Redlands Classic Ride Review
The riders of the Redlands Classic Ride woke to a morning resembling a horror movie set where the special effects team became over enthusiastic with a smoke machine!
The fog was so thick at Victoria Point that the ride was delayed by 17 minutes.
After a message from the organisers and a short welcoming speech from the Mayor of The Redlands, the 75km ride began. And 10 minues later the 45km riders took off.
The 75km and 45km courses featured more up hill than down hill terrain, with a few heart breakers through the Alexander Hills section… which we’ve decided to rename Alexander Mountains.
With cut off times on the course, Footbiking was represented by Lyn Armstrong on the 45km route, and Bruce Cook, Alan Stewart and Deb Stewart on the 75km course.
The Footbikers went out at a more than respectable pace, covering the first 10kms in 23 mins. Unfortunately, the course was determined not to allow them to continue this pace with its constant barrage of challenging ascents, wind, open roads with traffic, no road closures and a fair share of traffic lights.
Despite the course’s challenges, the footbikers were content with their times.
Alan Stewart came through with 3hrs 9mins, Bruce Cook around 3hrs 20mins and Deb Stewart in 3hrs 33mins for the 75km course.
The SES who worked as marshalls on the day were a complete delight, cheering and clapping the riders on. The event was a success, raising monies for the Leukemia Foundation and the Matthew Stanley Foundation to stop violence.
The Redlands Classic Ride is the only official bike ride of The Redlands and attracted riders from as far away as Western Australia. This was the second year of the ride and the participating numbers doubled from last year. There would have been more riders but the event clashed with the Brisbane Marathon which was also held on the same day.
Thank you to the Rotary Club for organising the event, and all of the volunteers who made the day possible.