The Postie Bike Challenge
Postie bikes are on the march again, riding from Brisbane to Melbourne over 10 daysIt's on again – the annual Postie Bike Challenge leaves Brisbane on October 3 and will roll into Melbourne’s St Kilda ten days later.
A posse of 42 intrepid nutters will pilot a fleet of time-ex Honda 110cc postie bikes from Brisbane, through central Qld and NSW, the Snowies and down to Melbourne. Ten of the riders are women, and incredibly, at least four riders have already taken part in at least one previous Postie Bike Challenge.
The event is in aid of charity – this year, the Preston Rotary club will happily receive any of the bikes that the riders wish to donate.
The Postie Bike Challenge has been run every year since 2002 by Kiley Kidby, her partner Dan Gridley and a small team of helpers. Starting from just outside Brisbane, the ride has gone to Darwin, Alice, Adelaide and now Melbourne.
Riders stump up $4950 and that gives them a unique 10-day holiday, including ownership of a roadworthy, registered, used Postie bike which they are encouraged – but not obliged – to donate to the nominated charity.
Included in the fee are all meals, fuel, camping gear, accomodation, mechanical back-up and an air-ticket home. With a tiny fuel tank, just keeping 42 machines moving is a big logistical exercise, and the sweep vehicle contains many spares. Punctures can usually be repaired at the side of the road, while entire engine swaps are done at the overnight rest-stops by two mechanics and a group of willing volunteers.
Travelling through Australia at 75 km/h (the top recommended speed of a postie bike) offers riders a chance to see much more than they would at the breakneck national posted speed limit.
The route covers bitumin, sand and gravel roads and the event is described as "a once in a lifetime adventure and a great equaliser for all types of riders, not a race but a tour with a challenge and a lot of fun".
The route schedule does allow for some exploring and stops along the way, although with a daily distance of up to 400 km, too much sightseeing might result in a late supper.
See the Postie Bike Challenge website for more information.
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