Sharky's OZ 7-in-7
5th Stage: 11-30 September 2012
In 2008 Smiling for Smiddy founder Mark “Sharky” Smoothy began his seven year quest to cycle around Australia in seven stages. Each September, with the continuing support of our amazing sponsor Bottlemart, Sharky extends his 1600km “Smiddy Challenge” to include one of these stages. So far Sharky has completed:
- 2008 - A 3200 kilometre journey from Coolangatta to Cape york in 20 days.
- 2009 - A 2400 kilometre journey from Innisfail to Darwin in 16 days.
- 2010 - A 2400 kilometre journey from Katherine to Karratha in 17 days.
- 2011 - A 2800 kilometre journey from Karratha to Esperance in 17 days.
2012 is the fifth stage from Esperance in Western Australia to Adelaide, via the Nullabor. Total distance for this ride and the Bottlemart Smiddy Challenge combined is 4000 kilometres over a 24 day period.
Sharky’s motivations for 7-in-7
It has always been a dream of Sharky’s to ride around Australia. Since losing his great mate Adam Smiddy, he no longer dreams…he acts on those dreams. While he would like to ride around Australia in the one hit, this is not possible due to time constraints and other commitments. So 7-in-7 was born; 7 stages over 7 years.
Will Sharky do this alone?
Each year Sharky extends an invite to riders to accompany him on each stage.
- 2008 - Cameron Single from Mackay joined Sharky.
- 2009 - Scott May from Brisbane came along for the ride.
- 2010 - Scott May was back and joined Sharky's best mate, Ron Steel from Mackay.
- 2011 - Steely returns, while Steve Waters from Brisbane and Kate Warren from Tasmania had their first taste of 7-in-7.
- 2012 - Ron Steel is back for a three-peat, while Sharky will be joined by the largest contingent yet with fellow Smiddy riders Tony Ganter, Raymond Smith, John Leyshon, Russell Conway and Craig Mitchell signing up for the trip across the Nullabor.
Support Crew
- Kevin Enchelmaier gives up three weeks of his time each year to keep the boys watered, fed and safe. Kevin has been there right from the start of 7-in-7 and this ride would not have been possible without his never-ending and passionate support.
Fundraising for Smiling for Smiddy
Sharky's Oz 7-in-7 adventure continues the Smiddy fundraising around Australia. The fundraising continues right up until the team finish in Adelaide, South Australia. Each rider has made a commitment to fundraise a minimum of $5,000. Collectively the team have set their target goal at raising $50,000 to add to the final Smiddy tally.
