Only one more sleep until the big day for cyclists to strut their stuff and get in the saddle for the long haul from Mount Isa to the NT border to participate in the Mount Isa Irish Club “Charity Border Ride”.

2013 will mark the 6th year of this incredible charity event and I am pleased to be the official photographer for the event and looking forward to capturing the thrills and spills of the day.  Last night was the pre-ride dinner and I have to say I haven’t laughed so much in a while.  The Mount Isa cyclists are one heck of a social and fun group of people and I don’t think I was the only one with sore sides from laughing, especially at the entertaining presentation from Max Shawcross, giving us all an insight about ‘what to expect’ on the big day.  He had taken a few liberties with embellishing the event and pretty sure he had a few ‘photoshop’ hours in his presentation….it was a big hit for the night…but not the only highlight…read on to hear more about the night.

  

Max set the scene for an hilarious overview of the ride to come, but that was soon to be overshadowed by a dare to the event organiser, Steve Carson.  The challenge was set to raise $1000 for Steve to don a mankini for part of the ride, from the Camooweal Pub to the border…. well the troops rallied….  cash was flying across the room, the excitement was intense! Within about 10 minutes the challenge was ON!!!!  $1010.10 raised and now Mr Carson eagerly awaits his big moment….. (along with a crowd of onlookers eagerly anticipating the challenge spectacle!)

any guesses for what that 10 cent piece was for?

The face of a man who knew he had been set up for something not quite what he had expected!

Charity donation to the Peter Hughes Burns Foundation, proudly accepted by Carol Mayer (Ambassador for the Foundation)

The guest speaker for the night was the very courageous and inspiring Carol Mayer, ambassador for the Peter Hughes Burn Foundation.  Carol gave a heartfelt speech that emphasised her appreciation for organisations such as the Border Ride Charity for the amazing work they do in helping support those in need.  This is the heart of the Border Ride Charity, in giving back to the community of Mount Isa and those in need.  Steve Carson and his team have already given back over $40,000 in charity funds to various individuals and groups within Mount Isa and this year have also taken on to support the Peter Hughes Burn Foundation.  The money raised last night in the ‘mankini challenge’ has already been donated to the Peter Hughes Burn Foundation.

Thanks to Mick Atholwood for providing his great musical entertainment for the night.  Keep an eye out for Mick performing with his band at Mount Isa Rodeo this year.

Good luck to all those who are taking part in the ride and all those supporting the event.

A huge thankyou to the event sponsors also. Please support these local businesses that support our community:

In the words of Steve Carson, “Thankyou, From all the people you will probably never meet, but whose lives you have helped change forever”