2018 handbook - cardiacchallenge.com.au · 2018 handbook . 2 | p a g e contents ... and tropical...
TRANSCRIPT
1 | P a g e
2018 Handbook
2 | P a g e
CONTENTS
About the Cardiac Challenge ..................................................................................................... 4
About the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation............................................................. 5
Fundraising and where does the money go?............................................................................. 6
Before the ride preparation ....................................................................................................... 7
Training .................................................................................................................................. 7
Getting your bike ready ......................................................................................................... 7
Equipment / supplies to pack before you go ......................................................................... 8
For your ride ....................................................................................................................... 8
For your overnight (camping) stay ..................................................................................... 8
General ............................................................................................................................... 8
What to wear ......................................................................................................................... 8
Accommodation ..................................................................................................................... 9
Camping grounds ............................................................................................................... 9
Other accommodation providers ...................................................................................... 9
Insurance ................................................................................................................................ 9
Cooktown dinner bookings for guests ................................................................................. 10
Luggage drop off .................................................................................................................. 10
Not riding the range? ........................................................................................................... 10
Returning to Cairns .............................................................................................................. 10
Ride briefing ............................................................................................................................. 11
During the ride ......................................................................................................................... 11
Riding in packs...................................................................................................................... 11
Ride etiquette .................................................................................................................. 12
Prohibited items ............................................................................................................... 12
Mechanicals ..................................................................................................................... 12
Average speed / changing packs ...................................................................................... 12
Signalling .......................................................................................................................... 12
What’s required of the escort vehicle drivers ..................................................................... 14
Rest and drink stops ............................................................................................................. 15
Food and beverages ............................................................................................................. 15
3 | P a g e
Wristbands ....................................................................................................................... 16
Support vehicles ................................................................................................................... 16
What to do in case of accidents or illness during on the ride ............................................. 16
While riding ...................................................................................................................... 16
At camp ............................................................................................................................ 17
Information for asthmatics .................................................................................................. 17
Ride Itinerary ............................................................................................................................ 18
Friday, September 21 - Briefing and gear collection ........................................................... 18
Day 1 – Saturday, September 22 ......................................................................................... 18
Cairns to Mt Carbine (127km) .......................................................................................... 18
Ride details on the day .................................................................................................... 18
Range riders ..................................................................................................................... 18
Speewah to Mareeba ....................................................................................................... 19
Mareeba ........................................................................................................................... 19
Mareeba to Mt Molloy ..................................................................................................... 20
Mt Molloy to Mt Carbine ................................................................................................. 20
Mt Carbine ....................................................................................................................... 20
Day 2 – Sunday, September 23 ............................................................................................ 20
Mt Carbine to Lakeland (113km) ..................................................................................... 21
Ride details on the day .................................................................................................... 21
Day 3 – Monday, September 24 .......................................................................................... 23
Lakeland to Cooktown (79.4km) ...................................................................................... 23
Ride details on the day .................................................................................................... 23
Day 4 – Tuesday, September 25 .......................................................................................... 24
Key ride coordinators, staff and volunteers ............................................................................ 25
4 | P a g e
ABOUT THE CARDIAC CHALLENGE
Every year, hundreds of cyclists from around Australia and overseas are drawn to the city of
Cairns in tropical Far North Queensland to saddle up for the Mount Franklin Cardiac
Challenge.
And every year, the fundraising bike ride from Cairns to Cooktown gains momentum: 2016’s
event included 350 riders, who raised more than $300,000. This event was launched in
2007 by the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation and has raised more than $3.7
million in that time.
The three-day, 333km ride attracts people from all walks of life: teenagers, new mums and
retirees, cabinet makers and accountants, doctors, nurses and dentists, farmers, and
pharmacists, pilots and school principals, lawyers, bus drivers, police and builders.
What motivates them to pedal more than 300km, up mountains and across plains?
On a personal level, many Cardiac Challenge participants describe the event as a “life-
changing experience”: inspiring them to achieve new levels of fitness, step outside their
comfort zone and take on fresh challenges, while also enjoying the camaraderie and support
of other riders.
Overseas and interstate participants, as well, appreciate the opportunity to experience the
dramatically varying terrain of Far North Queensland in a very “up close and personal” way:
from the leafy, sun-dappled Kuranda Range road, winding upwards through lush rainforest
to the Atherton Tableland, across rolling golden savannah lands and on to the shores of the
sparkling Coral Sea at Cooktown.
Irrespective of your reason/s for taking part in the Cardiac Challenge, by the time you reach
Cooktown you will be riding high!
5 | P a g e
ABOUT THE FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Since the Foundation’s inception, it has contributed more than $18 million to improving
health care in the Far North.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation is a non-profit charitable organisation that
supports Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Torres and Cape Hospital and
Health Service, or in geographical terms - from Cardwell to the Torres Strait.
This area includes nine hospitals, two multi-purpose health services and 53 primary health
centres and encompasses a population of about 284,000 people.
Our hospital and health service primary care areas comprise: women’s, paediatric,
indigenous, men's, cardiac, thoracic and mental health, orthopaedics, general, emergency
and tropical medicine, cancer care, medical research, rural and remote, health education
including preventative lifestyle strategies.
Vision
Our vision is "Superior Health Care in Far North Queensland" and we are a registered charity
with DGR Status 1 and all our administrative costs are paid through commercial operations,
meaning every dollar donated or contributed through the Cardiac Challenge fundraising
goes towards its intended purpose.
6 | P a g e
FUNDRAISING AND WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
Heart disease is a major health issue in Far North Queensland, which has a larger-than-
state-average percentage of both older and Indigenous residents, who are susceptible to
developing cardiac problems.
The diagnosis and treatment of heart disease also can be challenging in the Far North, due
to the number of remote communities that do not have ready access to specialised health
services.
Even cardiac patients who live in the city of Cairns may find themselves compelled to leave
home, family and friends, and travel to a hospital in Townsville or Brisbane to undergo a
surgical procedure that Cairns Hospital is not currently equipped to handle.
But thanks to your hard work taking part in the
Cardiac Challenge, things are changing.
Every Cardiac Challenge rider is required to raise a
minimum of $500. Every supporter who comes
along is required to raise a minimum of $100 and
the funds raised go directly into improving services
for our community.
Since the charity launched the Cardiac Challenge in 2007, the event has raised more
than $3.7 million to help improve cardiac care in the Far North.
Crucial medical equipment purchases and services funded by the Cardiac Challenge include:
Second Cardiac Catheter Laboratory at Cairns Hospital in 2017
Lucas chest compression device in 2015
Bi-pap machine in 2015
Echocardiography (ultrasound) system for young heart patients in 2013
Two intra-aortic balloon pumps in 2008 & 2013
Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic, only two similar facilities in Qld. launched 2012
Portable echocardiography system for young heart patients in 2011
7 | P a g e
BEFORE THE RIDE PREPARATION
We will be riding in beautiful and diverse countryside and good preparation will ensure you
have an enjoyable Challenge
TRAINING
Riders will be riding more than 300km over three days, so you need to ensure you train for
longer distance rides and riding on consecutive days in the months prior to the Cardiac
Challenge.
There is a weekly social ride that
leaves from Seabreeze Café at Cairns
Hospital on the Esplanade every
Sunday at 6.30am. Closer to the
Challenge, there will be longer
training rides as well as rides up to
Copperlode Dam to train hill riding.
These longer training rides are
typically advertised on the Cardiac
Challenge Facebook page and
reminders are sent out to those who have registered for the Cardiac Challenge.
GETTING YOUR BIKE READY
A comfortable bicycle that is suitable for sealed roads is your best choice for tackling the
333km ride.
If you own a mountain bike, we recommend you have "slick" tyres fitted for the ride. This
will reduce your "rolling resistance" and make the whole event much easier. Tri Bikes or Tri
bars are not permitted. We do accept e-bikes in certain packs, so please talk to the
Foundation to discuss.
Make sure your bike has been checked over before you set off on the Cardiac Challenge. If
you are not experienced at bike maintenance, we recommend you book your bicycle in for a
service at a local bicycle store and make sure your tyres are in good condition.
Bike set up is important, so ensure you have settled on a suitable set up and used to it well
before you start the Challenge.
8 | P a g e
Pump ‘n’ Pedals are sponsors of Cardiac Challenge and come along on the ride to help with
mechanicals, so if you don’t have a preferred bicycle mechanic, consider seeing the staff at
their store on 113-117 Sheridan Street, Cairns.
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES TO PACK BEFORE YOU GO
FOR YOUR RIDE
Bike (well-maintained)
Australian standard approved helmet and correct fitted
Other protective gear such as gloves, sunglasses, etc.
Comfortable cycling gear, including your official Cardiac Challenge jersey
A basic spares repair kit including spare spokes, tubes, pump, multi tool
Sunscreen, sun hat and moisturiser
Drink bottles (or Camelbak type drink bladder)
FOR YOUR OVERNIGHT (CAMPING) STAY
Tent / shelter
Swag or bedding
Fold up chair / stool
Clothing for varying temperatures
Personal effects such as towel, toiletries, torch, medical kit
Crockery, cutlery, cups and tea towels
Insect repellent
GENERAL
Toiletries
Personal medical supplies (including pain killers and chamois cream)
“Après-ride” clothing and spending money
Snacks, protein shakes, rehydration salts, and other foods and drinks you like to
consume pre, during and after your ride.
Phone and camera batteries / charger
WHAT TO WEAR
Make sure you wear comfortable cycle clothing. Typically this would be good quality padded
lycra cycling knicks. Best not to wear undies underneath to avoid chafing but this is
9 | P a g e
something some people have to come to terms with. You’ll be spending a lot of hours in the
saddle so ensure you wear appropriate clothing.
A ride jersey is included in every rider’s registration. Other merchandise such as knicks can
be ordered online until the end of July.
Also remember that the tropical sun can be fierce so you may need to wear long sleeves or
arm protection and cover your head and/or neck. You’re expected to ride your Cardiac
Challenge jersey on the first and third days of the ride.
ACCOMMODATION
CAMPING GROUNDS
If you have a vehicle and are planning to camp at the Mt Carbine, Lakeland Horse sports
grounds and Cooktown State School with the ride, your vehicle will be given an official
vehicle sticker. To access the grounds these stickers must be displayed on your vehicle.
No Sticker = no access.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS
The various towns have basic accommodation available and this is limited so if you prefer
this option, you need to organise this well in advance. Cooktown has a few more options,
but again, options are limited, so book early.
INSURANCE
Of course the Cardiac Challenge has an event insurance that covers a range of things such as
public liability as part of the ride but there is no cover for riders for injury or damage to
bicycles.
While we pride ourselves in conducting a well organised and safe ride, there is always risk
involved when riding bicycle. Therefore, we’d like you to take a moment to consider
personal insurance and bicycle insurance.
Cycling Australia membership has various levels of membership with corresponding
personal insurance and liability cover available, which will cover you during training rides
and racing.
To become a member of Cycling Australia, follow this link:
http://membership.cycling.org.au/
10 | P a g e
You can nominate Cardiac Cyclists Inc. if you wish and have no affiliation with a particular
club as it helps fund some training etc. for our pack leaders.
Other organisations such as Bicycle Queensland also offer insurance.
Your bicycle however, is typically not covered by these insurances. If you have a valuable
bike, it is recommended you explore options to insure it. This can be done through specialist
bicycle insurance companies, Cycling Australia (as an add-on to your membership) or in
some instances, through your home contents insurance.
Note: we are not insurers, financial advisors or the like, and the above should therefore not
be taken as professional advice, but purely as a recommendation to consider insurance and
investigate and decide on what you feel is right for your individual situation.
COOKTOWN DINNER BOOKINGS FOR GUESTS
If you are bringing guests to the end of ride dinner in Cooktown, make sure you book for
them. This excludes registered support participants as their dinner is included in the
registration.
LUGGAGE DROP OFF
For those who are unsupported, we have trucks that will transport your luggage, tent etc.
This is at no extra cost to you! The trucks will be outside the Foundation office, Digger Street
Cairns on Thursday and Friday until 4pm. You do not need to pre-book your luggage onto
the truck, just bring it and it will be loaded. At each camp site location, your luggage will be
unloaded from the truck by our volunteers and it is then your responsibility to set up your
campsite within the designated grounds.
NOT RIDING THE RANGE?
For those who are not riding Kuranda Range and have not arranged a lift up the hill before
the closure at 6am, we will have buses with trailers for your bicycles that will transport you
to either Speewah or Mareeba. This is at no extra cost to you.
RETURNING TO CAIRNS
If you are supported, you can return when you are ready.
If you are unsupported, you can pre-book a seat on our bus via your dashboard on the
Cardiac Challenge website.
11 | P a g e
RIDE BRIEFING
The Friday before the ride, September 21, riders can collect their jersey from 4.30pm at
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park with the ride briefing to occur from 6pm.
The ride briefing for escort vehicles and pack leaders will be held Thursday, September 18.
Further details will be emailed closer to the time.
DURING THE RIDE
The Cardiac Challenge prides itself on conducting an organised and safe event, with riders
being fully supported along the way.
We operate under strict police permit conditions. At all times obey the rules of the ride and
instructions from the ride management team.
As this is a social charity ride, not a race, please remember to ride with your pack, at your
pack’s speed and communicate well with other riders.
RIDING IN PACKS
Cairns Cardiac Cyclists Inc. has produced a video specifically about pack cycling on the
Cardiac Challenge ride and pack riding and general. It can be viewed on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGs9Vvs72rI&t=1s
12 | P a g e
RIDE ETIQUETTE
Every pack has a pack leader and an assistant pack leader. The pack leader typically rides at
the back of the pack to monitor riders and is in constant contact with support vehicles. For
your own safety and everyone’s ride enjoyment, you must obey their instructions.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
For safety of all cyclists, ear phones, mobile phones, tri-bars and audio devices other than
official audio are not to be used.
MECHANICALS
If you have a mechanical or flat, call out, and either wait for the pack to pull over or pull
over and wait for the escort vehicle. Generally, you will be picked up by the escort vehicle
and taken to the next drink stop, where you can fix your mechanical and re-join your pack.
AVERAGE SPEED / CHANGING PACKS
The Holy Grail of pack cycling is to achieve an average pack speed that is safe and suitable
for all riders.
The advertised pack speed is the average speed for the entire ride including hills.
Packs will contain a range of cycling abilities and the actual average speed of the pack will be
within the target range to ensure the pack stays together and operates safety on the road.
A pack ride speed is as fast as the slowest rider. If you are a stronger rider, pay attention and
do not surge if you get to the front. This is a social ride, not a race. If you’d like to change
packs (faster or slower), please discuss this with your pack leader.
When riding up the Kuranda and Desailly ranges, you can ride at your own speed. Packs will
regroup at the next drink stop.
SIGNALLING
Communication is key to a safe and enjoyable ride. While too much information can cause
“information overload”, neglecting to point out pot holes, road kill, grids and the like, can
cause accidents.
13 | P a g e
On the ride, these are the main signals:
HOLE / HAZARDS
There will be plenty of situations where there are potholes or other obstacles along the way
such as sticks or road kill. It is important to point this out early, if possible 50m in advance to
allow everyone in the pack to respond in a timely manner. Typically, when there is a pothole
the riders will call out “left”, “right” or “middle” and, if possible, point the relevant left or
right finger down to the ground to indicate a hazard on the ground is coming up. Generally,
a hand cupped and horizontal down to the ground that is being twisted, indicates rough
surface or gravel and the like.
PACK ON / PACK OFF
This is called out when a gap forms (“pack off”) in the pack and when a gap is closed (“pack
on”).
SINGLE FILE
This can be called out and/or a hand signal can be used (usually a “shark fin” above the
head, or your pointer finger up in the air). Packs ride single file and in other circumstances
where this is deemed safer than two abreast by the pack leaders. The riders on the right will
move in front of the cyclist on the left they are riding next to.
SLOWING / STOPPING
This can be called out and/or a hand signal can be used as well. Besides calling out these
signals, to indicate that the pack is slowing, the hand signal is a little wave below seat level.
To indicate a pack is stopping, it is either a flat stretched out hand below seat level or above
the head. To be safe, always call out as well.
PASSING ON RIGHT
To indicate you are passing a slower rider, call out this signal. Bear in mind that under
Queensland legislation, riders can only be three abreast when passing, so ensure you obey
road rules when you are passing.
CAR BACK
When riding on the road, and you can hear or see a car that is bound to overtake the pack,
call out “Car back!”. If riders need to give room to a car and go single file as well, add “Single
File” to the instructions, i.e. “Car back – Single!”
14 | P a g e
GRID/TRACKS
When approaching cattle grids or railway tracks, call out “Grid/Tracks” and also use the
signal of two parallel fingers behind your body in the direction of the tracks.
WHAT’S REQUIRED OF THE ESCORT VEHICLE DRIVERS
Every pack will have an escort vehicle at the front and at the rear of the pack. Escort vehicle
drivers are in contact with the pack leaders and warn of oncoming hazards or cars.
The front and rear vehicles are
instructed to keep a small
footprint that contains the
pack small enough to avoid
other vehicles coming in
between riders, or the pack
and the escort vehicles.
If there is traffic build up, the
escorts will communicate with
pack leaders to discuss
whether there is a need to pull
the pack off the road or go
single file, if necessary, to allow traffic to pass safely.
No rider should pass the front vehicle, or get dropped behind the escort vehicle.
If a rider lags or continuously causes disruption in the pack or does not maintain their line,
the rear escort vehicle may communicate this with the pack leaders who may speak to the
rider to see if there is a problem.
Some car signals you may hear during the ride:
1. Beep Beep this means that all riders are required to maintain their formation while
keeping to the left to provide maximum space for the vehicles to pass.
2. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeep (one long blast) - this means that we are being passed by a
large truck or several vehicles.
Here is a short video with instructions for escort vehicles on Cardiac Challenge:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfqi24v6ulM
This longer video also contains a section on escort vehicles:
https://youtu.be/icpmCR_KxLs?t=7m28s
15 | P a g e
REST AND DRINK STOPS
Approximately every 20-25km there is a drink stop so riders can rehydrate, and take a short
break. At some stops there will also be some snacks.
Move well into the drink stop area so riders behind you can exit the road safely. Be aware of
your fellow riders and don’t brake suddenly or hop off your bike in front of another rider
DO NOT LEAN YOUR BIKES AGAINST ANY VEHICLES – bikes have been run over accidentally!!
Time in the drink stop should be kept to around
10 minutes, but will vary depending on incoming
packs in the immediate vicinity. If a toilet break is
required, do this prior to seeking out food and
drinks. Your Pack Leader will call-out indicating
anticipated departure. Be ready when called but
check all Pack members are present – no one
should be left behind unless by arrangement.
To see how to navigate in and out of drink stops, please watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQvSRcwU_Do
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
During the ride, you will receive three meals a day, entailing a continental breakfast spread,
sandwiches and evening meal provided by the Mt Carbine and Lakeland Horse Sports
associations. These associations also offer bacon and egg rolls or a cooked breakfast for a
nominal charge which is a fundraiser for their group.
We try to be as environmentally conscious as possible so you will need to bring your own
cup, plate, bowl, knife fork and spoon as well as a tea-towel. We will provide a wash-up
area comprising the following steps – scrap waste in bin, rinse (it may be cooler and not so
clean water, then move on to wash in hot soapy water and rinse – ALL DONE!
An evening gala meal in Cooktown is provided by Cairns Spit Roast. Remember to book for
any guests if they are not registered support participants.
Bar facilities also will be offered again as local community fundraisers. Please support them
by buying a drink or two.
16 | P a g e
WRISTBANDS
We will be giving out wristbands to all
registered participants. These will be colour
coded depending on your dietary
requirements. Volunteers will be on hand
checking you are wearing your band and direct
you to the correct serving area if necessary.
No wristband = no food.
Please get these out of your bag on Friday night and put them on.
SUPPORT VEHICLES
Each day of the ride, support vehicles MUST depart BEFORE any of the riders. This is
because we need to try to minimise traffic getting in between packs on the road,
and minimise disruption to other road users.
Should you get caught up in the Packs on the road, pull off the road to allow general traffic
right-of-way.
If you find yourself having to pass a Pack(s) do so promptly and without pulling off the road.
We do not want you trying to take photos or trying to get a riders attention – this is very
unsafe and will be frowned on by the Police.
Ensure usual safe passing principles are considered – REMEMBER YOUR RIDER MAY BE PUT
AT RISK!
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS OR ILLNESS DURING ON THE RIDE
WHILE RIDING
All drink stops will have a medic who will be able to assist if you are unwell.
Should an accident or incident occur while riding, Pack leaders will take control of the area
including ensuring the safety of all members of the pack while rendering assistance. It is
imperative that all riders remain calm and follow instructions from the leaders – they are all
trained with a protocol to follow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQvSRcwU_Do
17 | P a g e
AT CAMP
If feeling unwell, please seek out our medics or QAS officer for assessment and advice. They
will liaise with the Ride Director as necessary.
INFORMATION FOR ASTHMATICS
There is a possibility of smoke along the ride due to the prevailing dry conditions this year.
We ask all asthmatics to consult their health care professional to discuss the increased risk
of smoke and carry medication including Salbutamol puffers on them during the ride. Please
follow any directions provided by your health care team in using your medication and take
them early if feeling uncomfortable. Our medics will have SOME inhalers on them, however
these will be for emergencies.
18 | P a g e
RIDE ITINERARY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 - BRIEFING AND GEAR COLLECTION
This will be held at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, Skyrail Drive, Smithfield from 4.30pm
Rider briefing will be from 6pm that will cover general information.
We will then break into Packs for distribution of the ride gear and this will be an opportunity
to ask your pack leader any questions, discuss any issues concerning you and get to know
your fellow pack members.
DAY 1 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
CAIRNS TO MT CARBINE (127KM)
Day 1 starts at the base of the Kuranda Range at Tjapukai. From there you’ll ride up the
Kuranda Range. From the lush tropical rainforest of Kuranda, the route becomes
progressively drier as you pedal inland, through the country townships of Mareeba and Mt
Molloy (where busy volunteers will be waiting to offer you morning tea and lunch) and then
on to Mt Carbine and the local rodeo grounds, a popular camp and dinner site located
conveniently close to the local pub, where you can socialise over a cold drink.
RIDE DETAILS ON THE DAY
All riders must wear their ride 2018 Mt Franklin Cardiac Challenge jersey, wrist band
and name tag
Gather at Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park from 5.30am - a coffee van will be
available and toilets will be open.
This year we are going into Speewah where all riders will gather. Coffee will be on
offer so support local businesses. Toilets also will be available.
RANGE RIDERS
We have obtained a partial closure of Kuranda Range, enabling the ride to truly start
in Cairns and in safety.
Range riders must be confident they can get up and off the Range by 8am. If in
doubt, don't do it! Any rider who is not likely to meet the time restrictions will be
pulled off the road and transported to Speewah. Police will monitor progress and
any breaches on motorbikes.
19 | P a g e
There will be two phases of rider-release. Slower riders should leave in the first
release and 15 minutes later faster riders will be allowed to go.
If you break down or get a flat tyre on the range pull over to the left, turn your bike
upside down and the Tail End Charlie vehicle will pick you up. However, you may
have to walk to a safe area if necessary.
YOU MUST NOT REPAIR YOUR BIKE ON THE RANGE.
NOT RIDING THE RANGE
Riders NOT riding the Range and require a lift up, should seek out the bus or an
escort vehicle to load their bike and self. Please be responsible for securing your own
bicycle.
Others being transported by family/friends need to be up the Range no later than
5.45am as the west bound (UP) lane will be closed at 6am sharp.
SPEEWAH TO MAREEBA
There will be no formal escorting until after Mareeba
Some Escort vehicles will monitor for pick-up in the case of breakdowns.
Slower riders may leave Speewah from 7.30am when instructed by the SES
Despatcher.
Riding along the Kennedy Highway must be in single file and passing must be done
safely – check for traffic and communicate you are passing.
Ride with at least another rider or riders but IN SINGLE FILE and only pass safely.
Check for traffic.
Range riders are to call into Speewah and can leave when they wish or as instructed
by the SES Despatcher.
Keep an eye out for any less skilled riders who may need some assistance or support.
There will be a drink stop at the Davies Creek Road Intersection.
SES will direct riders at the Kennedy Highway-Byrnes Street Intersection. Follow their
instruction that may include walking bikes across the road.
Take care of vehicles reversing from parallel parking in the township along Byrnes St.
MAREEBA
Gather at Mareeba Rotary Park at the northern end of Byrnes St, enjoy some fruit,
cakes, tea and coffee from the Mareeba Rotary (gold coin donation). There are
toilets in the park and we will have some portables on-site as well.
Form into your Pack for a briefing by your Pack Leader prior to rolling out in Pack
Order to Mt Molloy for lunch.
20 | P a g e
MAREEBA TO MT MOLLOY
There will be a drinks stop at a Truck Bay about 23km from Mareeba.
Lunch will be at the Mt Molloy CWA building on the right hand side of the road.
SES will establish a dismount zone and coordinate to walk the bikes across the road.
The public toilets are adjacent to the hall.
Don't forget to thank the CWA ladies for making your lunch.
MT MOLLOY TO MT CARBINE
Your Pack Leader will call for departure when ready
Check all fellow pack members are present before leaving
Again walk across the road to the SES supervised departure zone
Just out of Mt Molloy, there is a one-lane bridge with a give way sign facing riders.
Police may be able to assist with rider transit but if not, follow usual road rules, give
way and regroup as necessary.
There will be an optional drink stop at Mary Farms which is only about 8km from Mr
Carbine. Slower packs are advised to stop.
This is an optional stop for the faster packs but let the drink stop volunteers know if
you are not stopping.
MT CARBINE
Our camp venue is the Mt Carbine Horse Sports ground located past the Hotel, turn
left immediately after the pub and you will see the camp grounds.
Be mindful there will be a lot of you taking part in this event, and we ask that you
show patience with the use of showers and toilets
Any issues on-site should be referred to Terry Roos our “Camp Commandant”
Dinner will be 6.30pm-7.30pm with a briefing at dinner. Dinner here is provided by
the Mt Carbine Horse Sports Association. If you have not specified on your
registration that you have particular dietary requirements, you will be provided the
same meal as everyone else.
There will be a bar facility available Please support the local community. The bar will
close approx. 9.30pm
DAY 2 – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Day 2 is the “Hug a volunteer day”. Show your ride leaders and our other volunteers your
appreciation today; they are all working very hard to make the experience as enjoyable as
possible!
21 | P a g e
MT CARBINE TO LAKELAND (113KM)
Day 2 will see you riding through drought-parched savannah country – a traditional outback
landscape - and climbing a muscle-screaming 3.7km stretch of road up the Desailly Range.
After a reviving lunch stop at the Palmer River Roadhouse, you will welcome the downhill
spin, via the Byerstown Range, before tackling the final push to the overnight campsite, at
the Lakeland Horse Sports.
Country hospitality is at its finest in Lakeland: the Lakeland Horse Sports Association and
school’s Parents & Citizens Association provide dinner.
RIDE DETAILS ON THE DAY
MT CARBINE TO DESAILLY RANGE REGROUP AREA
Breakfast is strictly from 6-7.30am. Our caterers have to pack up and move on to
lunch. Preference should be given to Packs 10 and 11 as they start at 7am. The Mt
Carbine Horse Sports Association also will offer bacon and egg rolls for $5 as a
fundraiser.
There will be an individual pack safety briefing prior to departure.
Pack departure will be reverse order i.e. slowest to fastest from 7am. Slower pack
riders should pack up before breakfast to ensure they are ready to start with their
pack.
Departure will be in front of the Hotel at timed intervals as listed on the Cardiac
Cyclists Information trailer. Please ensure you are present and ready for departure as
it is a tight schedule.
The SES Despatcher will send you off when satisfied all are present and it is the
appropriate time.
Ensure you have discussed with your Pack Leader if you are not intending to ride the
Desailly Range so your Escorts or an Escort is aware you need a lift.
A drink stop will be at the Hurricane Station turn-off.
There will be no formal Escorting on the range and you can ride at your own pace
and if necessary walk a little. Just keep left and if passing another rider, check for
traffic and communicate that you are passing. ALWAYS PASS ON THE RIGHT.
Some distance over the top, the SES will direct you into our re-group area.
Remember to get off the road and out of the way of other incoming riders as quickly
as you can.
Toilets will be bush style.
Your Pack will re-join your Escorts from this point on and this can take some
coordination. Listen for when your pack is called to gather.
22 | P a g e
DESAILLY RANGE REGROUP AREA TO LUNCH AT PALMER RIVER
SES will despatch your group when your Escorts are in place and your Pack Leader
has confirmed the pack is all present and ready.
Listen for your Pack to be called and move promptly to the rider departure zone.
Generally, the departure will be in Pack order but may change on the day.
A drink stop will be just past Whumbal Creek.
Any Packs that come up behind a slower pack should maintain a safe distance for
general traffic to pass a pack and get in between the pack to pass when able. Only
when the Pack Leaders of the respective packs have confirmed a safe section of road
to manoeuvre a pack passing, should this occur. In all other circumstances, the
slower pack will otherwise be instructed to pull off the road when safe to do so to
allow the faster following pack to pass.
LISTEN TO PACK LEADER INSTRUCTIONS
LUNCH AT PALMER RIVER
SES will establish a dismount zone on the left side of the road. Please cross carefully
following their advice and walk your bikes into the Roadhouse grounds. There is a
cattle grid to cross – please do so carefully.
It can be quite warm at Palmer River and the shade is in short supply so try to keep
your break to 30 minutes or as advised by your Pack Leader.
Move quickly through the lunch queues and don’t forget to acknowledge the
Volunteers.
PALMER RIVER TO LAKELAND
After lunch can be quite challenging – your tummy is full, it can be quite warm and
we have some challenging “undulations” requiring some of you to walk.
Packs are to stop at the top of the Byerstown descent for a safety briefing. Riding
down the Byerstown will be without Escorts who will move forward to meet you at
the re-group area at the bottom.
Descend at your own pace only “feathering” the brakes if necessary. The Pack
Leader will talk about this more.
Gather together again to ride to the Lakeland Horse Sports grounds under Escort.
A dismount area will be established at the turn into the camp ground. Take care
stopping and turning into the camp… IT IS A 100KMPH ZONE.
LAKELAND
Camp will be at the Lakeland Horse Sports ground on the southern side of Lakeland.
A bar, entertainment and limited food will be available. This is a fundraising effort for
the community so please support it. The bar will finish at 9.30pm.
23 | P a g e
Dinner will be from 6-7.30pm with a briefing at dinner.
DAY 3 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
On this day, all riders must wear their 2018 Mt Franklin Cardiac Challenge jerseys.
LAKELAND TO COOKTOWN (79.4KM)
The final day is a mere 80km jaunt. You will pass the striking rock formations of Black
Mountain, before gathering with the other riders on the outskirts of Cooktown, an historic
and peaceful township nestled beside the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea.
Then comes the great moment, when you will all pedal together – in a colourful cavalcade –
down the main street of Cooktown, under police escort, until you reach the official end of
the ride, in parkland near the mouth of the Endeavour River (hey, if it was good enough for
Captain Cook, it’s good enough for us!).
You will have plenty of time to relax and freshen up in your accommodation or at the camp
site (in the Cooktown State School grounds) before heading to the local entertainment
centre for a mouth-watering buffet dinner, accompanied by live music and the presentation
of awards to the ride’s biggest fundraisers and most outstanding participants.
RIDE DETAILS ON THE DAY
Breakfast is strictly from 6-7.30am. Our caterers have to pack up and move on to
lunch. Preference should be given to Packs 10 and 11 as they start at 7am. The
Lakeland Horse Sports Association will also be offering bacon and egg rolls for $5 as a
fundraiser.
Pack departure will be reverse order start ie slowest to fastest from 7am. Please
check for your pack’s anticipated departure time at the Cardiac Cyclist Inc trailer.
Slower pack riders should pack up before breakfast to ensure they are ready to start
with their pack.
Gather in your Pack at the gate to the grounds. When safe to do so, you will be
despatched to ride at own pace, single file without formal Escorts to ride into town.
Re-group in front of the Lakeland Hotel where your Pack Leader will check all
members are present and provide any safety advice for the day.
When appropriate the Pack will be despatched by the SES Despatcher.
There will be three drink stop stations before Cooktown – one is quite tight so again
get off the road promptly and be ready to get going again or wait for a faster pack to
leave first so unnecessary pack passing is not required.
24 | P a g e
The second drink stop is at Gampe Rd at the base of Black Mountain. This is the best
opportunity for official and your own pack photos – don’t forget to include your
Escorts who have been part of your ride.
ARRIVAL IN COOKTOWN
There is a further re-group area on the outskirts of Cooktown. SES will have a
dismount zone for riders. Drinks and fruit will be provided while waiting for all packs
to arrive.
When all packs have arrived and rested enough, there will be a mass ride into
Cooktown under Police Escort.
Your Support folk will wave you through at Endeavour Park.
Brief Official functions including the welcome to Cooktown will ensue and end of ride
group photos will be arranged after which you can re-join your family and friends for
lunch and drinks at the Cooktown Bowls Club.
SUPPORT
Support vehicles should be away before the riders to avoid unnecessary Pack
passing. Go check out the sights and activities around Cooktown.
Reserve the street frontage near the bowls club for official vehicles and Escorts
Riders should arrive around 12.30pm so line the streets at Endeavour Park to cheer
the riders through town.
CAMPING
Camping will be at the Cooktown School. The luggage truck and bike trailer will be
situated at the school. Additional toilets and showers will be open in the school
grounds or at the Events Centre for use.
Bus passengers should put their bikes into their pre-delivered boxes or tie them
down on the trailer in readiness for a prompt departure at 8.30am Tuesday.
The end of ride dinner will be at the Cooktown Events Centre across the road from
the school after breakfast on Tuesday.
A continental breakfast will be provided by our tired Catering Volunteers from
6.30am-7-.30am
DAY 4 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Breakfast 6.30-7.30am
The bus(es), trailer and luggage truck will depart from the School at 8.30am sharp,
travelling in convoy to Cairns (with a brief toilet stop) in Mt Molloy, arriving in Cairns
between 1-1.30pm to the Hospital Foundation office area.
25 | P a g e
All luggage items and bikes should be collected promptly. Anything not collected will
be stored at the Foundation for one week only and then be offered to a suitable
charity organisation.
Otherwise, please have a safe trip back to Cairns or onwards.
KEY RIDE COORDINATORS, STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS
Glenys Duncombe- the boss lady who manages “everyone”
Judi Phillips – Glenys' 2IC and other half of Pete McNally (event instigator)
Pete McNally – event instigator and pack leader
The Ride Committee –Terry and Dorothy Roos, Peter and Trish Sexton, Kay Burkin, Tony
Nastasi, Brian White, Roger Cumming, Mary and Sean McGuiness, Tony Franz (CEO FNQHF)
Rotary Liaison and Escort Coordinator – Peter Sexton
Camp Commandant – Terry Roos
Kay Burkin SES Coordinator and the orange band of merry men and women aka SES
Simon Atkinson – QPS boss during the event
Catering coordinators and crew
Medics and QAS support
Drink stop Coordinator and crews
Escort crew
Trucks and bus drivers
26 | P a g e
THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 SPONSORS: