Substituting the more traditional swimming leg with kayaking, the event is somewhat unique. The 20km mountain bike ride takes participants along mountainous and 4WD roads, creek beds, cattle tracks, rainforest and open country. The second leg consists of a 10.7 km kayak paddle down the crystal clear waters of the Barrington River and the third is an 8.8 km run leg along the scenic Thunderbolts Way and back into the Gloucester District Park.

With approximately 200 volunteers working to show competitors the way on the day, it is unlikely any wrong turns will be taken. According to organising committee member Wendy Hughes the volunteers have contributed much to the appeal of the event over the years, with feedback congratulating the volunteers on their friendly and encouraging manners. 

“There really is a great celebratory feel to the event. When we started it, we were aiming for fun and to enjoy the country experience,” Wendy said. 

Wendy has now been on the committee for 24 years and said that after so long most of them could organise it “standing on their heads.” 

“But we are always looking for new people and new ideas, and would welcome anyone who might like to join the committee for next year,” she is quick to add.

She said that they had recently shifted focus slightly to encourage more local participants. She also added that this year's bike leg was different to past years, being longer.

“Some people have said in the past that the course was too easy. So it's good to put out the challenge, you don't want people to get too used to it,” she laughed.

The event attracts participants from all over the state, and brings appropriately $50,000 into the local economy. Logistics includes organising the permission of around 20 private landholders to allow either volunteers, the supporting SES crews, or competitors through. 

The race starts at the southern end of Boundary Road, where cyclists proceed in a northern direction entering Thunderbolts Way to Bucketts Road before reaching Stantons property. Cyclists then proceed across country to join Barrington East Road at Westleys and then travel south to Rocky Crossing on Barrington West Road. The kayak leg commences at Rocky Crossing and terminates at the Barrington Bridge. The run leg climbs onto Thunderbolt's way, turns right onto the Barrington Bridge and returns to Gloucester. With over $10,000 in prize money to go to teams and individuals, it could well be something worth considering getting up for.

Registration will take place between 11am and 5pm on Saturday at the Recreation Centre in Gloucester District Park. For more information go to www.gloucestertri.com.au.