Cyclists are set to take on some of the region’s toughest hills in the 76km Buderim9 Challenge on November 23, raising money for The Pyjama Foundation.
Starting at 5am and finishing at 8am, riders will climb and descend nine of the area’s best hills, including Dixon, Coghill, Ballinger, Crosby, Glenmount, Mons, Lindsay, Jones and Mooloolaba roads.
The Pyjama Foundation supports children and young people in foster care by helping them build learning and life skills, as well as confidence.
“Through our Love of Learning program, volunteers called ‘Pyjama Angels’ are recruited, screened, trained and then matched with a child in care and spend time with them once a week, focusing on learning-based activities,” a spokesperson from The Pyjama Foundation said.
“Pyjama Angels read books aloud with their child, play educational games and help children with their homework. Most importantly, the volunteers give foster children a chance to reach their life potential, despite a fragile start.
“Children in care have the lowest education outcomes nationally. By improving their learning skills, we are making a positive, life-long impact.”
Buderim9 is a very challenging ride, with only about half of the registered cyclists completing all nine hills within the three-hour time limit.
Some aim for seven or eight hills, while others take part in Buderim6
or Buderim3.
There are no road closures during the event, which begins at 5am, and no traffic controllers to stop traffic.
All riders follow road rules, with about 30 marshals directing participants. Police motorbikes patrol the course and ‘motomedics’ are ready to assist if needed.
The course showcases some of the best aspects of Buderim Mountain, with views west to the ranges, south to the Glasshouse Mountains, north to Ninderry and Mt Coolum, and east to the ocean.
Riders ascend through dense eucalypt rainforest on Lindsay Road, while red-flowered poincianas are in full bloom this time of year.
The layout allows spectators to move easily from one hill to the next and see riders multiple times.
Ride, support the cyclists or soak in the atmosphere on November 23. For more information, visit Buderim9.
