Long Table Feasting: what a huge night

"Outstanding"

"A great success".

 "I've eaten too much"...all phrases which captured the mood at our major Smiling for Smiddy fundraiser.

74 people dined Sicilian-style in Gregory St Townsville last night.

 All thanks to Nancy & her amazing staff at the Sweetbridge Larder.

We all had 5 courses & shared in the true Sicilian way.

 Special guests were Bruce & Heather, my parents who were visiting from Tasmania.

Huge thanks to Susie for organising the raffle & to the raffle supporters (Ariya Health, Nourishing Bites & Dominion Coffee).

Check out the pictures!

Happy Hamper Winners: chocolates, coffee..things to smile about.

74 Hungry diners...street eaters going to town in Gregory St, Townsville

Mum and Dad: my inspirations. Good to have you present!

T-69 Heading for a feast: Sicilian Style

Greetings all,

Just heading to an amazing street-dining experience at the fantastic Sweetbridge Larder in Gregory St in Townsville.

Nancy, Garry & their great staff are cooking up an Italian storm to be shared by 80 people including Mum and Dad who are visiting from Tasmania.

What an awesome fundraising night it plans to be...Smiling for Smiddy, that great foundation we are all riding for in October.

Check out the flyer! Will let you know how it all goes.

C

T-82 Balcony Revcovery Brekkie aka Curtis Stone visits Chez Susie

What a way to revitalise the body after a long ride on Saturday (did 100 km in the cool morning air)

Brekkie on the Chez Susie balcony..with Magnetic Island in the background.

I reckon Sunday morning doesn't get much better than this..soft poached eggs on sourdough toast, mushies, bacon & fresh rocket thanks to Susie's hunting and gathering efforts at Cotters Markets...

Who needs to go out for breakfast?..not me...

BTW: as a bonus I am getting my daily dose of  Vitamin D while drinking my cappuccino.

Yes I have got my shorts on....just getting Vitamin D dose while eating brekkie..hard life?

Actually Curtis couldn't make it for breakfast so I cooked the eggs using his great method...works a treat.

 

Made fresh Basil pesto in the mighty Thermomix while we waiting for our morning guests,,that's for a later blog story.

 

T-89 Generous Townsvillian and V8 visitors: confirmation that "Townsville Shines"

Townsville certain shone this morning...Janet Curran and I set up at Cotters Markets for a 4 hour fundraising effort and were well rewarded for our efforts.

A beautiful day with heaps of locals and visitors out enjoying the markets before the V8 Supercars hit the streets of Townsville. Epic race and fantastic coverage by Channel 7.

Street-based fundraising is a fascinating exercise in 'human behaviour' when people are being approached for a donation...ranging from generous engagement to outright disdain & avoidance..you'd think we were asking for the very last cent..

Just to add interest to the day we even copped a spray from some irate Victorian motor bike rider....hmmm.

Still on the whole a very worthwhile effort...thanks Janet & John for your contribution.

Also a big thanks to all who donated..as they say every little donation helps...certainly did today.

Spinning in Cotters Market, with Janet C, my fellow Smiddy rider.

If you feel like donating please click the link and donate away!


https://thefinalleg.everydayhero.com/au/ross

 

T-92 New Financial Year = new energy (solar that is)

What a stunning way to start the day..a Tabata workout on the beautiful Strand along the Townsville foreshore.

Take a close look at these pictures and marvel at the sunrise we experienced.

It truly makes you grateful to be alive.

Rockpool at Sunrise.

Look carefully at the windows...

What you are looking at is the sun's reflection on the windows at 6.15 AM and no its not the interior lights...BTW in the 3rd window from the left is a palm tree silhouette. Impressive!

 

Such a good moment on a clear and brisk winter morning.

 

Gratitude is the only word to describe it.

 

Add caption

T-96 Sue Bell Memorial Ride

Today in beautiful sunny Townsville, approximately 300 cyclists honoured the memory of Sue Bell in a controlled 30km ride from the new Jezzine Barracks to Thuringowa and back along Ross River Road. Sue died tragically in an accident and will always be remembered as a passionate advocate for cycling.

To all those who took part, to the organisers (Rebecca et al), the Police and the dignitaries who attended including Townsville MP John Hathaway many thanks.

I am sure Sue would have been impressed.

Being the media tart that I am I have taken the liberty of posting a picture of John and I.

Thanks for attending John & I hope your backside recovers!

We appreciate your support to the Townsville cyclists and more broadly throughout Queensland.

Townsville MP John Hathaway joined us MAMILs for the Sue Bell Memorial Ride.

Generous donation: feeling humble

How humble I felt this morning when I did my early morning 'donations' check. Very.

Local MP Mr John Hathaway donated very generously to my Smiling for Smiddy ride this morning.

http://www.johnhathaway.com.au/

Check out John's ongoing commitment to Townsville and northern Queensland.

His donation means that there is almost $3000 been raised to date.

So many thanks to my wonderful network of supporters.

This donation also makes me more determined to achieve my goals and repay the faith people have in me.

If you would like to support me please click the link below.

https://thefinalleg.everydayhero.com/au/ross

Thanks

Rossco