ACTIVE ISLAND
Straddie Salute triathlon
Competitors lined up for the start of the 2011 Straddie Salute Triathlon. PHOTO: COURTESY OF PHOTOEVENTS
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rganisers of the Straddie Salute triathlon, now in its fifth year, are expecting between 700 and 1000 competitors to take part in the event on the weekend of September 15 and 16. From humble beginnings in 2008 the Salute has grown into a three event, two-day sport festival that starts on Saturday with the
Sibelco 1000 Ocean Swim, a one kilometre swim off Cylinder, with a $500 winner’s prize Sunday’s program includes a scenic 8km run or walk around Point Lookout, suitablefor all ages and abilities, and the original Straddie Salute Triathlon, incorporating swimming, running and riding. Competitors now have the option to choose between
the usual 18km off-road mountain bike course or a slightly shorter 15km road bike course. “Cycling is exploding in popularity in Queensland so the new road cycle course opens the door to those with a preference for tarseal over dirt,” said John Guise of Weekend Warrior Events.
For more information or to register visit www.weekendwarriorevents.com.au
Wrecked on Moreton oint Lookout residents James Ryan and Sean Ogilvie pedalled from one end of Moreton Island to the other to take part in the 2.4km “Wrecked” ocean swim at Tangalooma. And after cycling 25kms in soft sand from Kooringal to Tangalooma, for the start of the ocean swim, they were.
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Nonetheless, the pair recommends the adventure to anyone looking for a mountain bike challenge. “We thought the ocean swim at Tangalooma, which is run by the same group who run the Straddie Salute, would be a great chance to test our ‘swimming mettle’ in a beautiful location,” James said. “While working out the logistics of getting to the race we came up with the hare-brained idea of cycling up the beach track on the western side of Moreton.”
“The ride is tough, but it goes through brush box forest, mangroves and soft sand, with plenty of wild life,” Sean added. “We let our tyres down to around 10psi, and only had to push the bikes a small amount of the way. “It takes about 3-4 hours each way and must be done around low tide. Pushies aren’t a popular way to do Moreton. We met many friendly locals and tourists who were surprised at our mode of transport. But I reckon it’s an epic way to see it. “Caution needs to be taken and you need to be self-sufficient. There is very little mobile coverage and just a few basic shops. The Gutter Bar is a friendly spot to stop in at Kooringal for basic needs, plus a drink and some local oysters.” The Amity Trader can be booked online at www.amitytrader.com and campgrounds can be booked by calling 13 74 68.
WINTER 2012
STRADDIE ISLAND NEWS 27