Heading for the Northern Territory border with strong headwinds, it became obvious from the start that no record times were going to be posted, but this did not stop a small group of about 10 riders from trying. 

Unfortunately, with riders being buffeted around by strong winds, the group was reduced when Wayne Sanchez heavily came down off his bike, followed a short time later by John Braithwaite. 

While Sanchez only suffered minor abrasions, Braithwaite unfortunately broke his hip.  

Typical of Braithwaite’s tough character, he remarked that he did at least cross the finish line, but in a helicopter as he was airlifted out of Camooweal.

“Albeit at six thousand feet and 400 kilometres per hour,” Braithwaite said.

Both Sanchez and Braithwaite insisted that the others continue the ride and Geoff Baker’s time of 05:54:00 took line honours from Graham Peden, followed by Jamie Healy and Kylie Baker, with a few more minutes to Ken Glasco.   

From there on began the long day for timekeeper Sue Carson, with the last cyclists coming in almost four hours later.                                                                                                          There were a number of reasons given for the slower times with Kimberly Stoke’s reason being one of the more unusual, “my tyres were flat”.  

Yes, someone hadn’t pumped them up since last year with the tyres down to ten psi.

Yet, Stoke’s still managed a magnificent 140km ride.   

Maureen Sweeney had the handlebars fall off after hubby Tony forgot to tighten them, although Tony insists it was an oversight while Maureen is not so sure. 

“Funny this happened a week after increasing my insurance,” Maureen Sweeney said.             

At the presentations after a big hydration session, Steve Carson announced Mel Turnbull from Gosford the winner of the miner’s helmet for last place on 09:57:00, then proceeded to describe it as one of the worst performances he had seen.   

But on Sunday morning, it was pointed out that last place actually went to superhero member Greg Stewart on 10:09:00. 

Still suffering from a big day/night on Saturday, Carson labelled Stewart’s ride as an abysmal and pathetic effort.  

In late news, the committee banned Carson from further re-hydration sessions before and after presentations. 

Determining the winner of the inaugural Mines Cycling Teams event came down to the wire with Ernest Henry eventually claiming the victory.  

For some strange reason that no one could fathom, except possibly the late hour, Ross Lovejoy from George Fisher Mine immediately lodged a protest with Chris the publican.

Connections of the Hard Time Mine tourist attraction demanded to know why they had not been invited.                                                                                                                         

Mention must be made of Glen ‘Hightower’ McMurtrie, who completed 100km in his hand cycle. 

This was a fantastic effort but one which everyone has come to expect from Hightower. 

Special mention must also be made of his two mates Tom and Alistair, who accompany Glen each year.  

When it comes down to mates these guys are the real deal.  

A great time of 06:30:00 showed that ex-Mount Isan cyclist of more than 20 years ago, now Darwin-based, Gary Cassidy is still no slouch on the bike. 

Cassidy is now looking forward to next year and will hopefully be bringing mates down for the ride.

Making their way back from Charters Towers to their old home town, the Pottering Along team of Jenny and Dennis Potter showed the definite benefits of retirement by being the only cyclists to improve on their previous best time.                 

Back at the start of the day, a large crowd who had gathered to watch the start were not disappointed with some of the outfits, though The Super Heroes team took the honours with their regalia. Everyone from Batman to Green Lantern turned up on the day although reading off the final result; they certainly left their super powers at home. 

Their costume efforts were rewarded with a donation of $500 going to a charity or good cause of their choice. 

In the best-dressed team at the presentations, the Border Babes once again took honours looking resplendent in their new purple tops and bright pink wigs. 

Another special mention must be made of Alan Rackham and Mark Spence, who both looked stunning in their outfits, and even outshone some of the ladies. 

The Babes were also given $500, which they donated to the Kath Hinder Fund.