The Fountain Springs Classic is set to become an annual event with increased interest in the ride on May 23.

Organiser Steve Carson said the ride had been on the books for a number of years, but picked up momentum with the involvement of Mount Isa enthusiasts Adrian Cameron, Rob Bounds and Cloncurry’s Gary and Wendy Baker.

He said that in a number of ways the event was an offshoot of the annual Border Ride from Mount Isa to the Northern Territory border. 

“There are a growing number of mountain bike cyclists plus quite a few enthusiasts, who ride both road and dirt who have shown a real interest in starting an annual mountain bike ride,” he said. 

“Deciding where to hold the ride was a problem until meeting with Gary and Wendy Baker from Cloncurry. Both are keen on exploring different areas around the North West and indeed have a number of books published detailing trails around the district. With their invaluable advice we zoned in on the country around Fountain Springs, hence the name Fountain Springs Classic.”

A number of riders have taken up the invitation to assess the proposed track to be taken, Carson said. 

Experienced riders Reece Cooper and Christian Langenhorst gave the track the thumbs up after both agreeing there would be a challenge for all grades.       

The ride starts across the road from the driver reviver 60 kilometres towards Cloncurry and riders will follow well sign posted tracks till reaching Fountain Springs where cyclists will stop for lunch. 

Riders will then depart on the second leg which will take them through the Ballara Tunnel. 

Finishing at Rosebud Dam, riders and supporters will be treated to an evening barbecue and entertainment, and already a number of competitors have indicated they will be camping                                                             With the course being approximately 55 kilometres, the event is open to either individuals or teams.              

Joe Butterworth from Totally Work Wear and Adrian Cameron from Power and Air have already got their teams in training. 

“I have done the Border Ride a few times and if this event is organised along the same lines everyone should be in for some fun,” Butterworth said. 

Cameron said his workmates had also been busy getting the bikes out of the shed and starting off with a few easy kilometres. 

“All are agreeable that the event is first and foremost a charity fun ride and that performance and time are irrelevant,” he said.

Nominations are $80 per rider which covers insurance, lunch and barbecue dinner and $30 for supporters. 

All proceeds will be donated to various charities. 

For further details check out the ‘Fountain Springs Classic’ facebook site or nomination forms can be picked up at Totally Workwear, Power and Air or Sportspower. 

All that’s left is to pump up the tyres, oil the chain and start training for Mount Isa’s latest cycling event.