Port Douglas to be awash with lycra for jungle ride
CYCLING
PORT Douglas and surrounds are about to experience a significant boost in lycra clad visitors this Saturday with the running of the 2016 Whitelion Jungle Ride to raise funds for disadvantaged youth.
The event, now in its 8th year, is enjoying record numbers with 250 riders taking part in the ride from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation.
Ride Director, Julian Thomas, attributes the 25 per cent boost in participation to a number of exciting new initiatives introduced for this year’s event.
“Securing Australian cycling legend, Stuart O’Grady, as our inaugural Ride Ambassador has definitely increased interstate participation – but even the locals are keen to get the chance to ride alongside this former international cyclist who competed in an amazing 17 Tour de France Races.” Thomas said.
“Further to that, this year we have a new start and finish location that allows us to expand the post-ride presentation catering and activities in addition to a new stop-off point in Cape Tribulation.”
The Ride will get underway from 5.45 am on Saturday 29 October departing from the Port Douglas Sport Complex – where all riders will return to for official presentations and to enjoy refreshments provided by the local cricket club.
The Cape Tribulation finish point for this year is located at the Ocean Safari Lodge. The facilities there for riders will be exceptional, giving them the chance to shower, change and enjoy a BBQ lunch before returning to Port Douglas.
“Given this year’s significant increase in rider numbers, we think that these changes will allow a smoother and more enjoyable event for riders and their supporters,” Thomas said..
“This year, we are also partnering with local Charity KIND to extend the reach of our fundraising to reach those in need within the Port Douglas community.”
And in yet another first, an invitational ‘recovery ride’ hosted by Stuart O’Grady will be held on the Sunday 30th departing from Hemingway’s Brewery, followed by a formal Sponsors Thank-You function for valued supporters of the event at the same location.
