2015 Border Ride Wrap Up - by President Steve Carson

Hi all,

Well with the Border Ride done and dusted it’s time for a few thank you’s and a couple of comments.

Firstly to everyone whether as a rider, supporter, sponsor or even only turning up to wave us off a big thank you to all. 2015 really was the biggest and best yet and though the flu knocked a few of the start line one hundred and fifty seven cyclists nominated.

Beginning on Thursday night at the annual Border Ride dinner eighty plus cyclists and supporters heard a number of stories from an ex local who has always been, and always will be, a proud Mount Isan, Chris Carson. Listening to some of his stories possibly explained the reason for the number of grey hairs I have.

On arrival Saturday morning of the race you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a Marvel Comic tale. Alan and Elspeth Wood along with the other Super heroes in costume put a smile on the faces of all and I must admit they leave me wondering what next year’s theme will be. Their effort won them five hundred dollars which they gave to the Kath Hinder appeal. A grand gesture from a group of great people.

Upon departure Brett Peterson and Border Ride patron, Tony McGrady, gave the ride a touch of the Tour de France when they lead out the bunch at the start with the top rolled back on Brett’s little Fiat and Tony stood up holding the red flag up till the First and Last.

The start was something to see this year with so many teams riding in team colours. Definitely one of the most resplendent was the George Fisher team. The Border Babes had outfits for both on and off the bikes which won them the category of best dressed. This gave them five hundred dollars which they also donated to the Kath Hinder fund. Carol Mayer once again returned to Mount Isa as the Babes honorary ambassador. Anyone who has met Carol will agree she truly is an inspirational woman.

Also returning for the fourth time was Glen ‘Hightower’ McMurtrie. This man has become what I’d call the ‘Legend of the Ride’. If you haven’t seen this guy in action you’ve missed a lesson in courage, determination and a never give up attitude. The fact I’ve smashed him every year will not deter Hightower coming back for another crack next year for our personal challenge. If you’re reading this buddy I’ll be in Brisbane in November and you owe me a couple of Guiness.

Accidents, incidents or stuff ups during the ride were well covered at the presentations by M.C. Sue Carson though a special mention of Kymberly Stokes must be made as she rode on two near flat tyres for one hundred and twenty kilometres. We all have a fair idea why your legs were sore Kymberly and are wondering if you still have the same mechanic booked for next year.

Also I’m wondering when folk will learn not to say too much in front of Sue as everything is noted and filed away for presentations.

Once again Annette and Shaun English, along with their team of Guides, Scouts and parents did a marvellous job with the dinner and breakfast. Dave Whitehead’s trio of musicians kept everyone entertained throughout the evening while Chris the publican made sure everyone kept hydrated.

There are a lot of others to thank but they know who they are and more importantly know how much I appreciate everything they do. Next year we hope to make the event bigger and better with some new ideas and for this we could probably do with a few more hands on the committee. So, if you think you would like to help out please get in touch. There is a job waiting for you and no, we don’t meet every month and yes, you can have one task only.

Lastly, in this ride everyone’s a winner. If you achieved your goal, had a laugh, caught up with an old acquaintance or made a new friend, you won, but most importantly,

FROM SOME PEOPLE WHOM YOU MAY NEVER MEET, BUT WHOSE LIVES YOU HAVE HELPED CHANGE FOREVER, THANK YOU.