Amazing Race

18th February

On the 18th of February 2007, the first Ipswich Amazing Race was conducted. Starting time was 8.30am at the sporting fields behind Bundamba Swimming Pool. In all we had 15 competitors vehicles and 4 marshalls vehicles for the event with a total of 50 people attending.

Just to get the grey matter warmed up and for the purpose of spreading out the field, I decided to start the race off with a Novice level Sudoko game. This certainly had the desired effect. A few members, no names mentioned whinged and complained, but that was to be expected. The intention was to provide clues and assistance to members who had not previously completed a sudoko puzzle. The interesting thing was the ones who complained the most were not the last to leave after completing the puzzle and then the race was on.

The day was filled with some challenges, mainly observation, navigation and physical challenges as well.

As the cars departed the sporting field they headed to the Bundamba ten pin bowling alley where they had to find the answers to a couple of questions before receiving their next clue.

Then they headed to Pan Pacific Peace Gardens where they had a couple of questions to answer on the way. Upon arrival they received their next clue, which lead them to the Goodna Aquatic Centre where the physical challenge was awaiting. Each car had a choice whether to complete a swim of a couple of laps of the 25m pool or walk 6 laps across the aqua aerobics pool or walk across the sporting field to collect a ticket and back to the pool. An even spread of contestants took each option with varying degrees of success. Around this time the heavens opened up and I know some who avoided the water got just as wet walking across the sports oval.

On completion of the physical challenge they got their next clue, which lead them to Redbank railway station where a further question had to be answered prior to receiving their next clue. I must say I was informed at this point that I found out that we have some disabled members in the club according to where they parked (fines will be levied) and some others who cannot read the road signs (fines will apply). From Redbank each team headed to Colleges Crossing for smoko via the Moggill Ferry, Moggill Cemetery and Karana Downs Golf Club whilst answering questions along the way.

After a 20 minute smoko break teams departed in their order of arrival to the next location which was Kholo Gardens for a lunch stop via the Mt Crosby Weir and Kholo.

After the lunch break the teams once again departed in their order of arrival and headed to the Fernvale information centre where they were required to sign the visitors book and collect their official guides to be shown at the next location at Wivenhoe Dam.

From Wivenhoe Dam the teams participated in a mystery drive where they did not know their destination. The mystery drive was via Coominya, Lowood, Glamorganvale Range and back to Cribb Park at North Ipswich. All teams were provided with an emergency telephone number in case they got lost. I am pleased to say that I only received one telephone call and they were definitely off track. Once the Teams reached Cribb Park they were given their next instructions which lead the teams to The Denmark Hill water tower and the Denmark Hill Fossil Site where they received their final instructions.

The final leg lead the teams to Queens Park Ipswich were they had to answer a few final questions and ride the flying fox to complete the event.

The eventual winner was Greg and Laura Thirkill closely followed by Pat Ryan and Michelle Kelly. Well done guys. John Holden and his team had the pleasure of playing tail end Charlie, not by choice but due to a slight detour to Marburg as part of the mystery Drive. All was not lost though for coming in last place he was suitably rewarded with the prize of a compass.

All teams arrived over the next hour or so and completed the event. I know some of the competitors were tired and exhausted from the day and were eager to settle in for a few relaxing drinks, a sausage sizzle and deserts which were provided by each of the teams. The feedback I received from the teams was that everyone had an enjoyable day and I must admit I had fun coordinating it. A lot of people commented that they went to some places they had not previously been before, so it’s not a bad way to get to know your local area. I do wish to thank the marshals namely Joe & Carmel, Gordon & Lorraine, Fran and her mother Joyce and Cathy who all assisted with the checkpoints. In particular thanks go to Lorraine for organising the catering for the BBQ and a few little chocolates for the valentines.

Everyone eventually packed up and headed home by about 6pm. Thanks to all those who attended for making the day a success.

Dave Peebles.