2009 Glen Driver - Support crew counted as practical experience when completing a Bachelor of Business degree. Did a good job of driving the second vehicle, being there when needed, soliciting donations and finding alternative camp sites.
Charles Cousin - 2011 and 2012. Widgee grazier and cattle industry historian turned bus driver, caterer and chef. Kept it all together, when things were going amiss. Likes his night's sleep.
2012 Gaynor Maddocks - Col's personal support crew. Did a good job of ensuring that no one got left behind. Make sure that the lunch menu was up to scratch.
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2013 Rochelle and Graeme Anderson. Graziers from Maidenwell in Queensland. Adept in using the geopositioning technologies. Graeme (Mayhem) provided yet another strong link to Aspley High Class of 1975 cadre. Pit stops ran like clockwork. Flagged the riders in. Well known cool heads in a crisis. Great to have on board.
Rochelle and Graeme backed up again in 2014. This time they brought along Rochelle's cousin, Willard Earl Goff (Jnr), from Backa County, Colorado, USA. It was a pleasure.
Support Crew 2015
Gordon and Kathy Munsie - Hervey Bay based home brewers, who moonlight as boat builders. Gordes, another Aspley refugee, met Kathy in the the mines in northwest WA. Apparently they got to know each other in a bar where the empty cans were thrown in a heap in the corner. Well known Gala Night bargain hunters. Stalwarts of the electrical and medical industries. After being passed the support crew baton by the Andersons, G and K enjoyed a week of BBQs and pub meals.
Gordon and Kathy Munsie - Hervey Bay based home brewers, who moonlight as boat builders. Gordes, another Aspley refugee, met Kathy in the the mines in northwest WA. Apparently they got to know each other in a bar where the empty cans were thrown in a heap in the corner. Well known Gala Night bargain hunters. Stalwarts of the electrical and medical industries. After being passed the support crew baton by the Andersons, G and K enjoyed a week of BBQs and pub meals.
Support Crew 2016 - Gordon Munsie backed up again. Supplied the victuals for the pre Bridge crossing tradition. Accidentally started the B2B photobombing craze. Was praised loudly by the team in various ride pasts. Supplied numerous examples of Australian music culture. Reinvented cinematography with innovative camera techniques. Kathy stayed home this time, and missed all the fun/rubbish.
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Support Crew 2017 - Sheryl Hateley and Jane Hague. The 'Purple Ladies'. Thought that support crewing was a tour of New England Tableland Op Shops. Caused a near riot by organising a late lunch at Bendemeer and a disappearing act at Werris Creek. However, really set the support crew bar higher through bacon and egg wrap pit stops, scented candles at our BBQs, chocolates at afternoon tea, barista coffee at 'kick off' and mental/spiritual counselling for those riders who were beginning to unravel.
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Support Crew 2017 - Howard John Cutler (seen here with 2015, 2016 and 2017 rider - El Mig) complemented the aforementioned 'Purple Ladies'. Another Aspley High Class of 1975 veteran, keeping up a strong tradition of high ride involvement of old school mates. Another individual who has juggled the demands of running a business with the making of a hefty contribution towards a successful ride. Enjoyed pub/club and BBQ atmosphere at the completion of each day. Honed remarkable KENO skills. Provided a cool headed escort from Hornsby to the Bridge. Often seen yapping to Mark at the tail end.
Support Crew 2018 (L to R) - Jenny and Scott Livingstone - Jenny is a respected medical practitioner who enjoyed the trip and became a great advocate for club meals and New England motels as well as this afternoon break beside Lake Macquarie. Grew up in the Aspley area like Randal and Scott. Scott is an old mate of Randal's - grew up in the house next door to him. Went to the same schools etc. Loves the challenges of joining high voltage cables for electricity authorities - slipped a trip to Sydney between jobs.
Ros Kerwin - Ros partners Randal up at Gympie. Enjoyed the trip. Rode a few sections with us. Cunningly avoided the Moonbi and Devil's Pinch. Has strong aversion to morning wake up texts. - and of course, Randal - who drove a couple of sections when Ros was on the bike.
Support Crew 2019. Scotty Livingstone - seen here with old mate Randal. Jenny could not come in 2019, so Livo had to share with Mark. Came through that ordeal okay. Seemed to have a relaxing time. Good to see him again.
Support Crew 2019. Ros. Backed up again in 2019. Bit nervous taking on the Sydney traffic in the Ranger (who wouldn't be). Got there ok. Looked forward to coffee stops, Was awarded a 6 pack of rum for her troubles. Did not do any riding, as there was no spare driver. Maybe next time?
