What a wonderful group of people to spend 5 days with. This year we had 20 riders ranging in age from 39-79.
Distance of Ride- 401.6km
Total Elevation- 4440 m
Funding Total- close to $24000 (AMAZING)
Day 1- The ride began with an early morning start in Kingaroy, with Day One WAS a 85 km ride to Wondai. This day was tough with temperatures reaching 37 degrees in the shade and some of our Garmin's registering between 44-47 degrees in the sun. The riders group went through 90L of water on Day One and the cold towels and spray bottles were in hot demand. We were all very glad to get to the Grand Hotel at Wooroolin for lunch. The staff put on a wonderful lunch and the iced water and cold fruit were much appreciated.
Day Two- The weather had moderated and we headed via backroads back to Kingaroy. The distance for the day was around 85kms. This route showcased some great South Burnett views, with a few undulations along the way. When we arrived in Kingaroy Bill Hull Car Centre had a surprise for us, a cheque for $2200. What an amazing donation. The other definite highlight of the day was the dinner put on by the Kingaroy State School P and C. The sausage curry and sticky date pudding was mouth watering to say the least.
Day Three- This was the toughest day with around 92kms and 1200m of elevation from Kingaroy to Nanango and on to Camp Duckadang. We lost count of the undulations. Once again the weather gods smiled on us and cool breezes assisted the riders. Having said this, we were all glad to see the camp at days end. We did have a small group of riders who couldn't help themselves and had to do the extra kilometres for the 100. Massive thanks for Belinda for looking after us. The cheese platters were much appreciated and a great surprise.
Day Four- We headed along the bitumen road into Linville and started the climb up the BVRT to Blackbutt for morning tea at the Bunya Nut Café (Thanks heaps for the kind donation). After morning tea we headed to Yarraman, dodging the storms and hail. Once in Yarraman it was a quick toilet stop and off we went along Din Din Road to Nanango for our last overnight stop at the Nanango Showgrounds.
Day Five- We left Nanango under grey skies and unfortunately, we had to tackle the hill on Grindstone Road. We then headed along Booie Road to the Booie Hall for morning tea. Huge thanks must go to the Booie Hall Committee who went above and beyond with their morning tea. The scones and chocolate crackles were amazing. From Booie Hall we continued along Old Wondai Road to Corndale. Then up the range to Memerambi and along the SBRT into Kingaroy Showgrounds.
The whole experience was a highlight of the year and a very humbling experience, as so many businesses, organisations and individuals put themselves out to assist us along the way.
WE WILL BE BACK BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER IN 2020. There will be undulations, sore bottoms and tired legs. However we will all be better people for having the experience. Cheers