The off-road motorcycle endurance event was held on the weekend of July 4 and drew 140 riders from as far as Cowra, NSW, Mount Isa and Mackay.

Apart from the open ride on the Sunday, there were also junior, ladies and quad bike rides held on the Saturday.

In just its fifth year, the event has gathered considerable momentum. This year’s event was held as part of the Western Games.

There was a show of true sportsmanship in the quad bike race when two competitors collided then proceeded to help each other get going again, resulting in one rider losing a position on the podium.

Third place was then awarded to Casey Stagg who continued the sense of sportsmanship and shared his prize money with his collision partner, John MacKay.

In the cold conditions of Sunday morning, a 6am start saw the official day underway with 83 senior riders taking to the track for their sighting lap.

Although riding as part of a team this year, Bradley Schultz managed to clock up the fastest lap time for the event in a time of 25min, 22sec.

Riders lined up 30m behind their bikes for the start and were required to run to them.

Overall winner of the Iron Man award, Blake Garland had to work for his lead from the start.

He came through the first lap in first place and continued with the position throughout the race.

Competitors found the track different this year with the wet season leaving behind some water in the Flinders and Dutton Rivers.

This saw for wet and dry conditions over the 21km track.

The Richmond Dirt Bike Club thanked the community, sponsors and volunteers who gave their time to make the event happen.

*More photos in this week’s North Queensland Register, out Thursday.

RESULTS

Opens : Blake Garland, Barcaldine 1, Trent Koppe, Townsville 2, Jose Mendezona, Richmond 3.

Lites: Robert Moore, Hughenden 1.