The race was preceded by a  charity ride of 120 riders led by Simon Poidevin, with the hope of raising $200,000. This year the ride included an 80km start at Mittagong for women.

The charity ride heading out of Picton towards Razorback set a cracking pace

As the race proper rolled through Picton  in 3 separate packs, a group of us offered  water bottles to the riders, so they could rehydrate before tackling Razorback. After the race had passed we headed across to Camden to see the finish.
Camden main street was in festival mode with a street fair run by the Lions Club. The main street was closed to traffic and the street was lined with stalls. Circus performers, clowns and many children’s favourite characters  entertained the crowd. (Photos at end of post )

The barriers along the finish straight were lined with people and, as the lead bunch thundered across the line the crowd went wild.

The clock was stopped at 3:45:31 (a 21 minute race record!) by Richard Lang from the Budget Forklift Team, 2nd was Jonathon Cantwell  and 3rd  Bernard salzberger, both from team Fly V Australia.

NSW Premier Nathan Rees and the Member for Wollondilly, Phil Costa were among the VIP’s on hand to present the winners with their prizes. Mr. Rees also presented a cheque to the race organising committee on behalf of the NSW State Govt. for $20,000 as official sponsors.

A poor photo of Richard Lang about to cross the finish line

2nd and 3rd across the line

Nathan Rees has a chat with Phil Costa

Winner of Division 2 Benjamin Harvey

KOM Winner, Peter McDonald of Team Drapac Porsche is presented by Nathan Rees and Lauren

Richard Lang, Jonathon Cantwell and Bernard Salzberger on the podium

The winning team Budget Fork Lifts

Children's characters and circus performers created a festive mood while the crowd waited to see the final dash for the line.

Alan Willock  writes:

We had a very short briefing before the ride and then took off in a fairly brisk pace.

The police were amazing in the way they kept us moving and even blocked off traffic for us to get the 200 or so riders through.  The pace quickened and although the ride is not a race it soon became a friendly competition.

From the start to the Cawdor turn off we averaged 32kph.  Baz dropped off the pace a little at Camden Valley Inn with me dropping back at the Cawdor turn off.  I should have done the same as it cost me on the climb up Old Razorback Rd.  Having said that we still managed to keep the leading group in sight.

Baz caught me up about 1km from the top and we met up again at the  rest area at the top. Gina and Leisel turned up shortly after and we had a bit of a break before heading down Razorback on Remembrance Drive.

I would have to say that this was the most memorable and enjoyable ride that I have ever been on.

It’s amazing how much better the ride was with the excellent roads and  the full police escort.

After a coffee in Camden we all walked down to the roundabout at the entrance to the main street to watch the pro-riders finish their race

And what a fine spectacle that was with everyone of us being left stunned by the blistering pace set by the race leaders on the up- hill finish.

I think I can safely say we will be back next year to do this ride again.

Aquafit Charity ride on Razorback

Pro riders racing up main street to finish

Goulburn to Citi race leaders setting a blistering pace, approaching the finish

They were taken by Sam Hood whose collection resides in the State Library of  NSW

The photos  are very appropriate as the 2009 race will be run on the 20th September.

For more info go to: The Pengana Goulburn to Citi Cycle Classic

If anyone has other historic photos or stories of the race they would like to share,  I’d be happy to display them for you.

On Razorback

Receiving a Drink

Not all roads were sealed

Start in Goulburn

Moss Vale

Off road