The rally kicked off today in swinging style. After a hearty breakfast hosted by Murrumbidgee Rotary with drinks donated by Coca-Cola Amatil, and a word from the Road Boss, Mr Hooker Bear flagged us off for the first day of the 2009 Cystic Fibrosis Great Escape.

We headed out toward Leeton, with a sand dune Wacko along the way. The weather held off long enough to churn up plenty of dust and give a few cars a run for their money getting up the sand dune. The steep incline was a challenge for all rally cars, many getting close to the top and having to reverse back down before trying again with a mighty run off. The first casualty for the day was Car 182 – Greedy, who snapped the control arm of the suspension halfway up the dune, and came sliding back down. Luckily Car 351 - The Juggernaut rally truck were close at hand to weld the control arm back on – it’s yet to be seen if their handy work will last the trip!

A fair down pour of rain greeted us at Leeton for lunch. Luckily we were under cover where Rotary served up a fantastic lunch with plenty of variety. The local media paid us a visit at Leeton before we were back on the road again heading out to Hillston. There were a few breakdowns on the Wacko sections and just when Car 351 - The Juggernauts were getting cocky, their drive shaft snapped, seeing them being towed back into town. With a few lucky breaks, they might have it replaced by tomorrow –but it will be a long night!

As the sun began to form a marvelous sun set, all that broke the flat view of the land was a huge cloud of dust created by the rally cars. As we began our way off the unbeaten track into town, the local Hillston police blockaded the rally cars, fining each for offences ranging from “driving a Ford”, “driving a Holden”, “being from Victoria” and “driving too slowly”. Whoa! Just when we thought it was safe to come back to civilization! But our Great Escapers were happy to oblige - the police raised over $2,000 which they donated back to Cystic Fibrosis.

Great Escapers retreated to the local for some pub grub and a well deserved beer. No doubt there are a few stories to tell and talk of what’s in store tomorrow. What a great start – and it’s only day one! Looking forward to the next few days of adventure as we travel to Tilpa and then onto Tibooburra.

All Smiles at the rally start	Hillston Police join in the Fundraising