By all accounts the Bakers Beach ride delivered on its name with a challenging yet scenic bush ride. With the addition of the Inaugural School Cup along with the OTT prizes the event was a buzz with lots of new faces amongst the 75 entrants.

There were 14 riders in the 6km event, 13 representing local schools. For 8 of these little riders this was their first endurance event. With thanks to support from Mark Dunn all riders completed and vetted successfully.

The 20km ride had 25 entrants with 21 successful completions, of which 8 riders were representing their school, including 4 riders competing in their first 20km event. Well done Zak & Olie Neilley and Devonport Christian School representatives Tyla O’Toole and Giselle Porter for riding your first 20km events.

The 42km ride had 12 entrants with 10 successful completions. This included Sophia Stansbie (12) from Andrews Creek, as well as Nicole Bozoky and Corinna Taylor who completed their first 40km rides. Whilst Grace Mead and Sharky Roberts completed their 2nd 40km rides, qualifying for 80km events. Also noteworthy the return of Brandon Foley with his first successful completion in over 7 years.

The 85km endurance ride had 24 entrants with only 15 riders successfully completing the hilly course. The ride was won by Junior riders Piper Braid (13) from Sheffield School and Emerald Rigby (12) from Latrobe High, holding hands to cross the line with equal placing in 6 hours and 12 mins. The Middleweight division was won by Jillinda Aitchison. Sister Kirstie Lockhart and Shannon Hill were equal first Lightweight winners. Heavyweight was won by Sheleah Astell in 8 hours and 3mins, which was also her mare Shardell Lady Lily’s 3rd and qualifying ride. It was great to see Janine Parr’s return to endurance after a serious incident earlier in the year. Whilst Jessie Mihocek successfully completed reaching her 5000km milestone.

Jessie achieving her 5000km milestone. Grace & Sharky completing their 2nd qualifying 40km. Nicole, Sophia & Corinna completing their first 40km. Janine back in the saddle. Brandon’s return after a long hiatus. Photos: Roger Nichols

The highly regarded Best Conditioned Rugs were won by:

Junior - Kasdell Khali ridden by Piper Braid
Lightweight- Lockleigh Park Tempestuous ridden by Kirstie Lockhart
Middleweight- Tonki Dee Boo Henrietta ridden by Jillinda Aitchison

The Inaugural School cup was won by Andrews Creek Primary, represented with Kayden, Leo, Esther & Evie in the 6km, Evie & Freya in the 20km, Sophia in her first 40km, whilst Kenzie rode the 80km. St Patricks Primary came in a close 2nd with 7 riders and Lilydale in 3rd with 4 riders.

The perpetual Claude Filleul Memorial Junior Award was won for the third consecutive year by Emerald Rigby riding Lily T.E. with a perfect logbook of A’s & 1’s.