The only safe way to tackle Mount Coot-tha
27 February, 2008
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Lord Mayor Campbell Newman today launched Brisbane’s very first recreational cycling event up Mount Coot-tha - in partnership with Bicycle Queensland.
Cr Newman said bike riders had wanted to scale Mount Coot-tha as part of an organised tour for as long as he could remember.
“This year, we’re making that wish happen - in a safe, responsible environment,” he said.
The 70-kilometre ‘Coot-tha Challenge’ directs cyclists up Mount Coot-tha’s steeper, windy side from Simpsons Road and down the wider and gentler side toward Mount Coot-tha Road.
“The Coot-tha Challenge is unique because it not only includes the city terrain of South Bank but it also scales Mount Coot-tha – making it the only one day mass participation event to include mountain terrain,” Cr Newman said.
The Lord Mayor said The Coot-tha Challenge was another example of Brisbane innovating and pushing onto the national and international stage.
The April 6 bike ride is open to all with a capacity of 2,500 riders. Entries close on 28 March.
Cr Newman said The Coot-tha Challenge day was about people of all fitness and cycling levels being outdoors, active and experiencing Brisbane.
“For professionals and competitive types there’s a timed three-kilometre sprint up Mount Coot-tha as part of their overall 70 kilometres – but that’s optional,” he said.
“For everyone else, it’s a glorious circuit - taken at whatever pace people want - of the Brisbane River, the city, the parklands and the more challenging Mount Coot-tha.”
Less intense 35, 20 or 10-kilometre rides are available as usual under the Great Brisbane Bike Ride, avoiding Mount Coot-tha but ending at the same point as The Challenge on South Bank.
Cr Newman said The Coot-tha Challenge was a signature Brisbane event and another step toward his vision of Brisbane as a city of cycles.
“Cycling is one of my goals to keep Brisbane healthy, active and using alternative transport. It’s also key to my GreenHeartCitySmart campaign to reduce the city’s emissions,” he said.
“Most importantly, the event is to draw people together from Brisbane and across the country to celebrate one of the best lifestyles in the world,” he said.
Cr Newman said The Coot-tha Challenge was the latest addition to a strong record on cycling, which included the Paris-style bike hire scheme, the King George Square Cycle Centre, and funding for major new bikepath projects at Kedron, Bulimba, Yeronga, and Carina.
20 February 2008