Riding hard and coming out on top: ecoTekkSC and the Buderim9 Challenge
On November 26th, 2023, an exhilarating journey unfolded during The Buderim9 Challenge, with Stuart (me), the enthusiastic owner of @ecoTekSC, leading the charge. This is a challenge, not necessarily a race. The course is designed to ascend the nine hill climbs accessing Buderim, a total of 76km. And, to do it in three hours or less. Originally, my modest aim was to conquer just the first three hills. But, as I teamed up with my spirited riding partners, Carolyn and Andrew, our ambition soared.
Our team also included Darren from ecoTekk Noosa. Darren piloted our support vehicle. Using the e-bikes to climb the steep slopes of Buderim can consume battery power, even when you are pedalling hard. So Darren had back-up batteries, a repair kit, and alternate VelectriX e-bikes in case we needed them. Even though the VelectriX bikes didn’t need repair, Darren was able to help other riders in the challenge when they encountered difficulties.
Riding the robust VelectriX Ascent Pulse X, I felt a surge of energy and determination. Andrew and Carolyn, geared up on their personal e-bikes, were equally driven. The first three hills were a breeze, so buoyed by this success, Carolyn and I decided to push our limits further.
Andrew, ever the trailblazer, was already advancing ahead, a speck in the distance. Our resolve strengthened, and we all switched to VelectriX Ascent MTB bikes at the 37km mark, right after conquering the fourth hill. This strategic move included a quick battery swap for me, and Andrew and Carolyn upgraded to the VelectriX Ascent Pulses Darren was carrying on the support vehicle.
The journey up to the sixth hill tested our endurance, but the shared resolve of us all was unbreakable. Despite the physical challenge, our spirits never faltered.
As we approached the ninth hill, our confidence was high, but time was our adversary. With an average speed of 22.5km/h, we realised completing the ninth hill and making it back to the finish line by the 8 am cut-off time was beyond reach. So, atop Dixon Rd, we made the tactical decision to head back, ensuring the points we had already earned were secure.
The ecoTekk Sunshine Coast tent with VelectriX e-bikes.
Tracey (my wife and partner in ecoTekkSC) was tracking our progress on Google Maps from the UniSC Arena. Having driven the course around Buderim the day before, she was expecting us to return to the finish line at the end of three ascents. She was surprised and impressed as she watched us tackle each successive hill.
From our perspective, every hill conquered beyond the initial three was a triumph. This experience was more than just a challenge; it was a testament to our team’s resilience and camaraderie. And it was all for a noble cause.
Sponsorship Finish Arch for the Buderim9 Challenge at UniSC Arena.
In addition to the physical challenge, our participation in the Buderim9 Challenge served a greater purpose: raising funds for The Pyjama Foundation. This incredible organisation screens and trains compassionate volunteers, known as “Pyjama Angels,” who are matched with children in foster care. These dedicated individuals form special bonds with the children, significantly impacting their lives. They spend 1.5 hours each week with their matched child, engaging in activities like reading books aloud, playing educational games, and enhancing numeracy skills. Our efforts in the challenge contributed to supporting this vital work, providing these children with the care and attention they deserve. As all of The Pyjama Foundation’s funding comes from their fund-raising efforts, the Buderim9 Challenge is an important event.
And to answer the burning question: Can VelectriX e-Bikes from ecoTekk Sunshine Coast help you tackle the challenges of Buderim Hills? Absolutely, YES, they can! During the Buderim9 Challenge, these bikes have proven their mettle, enabling us to take on the daunting hills with confidence and vigour, all while supporting a cause that touches hearts and changes lives.
The Prize: a VelectriX 22 Men’s Cruiser
We just wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks for the incredible opportunity to be a part of the Buderim9 Challenge both as competitors and as sponsors. As a sponsor of the event we supplied a major prize of a VelectriX 22 Men’s Cruiser electric bike. VelectriX is a local Sunshine Coast brand. They are a top-quality, well-made bike. The e-bikes are designed and assembled here which means we can always access spare parts.
Other sponsors were:
- Paradise Seaplanes
- Coastal Cruises Mooloolaba
- My Weekly Preview
- 10 Toes Brewing
- Harlequin Blinds
- Vandy’s Café
- Sports & Spinal Buderim
- Ausmar
- First National Real Estate Riverside
- Vibrant Body Studio
- Infinit Nutrition Australia
- Sunshine Coast Council
It was an absolute privilege to support such a meaningful event, raise funds for The Pyjama Foundation, and participate in this exhilarating ride!
The sense of community and the spirit of giving that enveloped this event was truly inspiring. Every hill climbed and every kilometre covered meant so much more knowing it was for the benefit of The Pyjama Foundation and their incredible work with children in foster care. It’s not every day that you get to combine a passion for cycling with a cause that makes such a significant impact on the lives of young ones.
Stuart approaching the finish line.
Carolyn had so much fun!
Buderium9RaceDay 2023 Team: Andrew, Carolyn, and Stuart
And let’s talk about the fun! We had an absolute blast riding through the scenic Buderim hills, challenging ourselves, and sharing this adventure with so many enthusiastic cyclists. The energy, the camaraderie, and the shared sense of accomplishment made this event unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to re-joining the challenge next year, ready to push our boundaries even further. We have the nine hills of Buderim in our sights! If you want to see what you and your e-bike can do, or if you would like to help raise funds for The Pyjama Foundation, or you just want to have some fun, please consider joining the ecoTekk Team in 2024. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram posts (follow us @ecotekksc), especially in the second half of next year.
Don’t be scared of the nine hills though. If you feel you won’t be able to complete nine, you can stop earlier, whenever you need to. The e-bike section actually has only six gazetted hills to climb and there is a three hill climb as well.
A massive shoutout to all the riders, volunteers, and organisers who made the Buderim9 Challenge such a success. You guys rock! We’re excited by the prospect of 2024 and are counting down the days until the next one!
Once again, thank you Buderim9 Challenge for allowing us to be a part of this. We’re proud to have contributed to such a fantastic cause and can’t wait to do it all over again.
Here’s to more cycling, more fun, and continuing to make a difference! 🚲💖
