2009 – A Great Ride, A Great Result

What makes a ride great? Is it the ride, is it the people, is it the weather or is it just a combination of everything?

I don’t know the answer, but if I did I’d make sure we had it each year, but there was something about the 2009 ride that felt good.

People were saying it, and I certainly felt it, and I’m sure the good weather helped.

Raised $208,505

The result was a fantastic testimony to the efforts of the 151 riders who took part, plus 3 others who raised funds but were forced to withdraw from the ride due to injury.

We raised a total of $ 208,505 for Youth off the Streets, taking the eleven year total to $1,286,939

Congratulations Julie!

The car was won by Julie Coote, who having been forced to miss last year’s ride through injury, was able to make it this year, and in fact flew down from the Gold Coast to attend the presentation dinner and was there to receive the keys to the car. Congratulations Julie.

Fraser and Kay Mackay-Sim of Macsim Fastenings Pty Ltd announced at the dinner that they would again be prepared to sponsor the ride next year.

So keep tuned, we will advise the date as soon as it is set.

It was also great to have Ann Collins with us for the dinner, looking very well, back at work, but still undergoing a lot of physio following her accident last year.

Summing Up This Year’s Ride

But, what about the ride. I think Wayne McIvor summed it up so well and I hope he doesn’t mind me using an edited version of his report:

Back in the world outside the bubble of the YOTS Tour, it’s still a fond memory. This years ride was a cracker and from where I sat (at the back of the bunch) it looked to run very smoothly. A few unfortunate spills but those concerned seemed to brush it off and bounce back like the road warriors they are.

I’m sure Chris Maxworthy, Greg Ball, Mike Stout, Lorraine Longato & Conor Kiernan will all be back next year.

I know there were other souls who took a tumble and are also deserving of a mention but the names allude me, their dismounts possibly not as spectacular.

The poor fellow who came down to welcome his mates home in Group 2 and had a bad fall is on the mend.

I must say I enjoyed this one as much as my first and I can speak for the whole of Pack 2 when I say everyone had a ball.

Old Hands Returning

I enjoy having old hands return, it gives the Y.O.T.S. Tour some real depth and makes for fabulous camaraderie but it’s the first timers who give it new life, everything is a adventure and their joy is infectious.

It blows them away just how much fun the week is on or off the bike and they are always impressed at how smoothly it all rolls along from town to town.

Young Anthony was stoked, I bet he is still telling his mates about it. Mike Stout whose seen more miles on a bike than I’d care to count was thrilled to bits, said he hasn’t had so much fun since he stopped racing and that was a long time ago.

I loved the the new by-pass route on the approach to Bulahdelah. From talking to some, even when the highway is back to normal, a lot would be happy if Bucketts Way were to remain.

Challenge Of The Climb

A lot commented that even though the road surface was not flash in parts, only a short section on the backside of the big climb and a tricky bridge (Conor has brought that to our attention) they all loved getting off the highway and the challenge of the climb after lunch, though they protest at the time.

The school yard lunch was a great spot and a nicer setting than camped near the highway.

The Packs must all be congratulated, it’s always a mixed bag on day one, regardless of experience or how fast you ride.

Everyone looked pretty tidy very quickly. We’re all a little biased toward our own group and it was easy to see each bunch enjoyed themselves to the fullest but I must say Pack 3 looked like a very slick operation.

And the change of Pack Captain didn’t hurt Group 1, the fastest trip to date, quite a performance guys.

Coloured Ribbons A Great Idea

I thought the coloured ribbon was a great idea, not only for the Support Drivers but for the individual packs themselves.  It told everyone at a glance who was who.

Many other riders have sent us messages of congratulations on the ride but I thought this one the highlight.

So that’s it for 2009 a big thank you to all concerned and we in the committee look forward to doing it all again in 2010. Its only 9-10 months away, and planning is about to start.

Kevin Stuart
Rotary Club of Engadine
Cycle Ride Committee