Singleton-Newcastle: The end

And so it was that the last day fell upon us.

When the heavy mist evaporated, a serene scene was revealed. For the next hour that we rode, a single hot air balloon hovered gently in the sky directly ahead of us.

It was a simple but poignant symbol. 

Camp Quality's old branding used to feature a hot air balloon, to symbolise the souls of the children who had died of cancer rising up to heaven.

There were many people our group had lost. Those who we liked to think were watching over us and our incredible journey on this challenging bike ride - Dads. Sons. Daughters. Nephews. Nieces. Friends. 

As Renee said on one of the most challenging hills during the ride: "You're all doing this ride for somebody. All of you. Think of that one person now to get you up this hill." We all shot up the steep hill with few complaints. 

After an hour, the hot air balloon drifted happily away as we cycled further towards it with Camp Quality's new logo on our shirts - Giggle, who represents optimism, re-building and looking towards the future with strength and hope. 

Something about it just felt very fitting, almost like a sign.

In further evidence of a sign, after a gloriously rain-free week, the one shower we had came just before we hit our grand finale at The Junction in Newcastle. 

It washed away our sweat, our tears, the road dirt and any remaining tiredness. It refreshed us for our celebrity entrance to the finish line. And just like that, it stopped. 

We could hear the crowds. The rest is a blur of streamers, confetti, cheers, cameras, media, film crew, press and a balancing act in cleats as life-sized Giggle welcomed 35 heroes home. 

So I didn't want to end on too serious a note. Instead, here's one last little rhyme.

Back by popular demand here we go
A return to the 1,000Ks rhyming show
By popular demand I just mean me
Do indulge my bike themed poetry.
What a journey, what an event, what a trip
Reminiscing will  make the most robust of hearts skip
There may have been a rough scrape or maybe three
The tough times were counter-balanced by fun therapy.
Some scrapes were actually dramatic and scary
They worried surname King and fist name Fairy
Michael, if you're reading this from hospital
The very best wishes to you from us all
Here's hoping the food's good and the bedding's warm
And you're not pining for some toast made by our Norm
We hope you're eating fresh veg and protein filled meats
And that in no time you'll be getting back into those cleats
We toasted your swift recovery on our final night
We had a drink for you- we felt it was only right.
Oh how we'll miss the laughs and the malarkey
The infectious ADHD of our very own Sharkie
Kirby's laugh, her warmth, her ability to shock
Now there's someone with a roo loose in the top paddock
She kept us all laughing - what a trooper - good on'er
Even though some antics were considered "unbelievable" by Donna
The welcome home party - what an awesome job by Beaker
Broadcast the biggest of congrats from the loudest speaker
Now it's all over and time for us riders to go
Chafing's replaced with nostalgia and warm glow
In old age we'll look back at the "what I didn'ts" and the "what I dids"
With pride, we'll say "I did that" - and it was all for the kids.