STER’s 14 March ride needed to have a venue change because of unexpected logging activity near its Glenelg ride base. A huge vote of thanks from STER to the Three Rivers’ crew who offered STER the use of its Lovett’s Flat ride base and track, where a ride had been held a fortnight earlier. The change of venue meant that the many southern folk who usually come to the southern ride to do a 20km ride chose not to trek north, particularly in light of the current fuel costs. On the other hand, it gave northerners another ride opportunity without incurring the fuel cost of a trip down south.
Online entries were average (40) however a number of late entries brought the total to 49 with 13 15k’ers, 17 40k’ers and 19 80k’ers starting the ride. The 80k’ers started their ride at 6.00AM which meant that they were riding in the dark for about 40 minutes. The 40k’ers started at 8.00AM and the 15k’ers started at 10.00AM. Ride conditions were excellent – the weather was perfect (fine and cool as is mostly the case in March in Tasmania) and the track was dry and. According to riders, perfectly marked. The early start to the day led to an early finish with the last 80k rider crossing the line at 2.30PM. The completion rate was excellent with all 20k’ers and 40k’ers successfully completing. The completion rate for the 80k’ers was also excellent with 17 of the 19 starters successfully completing.
STER is also grateful to the many people who came along to help on the day (TPRs, checkpoint people, water carters and more), both Three Rivers people and others. STER is confident we will be able to return to our Glenelg ride base in 2027.
Mark Dunn
Top: 15km horse and ponies cross the dam wall on the gun club loop. Photo Credits: Toni Sheean
Middle: Janine Parr with Junior riders Piper Braid, Emerald Rigby and Lauren Rattray shared winners of the Perpetual Junior Trophy. Jack Jarman successfully vetting through his 2nd 40km ride- 80km next for Jack! Southern riders Janine & Halla Parr completing the 80km.
Bottom: Tassie legend Samson of Glendu taking Frankie Rolls around her first big 15km ride. Kiana Nutting winning her first ride in the Hwt division. Dylan Stevens overall winner of the 80km event
