Each year the Orica GreenEDGE team has a training camp and family day at Mitchelton Winery near Nagambie in Victoria. This year near on 900 fans rode with the professionals in several different length rides around the countryside.
Back at Mitchelton Winery there was lots to do whilst we waited for the riders to return - wine tastings & sales, the Australian Wine Show exhibition, food stalls, live music, activities for children and the merchandise shop.
In the afternoon the riders were interviewed one at at time then they spent time talking to the fans, being photographed and signing books, shirts, hats and I even saw a sock being signed.
Durbo with some keen fans.
Heppy & Cam taking a break from signing.
Matt Hayman finds a blank spot to sign.
The most popular rider - Simon Gerrans
The Orica AIS girls were also busy signing souvenirs.
Gene Bates introduced the Orica AIS Women's Team who were present.
Matt White introduced those present from the Orica GreenEDGE Men's Team.
Also present were some 2016 signings who were being introduced to the culture of the Orica GreenEDGE team. This is why this Australian professional cycling team is successful.
Dan Jones is the Backstage Pass man. Congratulations to Dan on his hugely successful Backstage Passes which allow us all to go behind the scenes and appreciate more of what being a professional cyclist is really like. They are entertaining, funny, sad, enlightening - just what the fans want.
Of course, I'm a Gerro fan too! Simon grew up in Mansfield so I would be a fan even if he wasn't a world champion rider.
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