Bicycles that have not seen the light of day since last year are being dusted off and oiled up in the hope of reaching the Northern Territory border. 

Besides an increasing number of cyclists attempting the 200-kilometre trek, there are, as always, quite a number of teams.                                                            

Many of the cyclists will be those who have acted as support crew previously and, although the distance may be beyond them this ride, there are many who return each year to better the distance achieved last time.                                                                   

As shown in previous rides, the Border Babes will again be a force to be reckoned with. 

Each year Pam McHugh and Maureen Sweeney put together a formidable team of ladies from far and wide with varying degrees of cycling ability. 

This year they will once again be joined by the Babes special guest, Carol Mayer from Cairns. 

Mayer was guest speaker at the annual ride dinner two years ago as an ambassador for burns survivors group Peter Hughes Burn Foundation. 

She impressed everyone with her courage and inspirational outlook on life and, as a result, she has an open invitation here each year.                                                                                                                                                                                            

Another ride favourite, ex-Mount Isan Glen McMurtrie, is heading back up for his third Border Ride. 

McMurtrie will be riding his hand cycle and one can only guess how competitive this guy could be if he did a bit more training. 

Border Ride promoter Steve Carson said McMurtrie has been an inspiration for all year in year out. “Mount Isa AFL, The Border Ride and people of Mount Isa banded together a few years ago to raise funds so Glen could purchase a hand cycle after a terrible accident left him a paraplegic,” Carson said. 

“Every year since Glen has made the trip up from Brisbane to take part and, like Carol, is truly an inspiration to all who meet him.”                                                                                                                                                                                 

This year Lynda French, along with Carson, will be hoping to become the only two riders to have completed the ride every year since it began eight years ago.                                                                                                                                                                          

“It’s become a little competition between me and Steve to see who outlasts the other and though we, along with all the others, are out to better our previous times, there is always the satisfaction of completing the 200 kilometres,” French said. 

“Plus riding it with my son Rory is a great feeling although this year I doubt I’ll be with him for too long.”

Both Lynda and Rory are two of the many Copper City Cycling Club members who take part each year with some riders using the Border Ride as a training run for a number of events they compete in on the coast. 

Geoff and Kylie Baker, along with Wayne Sanchez, said it plays an instrumental part in the lead-up to state and national cycling events they compete in.

Lynda Jones, along with Tony and Maureen Sweeney, are expected to smash their previous times after recently completing the Cairns to Karumba ride. 

With over 700km ridden in five days, their fitness levels should hold them in good stead over this distance. 

Besides the cyclists, of course, the success of the ride is due in no small way to the wonderful support of not only the sponsors but the cyclists’ support crew as well.                                                                                                                          

“These really are the backbone of any event,” co-organiser Jones said. 

“But, especially with the Border Ride, some of these guys and girls are up at 6am and following their team or individual for anywhere between five to eight hours providing food and drink,” she added.

The late news from the George Fisher team is that Simon Evans has called for the sacking of the teams directeur  Ross Lovejoy. 

Although unable to be contacted at this stage, it is understood Evans is furious with Lovejoy appointing Cornelius Slotta as coach. 

Paul Wragg, teammate of Evans, has suggested the move by Slotta to put Evans in the role of domestique has infuriated him to the point he may ride for the Copper Team.                                                                                                                                               “It should make for an interesting team meeting next Friday when Simon is back,” said Wragg.                                  

Organisers are hopeful they will be able to profile some of the name riders from the Copper Team and a number of teams coming up from Julia Creek. 

Until then, remember, pump up the tyres and oil the chain. 

We’re keeping a warm spot on the start line for you and your mates.