High fives and tears, hot chips and beers greeted riders on arrival in Karumba. Read about this Savannah Way adventure in Go Camping magazine.
The Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride is an annual fundraiser that starts in Cairns, finishing seven days later across Cape York on the shore of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Raising funds to support distance education for kids in remote communities, a convoy of volunteers and support crew follow the riders across the Savannah Way. Communities roll out the red carpet as Dirty Boys (mountain bikers) and Rugged Roadies (road riders) roll into town hungry and thirsty after a day in the saddle. The event supports some pretty heavy numbers on its broad dust-cloaked shoulders:
- 114 Road Riders riding 780km
- 52 Dirty Boys riding approx. 500km
- 18 Support Personnel
- 77 Volunteers
- Funds raised to date: almost $100,000
- Youngest rider: 14 year old Samuel Carmody
- Oldest rider: 79 year old Ian Jackson (Pack 4 Leader)
Fiona Harper roped along two running buddies, forever known as CRoMBi’s – Chick Runners on Mountain Bikes, for the dirt ride to Karumba. Mother Claudette played a starring role, volunteering with the catering crew and driving the aptly named ‘mother ship’, a plush Euro Camper from Apollo Campers, which became a haven of civilisation for saddle-weary bodies at the end of each day.
