Not quite the news I wanted to start off with but as I write this, Ole Willy has done himself an injury and is in a bit of pain.
Oh dear. Disappointment city, I tell you.
Uncontrollable back spasms. Inconsolable angry saddddds.
Due to lifting the bike over a fence or something. Not sure.
He had to start walking the bike as pushing the peddles uphill was excruciating.
Regardless, I’ve added some earlier celebratory pictures of the start of the race today and a little quick put-together video from last night’s feast and early this morning walking the bike to the start at King George Square.
Considering not much training in this terrain, he was smashing it today.
So proud. Proud. Proud.
In between the sadness, he tells me he lent a fellow some water and was now short himself.
Good Samaritanism may well play in your favour, ole Willy.
Checking now, he’s found himself at The Gantry and bunking in for a bit to see how the back goes – it looks like a beautiful picnic area.
There’s water there, so that’s good, and I know he packed enough food for 24 hours in case he missed D’Aguilar tonight before things shut – the hopeful plan.
I hope this isn’t the end for you, Willy:(
If you’re wondering why the dot has stopped, this is why.
Shame.
Such is life.
There’s always something positive to talk about, though – the Dot watchers are still in force, and how beautiful it is to see the generosity of spirit. A banana (I think) from Brad and Freya today. I hope I got your names right. Thank you!
Rest up, Willy.
Tomorrow, or even a 1 a.m. start tonight(!) is a brand. new.day Xx
Fingers crossed, and all the positive feelings are thrown your way.
EDIT: 6.13am – I peeked at the tracker with eyes wide shut for the 17th time at 5.30 am.
No movement.
I called, and no answer – gulp.
I called again, and he answered, “What are you doing awake?”
Good god…what does he think I’m doing awake? It took all my strength not to…I tell ya!
He’s in pain, and it’s going to be a slog. It was never going to be easy.
Anti-flams will be his loving family today.
He heard loads of riders come through during the night while he tried to rest.
After a great start before stuffing the back, I think that thought is hurting him more.
Still, a way to go.
Keep pedalling, Willy!
Hell I’m stressed just reading the posts, fingers crossed for ya mate.
Thanks, Ant and Kirsty. Fingers crossed indeed. Why does he do these things??
Hope your back gets better Willy! Rest up if u need to.. it’s still early days!
Can you believe it Binky! Thank you for well wishes.
One crank at a time. ?
G’day Willy, it was good to meet you today, we hope your back is ok for more riding.
Cheers,
Brad and Freya
Thank you, Brad and Freya! Love your generosity! Fingers crossed. The banana you gave him might just be enough to get him through!