Mountain bikes set to dominate Karumba ride. Mountain bike riders are boosting numbers in the annual Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride with the Dirty Boys off-road section of the ride booked out.
Ride coordinator Steve Corrie said the interest in riding 780km across creeks and outback tracks from Cairns to Karumba had been enormous with all 76 off-road spots taken and more people hoping to secure a place.
“We consistently have just over 100 road riders each year, but we have been rapidly increasing the number of available places on the Dirty Boys off-road section,” he said.
“Last year we had 50 places and were surprised at how quickly they filled, and this year we been able to grow the event again thanks to the support of Passions of Paradise Board Chairman Roger Cumming whose company sponsors the ride.
“One of the things that has limited us with the off-road ride is being able to get people in and out of these rougher tracks if there is a problem, so Roger very kindly built two trailers for the dirt riders to use and this year has added purpose-built water tanks to the vehicle to ensure there is enough water each day.”
Mr Cumming said he had been participating in the ride for the past six years and his companyPassions of Paradise came on board as a sponsor in 2009, increasing their support each year.
“I was unable to ride after a bike accident last year, but am looking forward to getting back out there as one of the Dirty Boys this year,” he said.
“I think that with the increase in popularity of Mountain Bike Riding, the number of Dirty Boys will continue to grow, especially when the main road riders see the dirt footage and realise how much fun it is. Some even use it as a training ride for the world renowned Croc Trophy.
“Community rides are a great way to enjoy your sport and Passions of Paradise is also an enthusiastic sponsor of the Cardiac Challenge Cairns to Cooktown Ride and has previously supported the CAFNEC’s Far North Wilderness Bike Tour.”
Mr Corrie agreed that the Dirty Boys could expand again, but said numbers would be capped each year to ensure the ride didn’t don’t lose the camaraderie which is built across the seven day event.
“Riders get to know each other when they stop for swim at a creek and support each other when their legs are shattered after days of battling through river sand – this is what is intrinsic to the success of this ride and is what we want to ensure we maintain,” he said.
The Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride is on June 28 to July 5 raising money for students in remote areas across Far North Queensland
