The 2011 Tour de Kids is now over. Here are some of the amazing statistics from our 7-day Adelaide to Melbourne ride:

Number of teams = 5

Number of riders = 40 (plus a few late visitors)

Distance = 1178km

Riding time = 38 hours 02 minutes

Longest hill climb = 20 kilometers (with another 7km climb that day)

Approx. number pedal strokes (per rider) = 226,800

Approx. Calories burnt (per rider) = 49,000

Salad rolls eaten (combined total all riders) = 350+

Muffins eaten (combined total all riders) = 350+

Bananas eaten (combined total all riders) = 50kgs

Number of accidents = 0

And most importantly.....

Money raised (so far) = $550,000+

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Day four riders will ride 191km 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 80km 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 110km route. 

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Day three riders will ride a fantastic 161km 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 108km. At around 25km out of Casterton riders will cross the Victorian border and the country side becomes even more protected, fast and flat.

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The higher we rode, the colder it got with a fine mist making it slippery and wet. The ensuing downhill was very cold, making us all rethink clothing choices.

Then it was a nice ride through the hills including the beautiful village of Hahndorf.

Eventually the hills faded behind us and we moved into rolling farmland until lunch break at Tailem Bend.

After scoffing down breadrolls, a muffin and fruit we took off again for the last 55km of the day. This was a much flatter section with a persistent headwind. In fact we only had a few km's in total without a headwind, making the ride even tougher.

Happy to report there were no incidents, a good safe ride for all of us

Total distance: 175km
Time: 5hr 55mins.

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Story in today's (24.3.11) Australian Financial Review about Colliers International participation in the Tour de Kids Next week.

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 David Morris

Well, the training has started for my 3rd Tour de Kids, and this one looks like a challenging ride from Adelaide to Melbourne, with a few big bumps in the middle to slow us down. However, the main challenge lies in the 3-6 months of training, to condition the body for 7 consecutive days of big rides. What keeps me going through the countless hours of training is the fantastic work that the Starlight Foundation do-I have seen firsthand the wonderful, uplifting effect that Captain Starlight and the Starlight Room has in the hospital environment. I also gain a lot of inspiration from the knowledge that I am riding for my Wish Child, and the difference that this Wish will make for him or her. Thanks again for your support.

Stephen Philp

On the 27th March 2011 in Adelaide I will commence my 6th consecutive Tour de Kids ride with a finish line some 1,150km further east in Melbourne. In preparation for a ride of this length I will be riding 300-400km per week from Christmas to the end of March or a total of around 4,000km.

Riding these distances over terrain that includes climbing the Otway Ranges is tough however it pales into insignificance compared to the hardship that brave kids with serious illness face every day. The financial, emotional and life changing impacts of serious illness on kids and their families is a gut-wrenching experience. Starlight and our other children’s charities endeavour to support these families in their time of greatest need and in turn they require support to carry out this most valuable work. Each year I have been allocated a child for whom I am riding to raise money for their special wish. This is the little person I think of for my motivation as I ride and I ask that this be a part of your motivation to support my ride in the 2011 Tour de Kids.

Troy Whalan

Since Christmas, I’ve been cycling between 250-300kms a week in order to be fit for this year’s Tour de Kids (TDK). This will be my 3rd TDK raising funds for The Starlight Foundation and doing it for the kids.  With your help I hope to grant 3 Starlight Wishes ($3000 a wish)... So hop on the bike with me, support me and dig deep! “Its going to be a hell of a ride!”

 Sue Henry

I got into cycling nearly three years ago and have never looked back. I love riding and racing and chats at the coffee shop with so many wonderful people. However being able to ride my bike every day is something that I and many of my cycling friends take for granted. That is why the challenge of riding 1150km from Adelaide to Melbourne in seven days to raise money for the Starlight Foundation is so appealing to me. While doing something I enjoy so much I can make a difference to the life of my Wish Child, who has to endure constant pain, operations and endless hospital visits. The ride is going to be an amazing challenge and life experience for me and whilst suffering up the hills and enduring long days on the bike, I will be thinking of the difference I am making to the lives of others not so fortunate.

Join with me and show your support by digging deep and donating to this great cause. I can’t wait to get on the bike in March 2011 for this great adventure!

David Cobcroft

From Xmas to March I will be training up to 350-400 per week just to be prepared for a fight against the hills and elements that will be thrown at me from Adelaide to Melbourne-all within 7 days. 1150km in total. This will be my 5th TDK. Climbing the 20km ascent of the Otway ranges, I can stop when the pain gets too much, but what will be inspiring me is the child for whom I am riding. When I stop the pain will ease and eventually stop. Unfortunately, for my Wish Child, the pain is constant. Hospital visits every week, operations, constant pain. If only THEY could stop peddling and their pain ease and eventually stop!!!

You know what I am saying!! "if it doesn't kill me, it will make me a stronger person" is so apt. Hop on the bike with me, support me and dig deep. "Its going to be a hell of a ride".

Peter MacKenzie-Wood

Stephen Wooldridge

Peter O'Connor

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