Wheels turning for long trek to Karumba
GRACE MASON DIRECT from the dusty deserts of Iraq, army corporal Chris Hoffman is going to feel right at home on the remote road to Karumba.
The 27-year-old from Adelaide has had the 780km Cairns to Karumba bike ride on his bucket list for years and finally, after returning home from deployment less than three weeks ago, he has the chance to give it a crack.
He will be among a 287strong contingent of riders, volunteers and supporters leaving Cairns today and making the trek west in aid of the Cairns School of Distance Education.
“It’s about helping out kids who aren’t as privileged as I was growing up,” Mr Hoffman said.
“I’ve wanted to do it for a little while and it’s the 20th year this year so it’s probably a good one to come up for.”
Riders will leave Cairns this morning and reach Karumba on Friday.