After much anticipation and hard yards of training (for some at least…) the big day arrived for the 6th annual Mount Isa Irish Club Charity Border Ride. Riders set out from the Mount Isa Civic Centre to a chilly 7am start on the adventure to the Northern Territory border. Competing as teams or individuals I’m sure everyone that participated came away with a feeling of pride and achievement. Below is a snippet of shots from the event day. All images are available for viewing and purchase with ALL proceeds donated back to the Border Charity Ride fund. To view the additional images please check in the ‘events’ tab and buy up big to help support this great local charity.
The day started with anticipation and excitement… a quick briefing from Steve Carson and the riders set off across the Liechhardt River bridge to commence the outback adventure ride…
The first of many roadtrains…
The George Fisher team setting a cracking pace past the mine entrance…
Max Shawcross takes a moment for a little wave to the camera…. and still smiling leading up to the next drink stop…
Lynda Jones powers on against a road train in the beautiful scenic outback setting…
The drink stops were a very welcome relief for the riders… especially if it meant a changeover in a team effort :)
The lead car, proudly supplied by Malouf Auto Group for the day… thanks to all the local sponsors for your support.
The team from PCYC manning the first drink stop. Well done guys. Your cheery smiles and words of encouragement for the riders was well received :)
Time for an energy fix and even a quick photo stop…
The team challenges were always entertaining… (and somewhat fashion debatable) great effort guys :)
130kms to go to Camooweal… this is the time the serious contenders started to split ranks and spread out along the track…
Fastest time winner, Wayne Sanchez leading the pack through the outback…
Checking in at checkpoint 2 at about 100km into the event…
Team NACAD (Nurses, Admin, CT/Xray, Ambulance Officers and Doctors) manning the drink stop and doing a superb effort to support the riders and crews :)
The support crews in action… feeding, supplying sunscreen, words of encouragement… now get back on those bikes and ride!
The crew at checkpoint 3 from ‘Spinifex School’. Another fantastic effort in a very scenic location…
Leo (my adorable red kelpie) was enjoying the day and especially loved playing with Georgie (and trying to share her food…lol)
Girlpower… awesome effort by all the Border Babes :)
Kylie Baker getting back on the road after a quick pit stop… this lady certainly has a determination to be admired. (check out more images of Kylie at the finish line…)
Simon Pope taking an opportunity to smile for the camera as he gathered up speed from the final pit stop…
Max Shawcross playing it up for the spectators…
The serious riders…. starting to put on the pace with only a few of km’s to go….
The Camooweal sign was a milestone that would have been a welcome sight… only 12km’s to go from here….
And welcome to the Northern Territory border…. this is it!!!
It’s not a race…but… first across the line was Wayne Sanchez in 5 hours 8 minutes and 57 seconds, closely followed by Matthais Schwarze, Geoff Baker and Chris Carson.
First female across the line was Kylie Baker… incredible effort Kylie, finishing less than 4 minutes behind Wayne in a time of 5 hours, 12 minutes, 20 seconds.
Kylie finished with more than what she bargained for after a nasty stack on the road during the race… looks like she will be in need of a new riding outfit… You can’t keep a good woman down though and she picked herself up and kept on riding….
Chris Carson… passing on his riding skills….
This is what it’s all about… support and encouragement along the way to get each other across the line…
A few of the Border Babes celebrating the finish line with Carol Mayer (Ambassador for Peter Hughes Burn Foundation)
Raceday doesn’t just happen…. a few of the ‘behind the scenes’ support crew :)
oh dear…. Steve Carson is not one to shirk on a challenge so he donned the mankini and rode across the line (all in the name of charity!!!!). Great effort Steve and I’m sure the Peter Hughes Burn Foundation are very thankful for your efforts and raising over $1000 to their cause with your challenge…
just wondering who will be lining up next year for ‘the mankini challenge’… Max is looking quite keen I think….
Maureen Sweeney and her two gorgeous sisters (from Canada and Ireland)… you guys are sensational :)
The ‘Border Babes’ have become synonymous with this great event and girlpower was certainly the order of the day (and even a couple of males joined the team this year too). An outstanding effort from you all, whether competing as an individual or part of this great team… very well done :)
One of the most amazing efforts of the day would have to be from paraplegic, Glen McMurtrie, riding his hand-cycle for the event….. When everyone was gathering at the Camooweal Drovers camp, popping champagne and settling back into some relaxation there was roar of clapping and cheering as Glen McMurtrie and his support riders were spotted coming down the road into Camooweal… this was almost 11 hours since the start of the race and Glen was still riding…. that is one hell of a gutsy effort… Cheers to Glen for your inspiration to all :)
Time to celebrate and share stories of the day…
The great Australian Outback… at Camooweal Drovers Camp.
The sun set as the weary riders settled in to a night of relaxation and entertainment…
A more detailed series of images from pre-ride dinner and race day are available for viewing and purchase.
Images can be viewed at the ‘events’ tab:
https://buddphotography.com.au/events/
Special offer for image purchase as below. ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TO CHARITY BORDER RIDE.
Please contact Roslyn on roslyn@outbackphotographics.com.au for further info and payment details.
