Day One - Saturday 29th September

Cairns to Mt Carbine - 135kms

from 5.30am (or before) for a SHARP 6.30am start. Yes it will be a bit dark
Coffee vans operating from 5.30am
Start - 6.00am sharp
Mass ride at ~ 20kph as far as Airport lights.
After Airport turn can ride at own pace to Smithfield.

Must have red rear lights on and working
Gather at Smithfield. You will be allowed to start the ascent in groups of 20+ - SES / Police will coordinate this

NO RIDER IS TO COMMENCE THE ASCENT AFTER 7.00am

There will be a lead vehicle and a tail-end bus. If you have a mechanical consider a lift if your issue is not easily resolved BUT BE SAFE - walk if necessary to a safer spot.
Ride through to Speewah where the Kuranda Rotary will be offering fruit and sustenance. A gold coin donation would be appreciated.
Gather in groups of 20 and be ready TO RIDE SINGLE FILE to Rotary Park at the northern end of Mareeba. SES / Army will co-ordinate this
If you come upon a non-range rider who seems to be struggling, offer encouragement, advice and support if necessary. Remember it is about everyone achieving their personal goals
Pass other cyclists on the right only if safe and call out "passing on your right" when passing. Check for traffic behind.

Army personnel will co-ordinate loading of bikes into the Army truck and a Sunbus will be ready for those not riding the range.
Or you can have your private support take you and your bike to Speewah but they must adhere to the ‘stop and drop’ principle – i.e. drop your rider and bike and go on to Mareeba’s Rotary Park – on the northern side of town.
When you have your bike and are ready, form in groups of ~ 20 and be ready TO RIDE SINGLE FILE to Rotary Park at the northern end of Mareeba
Be prepared for more skilled cyclists to pass you when safe. They may also offer support or advice that may help you if they feel you are struggling.
Pass other cyclists on the right only if safe and call "passing on your right" when passing

Mareeba Rotary will be offering fruit and sustenance. A gold coin donation would be appreciated.
It will be Pack riding from Mareeba so listen for your Pack to be called for departure.

The Mt Molloy CWA and local school P. and C. ladies will be preparing our lunches.
We make a sizeable donation towards the local school for the use of the CWA facility and their support.

Mt Carbine Rodeo grounds next to the Mt Carbine Hotel
Camping, toilets and showers - at the grounds
The AFL Grand Final will be on at the Mt Carbine Hotel in the afternoon
Dinner from 6.00pm
This will be provided by the Mt Carbine Rodeo association
Bar by Nick from the Mt Carbine Hotel
There will be a briefing and important announcements at dinner so please ensure you are there to hear these.
Limited Alternative accommodation
Jennifer & Robert - Mt Carbine Caravan Park – 4094 3160