‘Bikes snapped in half’: mates conquer Flinders on posties’ wheels
Twenty years ago, a few mates first tackled harsh Flinders Ranges terrain on humble 110cc Honda bikes, raising funds in memory of a mate’s sons. Little did they know how far it would go.
Two decades ago, seven mates climbed aboard their humble 110cc Honda postie bikes for a ride through the Flinders Ranges.
They were chasing adventure, a few laughs, and the chance to raise money for a cancer charity.
They had no idea they were also launching one of regional South Australia’s most enduring community fundraisers.
This year, the Apex Outback Postie Bike Ride will celebrate its 20th anniversary while surpassing $2 million in donations, and continuing to support families impacted by cancer through the Apex Copper Coast Retreats at Wallaroo.
Inspired by similar events he had seen interstate, Port Augusta real estate agent Greg Kipling OAM came up with the idea that became the Apex Outback Postie Bike Ride.
“There were six mates and I, plus a couple of back-up cars and we set off through the Flinders,” he says.
“The idea was that this might be something that people who enjoy riding motorbikes could do, something a bit different – postie bikes in the outback – and raise some money at the same time.
“We raised about $10,000 between us that first year, and it went towards Bradley’s Place at Victor Harbor, respite accommodation that was established in memory of one of our mate’s sons, through the Childhood Cancer Association.”
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The quirky fundraiser quickly gained momentum, with Apex coming onboard later to help it grow.
As the fundraising increased, so too did the ambition.
Plans emerged to create free holiday accommodation on Yorke Peninsula, where cancer patients and their families could escape the pressures of treatment.
The result was the Apex Copper Coast Retreats at the Wallaroo Holiday Park at North Beach.
Today, the complex features five, fully-furnished holiday units, with a sixth under construction.
“We don’t just putt around on dirt roads and bitumen, we go and find as hard and nasty four-wheel-drive tracks as we can take a postie bike on,” Greg says.
“We are riding through some of the most amazing scenery, and have access to a lot of private property that most people would never get to.
“We are in some really tough terrain, we’ve had bikes including mine, that have snapped in halves, but we just weld them back up and take them again next year.
“These little bikes are unbelievable, they can go pretty much anywhere, they can struggle up hills and through mud and dirt, it’s not easy going, but they are so reliable.
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“It really is a sight to see these little postie bikes riding around the rugged Flinders Ranges.”
Kadina’s Neil Sawley has been part of the Postie Bike Ride for 19 of its 20 years. He rode in the early years before stepping behind the scenes with wife Dale to organise meals, accommodation and much of the event’s logistics.
The couple have also poured countless hours into helping establish the Apex Copper Coast Retreats, ensuring they provide a comfortable, welcoming place for families to spend time together.
“It’s about building precious memories,” Neil says.
“We have all been affected by cancer in our lives somewhere, whether it is personally or friends or family.
“The Apex Copper Coast Retreats is somewhere that people touched by cancer can come and have a free holiday.
“I think it’s somewhere between 400 to 500 families a year that now visit, and just short of 1000 nights a year that we have the units booked.”
Neil says strong partnerships with the Cancer Council, Copper Coast Council and Wallaroo Holiday Park at North Beach have enabled the success of the retreats.
The ride also delivers benefits beyond fundraising, injecting money into the communities that welcome riders and support crews annually.
“Depending how many riders we have, I’d say it around $50,000 each year that we put into the economy of the Flinders Ranges by doing this ride,” Neil says.
This year more than 80 riders will tackle 1000 kilometres of rugged Flinders Ranges country over four days from September 10-13.
They will be supported by about 15 vehicles and motorcycles, with every rider raising at least $500 to take part, most raising far more.
Importantly, riders also cover their own meals and accommodation, ensuring every donated dollar goes back into maintaining the retreats and supporting families affected by cancer.
The route takes riders well off the beaten track, traversing private stations and challenging four-wheel-drive tracks that few people ever get the opportunity to experience, thanks to the generosity of local landholders.
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