Touted as Queensland’s second capital city, Townsville, has been given a shake up. On the weekend of May 15 and 16 Townsville was temporary home to 65 of Australia's best Gravity Riders, all supporting the “Beat the Bastard” Gravity Free Ride in support of Cancer Research.

2010 is the second year Townsville has hosted this event, with 50 of  Australia's best Downhill Skateboarders, Streetlugers, Buttboarders, G-Bikers and Inline Skaters attending the 2009 “BtB” event. 2009's gathering raised just over $5500.00, which was given to the Australian Cancer Council for Prostate Cancer Research. 2010's event raised $12,000.00 from riders, spectators, sausage sizzles and relevant sponsors.

“BtB”, for the past two years has been organised by a small but very dedicated group of gravity enthusiasts from the Townsville region. iSmart sponsored Streetluger Andrew “Sakamoto” Smith was Technical Inspector for both events, with Sue Wickenden from iSmart playing a supporting role with regards to website design and implentation. Adrian Alderson from “Cre8ive Sk8”, a Townsville based skate shop and supplier of equipment to Australia's Gravity Riders, plus Elena Revelon, Micheala Brittian from “Mstar Events” and Graham Brittian were the core of the organising committee, putting together Australia's largest “Free Ride” (non-racing event), and the Worlds only gathering of extremists of Gravity Riding to support, and raise money, for a charity.

Mt Stuart is the venue for “BtB”, a 2.8 kilometer winding, twisting, very unforgiving road situated approx 20 minutes west of Townsville’s CBD next door to Townsville’s large army base.

Speeds for the Downhill Skateboarders max out at approximately 80kph, with Streetlugers attaining speeds around the low to mid 90's. The unforgiving  aspect to Mt Stuart is a combination of two factors, ie, the winding road itself and the 13 major corners of various degrees of difficulty, as well as the 240ft drop off which boarders some of the course.

Hay bales are strategically positioned to protect riders from several “armco” barracades, with the safety of the riders of paramount importance to the organising committee. “BtB” uses the IGSA (International Gravity Sports Association) Rule Book, which covers all riding and equipment safety issues. Full face helmets, full 1 or 2 piece leather suits, leather gloves and brake shoes are the norm for all riders.

Streetlugers attach car or truck rubber wheel tread to the bottom of their shoes, as they use their feet for brakes to stop, usually in a ball of smoke. Downhill skaters come to a stop at the end of the run in a slightly more spectacular fashion, turning their skateboards sideways, usually at top speed, sliding for distances of up to 30 meters before coming to a standstill. Spectators, especially the children, love the braking area, as this is where they get to see the riders up close, and are given the opportunity to get autographs.

With 2011's “BtB” promises to be an event not to be missed.