Cardiac Challenge Cycle Ride

The 2010 ride was an outstanding success raising over $300,000 for the Far North Queensland Heart Foundation -

An amazing weekend started on 25th September with a clear sky. At 6.00am the riders left from Cazaly's stadium for the journey of a lifetime. 255 enthusiastic cyclists rode from Cairns to Smithfield in one pack and escorted by Queensland Police. Not wanting to miss any part of this ride 150 of these intrepid adventurers ascended the 12km Kuranda Range towards Mareeba.

It has finally hit home, the magnitude of this ride, over 255 cyclists broken into twelve packs travelling with 100 support people who have come along to support their fathers, mothers, or even grandparents as they embark on a three day ride that would give them a life changing experience. They would be supported along the way by 51FNQR and a host of volunteers. They were fed and watered in Kuranda and Mareeba by the local Rotarians and the wonderful CWA ladies at Mt Molloy who provided a host of sandwiches to feed the 400 people descending on their small community.

After Mt Molloy they headed north towards their first overnight stop where they were able to unwind and relax in the peace and tranquillity of an Australian Bush setting at the Mt Carbine Caravan Park.

Day two they experienced the harsh reality of our Australian Outback as the first morning they set off for a nice easy 20km ride to the base of the Desailley range, followed by a 3.4 km 10% gradient climb and then a long downhill run on the other side. After some gentle undulations they arrive for lunch at the historic Palmer River Cafe. Lunch finished, the packs again set off to traverse some more climbs to the top of the Byers Town range and then a long winding descent before continuing on towards Lakeland and their second overnight stop.

Lakeland is a small township of approximately 98 people who welcome the riders and their support with open arms. They provide a delicious outback BBQ. Once a year this small communities number swell to over 500 people who set up camp at the Lakeland State School and enjoy a night of festivities and celebration as the hardest day of the ride has been completed.

Day three - Once again the slower packs set off early while the more enthusiastic riders competed in a 2km Time Trial before starting the last day of the ride. The riders left Lakeland and travelled north before turning to an East North East direction towards Cooktown. Along the way they passed Kings Plain Station, crossed the Normanby river and then passed the legendary Black Mountain. After crossing the Annan river they had one more hill to climb before arriving at the information point on the southern outskirts of Cooktown where the Mayor of Cooktown Mr Peter Scott was waiting to meet them.

This was it, a very emotional moment for some, they had achieved what they thought would never be achievable. Some had ridden the full 334km's others had completed what they were able to complete but were happy with the results.

How many of you have read this and thought, I couldn't do that - it would be just impossible. Well then think of Peter Gammie who rode with only one leg. Peter had lost his right leg in an industrial accident when he was only 18. And here he is 30 years on having just pedalled his push bike, with his crutches on his shoulders, all the way from Cairns to Cooktown. Our statistics have showed us that we had 70 people on the ride that had some form of disability but had managed to put those disabilities behind them to achieve the unachievable.

At 12.30pm on 27th September 2010 the Mayor of Cooktown, 7 Cooktown cyclists including 12 year old Kevin and his mother Narelle Dukes led the 255 cyclists down the main streets of Cooktown to a warm reception on the banks of the Endeavour River.