In Summary I ended up, apart from myself with PC (Peter) and Youngster (Tony).
Saturday was cancelled due the the fact that many roads were either still covered in water or had significant damage due to the storms.
Sunday on the other hand was a totally different story. The three of us arrived at Roadvale at 07:00 and helped setup the event. I must say that I was quite surprised at the amount of effort that goes into these events - they all take this extremely seriously.
There were approximately 140 cyclists (down from original numbers - again due to the storms) who filled the entire small township and totally messed with the serenity.
We had some breakfast at the Royal Hotel (bacon and egg rolls) and then one of the mounted Commissionaires (judges) took us on a lap of the circuit - approx 85 kms. Both Peter and I had to refuel in Boonah as there is no Petrol outlet in Roadvale. We then made a hasty return to Roadvale for the start of the team events (once around in teams of 4).
It seemed like it was the day for radio issues, with mine, Scott (1 of the Commissionaires) and Tony's all playing up. As a result we had to rely on verbal messages and common sense. Scott gave us a pretty good run down of proceedings in that for the team events we were there to provide a front line escort.
That went well, although it did take time to judge the speed the cyclists were coming at you from your rear view mirror. One minute you had lost them over the last hill, the next they were breathing down your neck. We had been advised to stay well clear of them on the bends as they can corner much faster than we could.
The team events finished around 11:15 and we had a break and lunch (huge salad and ham rolls) until 12:30
By now the Police vehicles had arrived, a Middle aged Sargent and a very attractive young senior constable. Their job was to front the road race and bring up the rear. Our job was to follow closely behind the front police car (the Snr Constable) and block side roads as we came to them. We were also to sit with any vehicles that had been told to pull over. This was great fun as one minute you were stopped waiting for the cyclists to catch up and the next you were racing full pelt to catch up with the Police car. The Moto Marshals leap frogged along the whole of the course, which was the same course as the team events, only three times around.
Add to that that the Snr Constable was a complete lead foot and as a result we were kept hoping, literally. All three of us thought it was the best fun we had had for ages, no speed limit, driving on the wrong side of the road and...... I was able to use every flashing light on my bike. (sweet)
The race finished at about 4pm and I must admit I was quite exhausted. I think it was either the concentration required or the full bladder I had carted around from lap 2. Note to self - Next time don't drink to much during lunch.
The organisers appeared very happy with our performance, congratulated us on loosing our event virginity and stated that they would be extremely happy to have us back (of course they did). Scott was impressed with my flashing lights and will probably set his bike up in a similar fashion. (I was really surprised none of the bikes had warning systems fitted, as all of the cars did).
The organisers told me that the need to hire Police and Private Traffic control contractors is killing the sport and they are current in negotiations with QLD Police and the Sport and Rec Minister to have accredited volunteers given the same powers as the UK Moto Marshals in that for the duration of the event they will be able to take over the roles of the Police and Traffic controllers.
Both Tony and I have decided to participate in the Battle of the border event at the end of the month (as well as a couple of other OzStoc members) and although I haven't gotten the 12 riders I was hoping for, I'm sure we are going to have a great weekend. I would really encourage you all to give it a go, at least once.
Rides are also coming up in Toowoomba and Kingaroy.
PS I was hoping to show some great action footage, however I made the mistake of turning on my helmet cam whilst going around a corner and as a result I have 3 1/2 hrs of footage at 90 degress - Dam. I see what I can source from the event cameramen.
Cheers,
A.
PPS Thanks Tony and Pete for a great day!
