There will be no family fun day but in true Illawarra spirit, enthusiasm has not wained for Sunday's i98FM Illawarra Convoy.
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Emotions have been building all week in anticipation of the trucks and bikes snaking their way down Mount Ousley and then through Wollongong and Shellharbour.
The vibe really ramped up on Wednesday when Coles Illawarra secured the lead bike position with a massive $206,000. Then on Thursday bidding action heated up again for lead truck.
Kye's Convoy Dream secured pole position with a donation of $95,000. Peter and Sheridan Yates made the winning bid in memory of their late son Kye who died when he was 10.
"Kye loved Convoy and used to do a free style motocross every year at the family fun day. Then tragically Kye lost his life," Mr Yates said.
"As a legacy for him in 2019 we raised $605,000 with both the truck and bike bid. Last year we raised $50,000. This year we put in for the bike again in a joint venture with Moto City. Then we went for the lead truck. We've raised $800,000 in three years."
Mr Yates said Convoy supports some of Kye's mates with a disability. Including Hunter Hawken, of Minnamurra, who he used to look out for when they were both students at school.
Hunter was just five when he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His mum Rebecca Darby said Hunter eagerly looks forward to Convoy every year. This Sunday he will cheer the Kye's Convoy Dream truck on from the side of the road.
"He will have his flag and wave it as they drive past," Ms Darby said.
Coles regional manager Peter Anderson said 1180 staff from 11 stores were involved in the fundraising for lead bike. "This is our 11th year as part of Convoy and in that time we have raised $750,000."
Marty Haynes said after a difficult year for everyone and he was thrilled with the donations. "This event never ceases to amaze me."
Where to watch Convoy:
- 8.15am departs West Cliff Colliery, Appin Rd.
- Travels down Mt Ousley, through Warrawong and past Stockland Shellharbour before joining the Princes Hwy, Albion Park Rail.
- 9.15am motorbikes are expected to cross finish line at Convoy House.
- 10am trucks are expected cross finish line.
Convoy manager Mark Rigby said people are encouraged to pack a picnic and find a spot along the 80km route.
"All funds raised go to the Illawarra Community Foundation," he said.
The community can also support Convoy at 4pm, Saturday when The House That Convoy Built goes under the auctioneer's hammer at Wongawilli.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
