VET RACER STILL IN THE SADDLE
THE oldest competitor to take part in this year’s Paluma Push did it on a normal mountain bike with his son by his side, despite the event allowing e- bikes for the first time.
For the first time the race included an ebike category designed to help less fit or ageing riders.
At 76, Chris Ellis could have been a prime candidate for the new category but instead he used his own pedal power to finish the intermediate course.
The iconic Paluma Push maintained its reputation as a quintessential North Queensland event for mountain bike riders, with 440 people racing.
The race from Paluma to Hidden Valley was split into three routes based on distance and difficulty with 42km, 50km and 70km courses. Daniel Ellis said it was good to see the race include an e- bike category that was beneficial for a lot of people but his father, Chris, wasn’t ready to give up the conventional bike yet.
“Dad is 76 and he did the 50km course, didn’t come off and beat his old time by 20 minutes, so he is going strong,” Daniel said.
“He comes up from Brisbane to do the race with me and is looking forward to the day he can do it with my 10- year- old son Nicholas.
“He rides to prove to his grandkids that exercise is valuable and it keeps you alive.”
Daniel and Chris have ridden together in the event three times and want to keep coming back.
Daniel said the race was a well- run North Queensland event. He said riders from across Queensland, interstate and even overseas were among the competitors.