The 2017 Great Australian Ride officially came to a close at the Todd Freemantle Centre in Mount Gravatt on Saturday afternoon with a presentation barbecue to celebrate the participants and the team behind this year’s event. This year, organiser Stuart Ball and his team raised $92,000 for Red Nose, bringing their total for the past seven years to more than $400,000.
The rain wasn’t enough to dampen spirits as CUA volunteers cooked up a feast for guests who joined in the festivities. Red Nose CEO Theron Vassiliou and Great Australian Ride ambassador Michele Freemantle spoke about the importance of Stuart’s work and the incredible achievements of all the contributors who have ensured the event has grown bigger and better each year. It was an opportunity to look back at the amazing success so far and also consider what new opportunities are ahead for the Great Australian Ride team.
Special thanks to the support team and riders that took part this year: Alan Robson, Martin Kudlik, Steve & Cheryl, Stuart Ball, Garth Pregnell, Chris Michel, Tony Box, Sarah Taylor, Ken Thrash, Tony Donohue, Gilles Preville, Garth Wickson, John Milne, KTM Australia, Nick McQuilty, Tex & Bundy, Trevor Wilson Racing, The Rigid Rider and the Send Off Riders.
Thanks also to the sponsors for 2017: Kamson Mechanical Services, Maxxis, Bolton Motorcycles, AVR Automotive, Rebel FM, Cope Transport, Rocky Creek Designs, Motorcycles R Us, Impact Sports Promotions, Adventure Riders Magazine, Lismore Motorcycles, Tyres for Bikes, Barkbusters, Brisbane Dirtbike Services, Foundation Dental, Itchy Graphics, Agile Insurance, JCS Motorcycles, Metal Gear, and Big Gun Butchers.