Variety Bash trio ready for epic road trip

A TRIO of mates will pile into a 40-year-old Holden station wagon this weekend and make their way to the start line of the 2013 XXXX Gold Variety Bash.

Preparing for the XXXX Gold Variety Bash are (from left) William Officer, Joe Wagner and Geoff Batzloff. Picture: Stuart Cumming

A TRIO of mates will pile into a 40-year-old Holden station wagon this weekend and make their way to the Central Queensland start line of the 2013 XXXX Gold Variety Bash.

Yelarbon farmer William Officer, Wagners director Joe Wagner and Toowoomba cafe and convenience store owner Geoff Batzloff are looking forward to hitting the road again after thoroughly enjoying last year's adventure.

"It is just a good fundraiser for kids," Mr Officer said.

"It gets out into the rural parts of Queensland."

Their 1973 HQ Holden chariot, nicknamed The Road Runner, will be part of a convoy of cars set to leave Emerald on Monday to travel a 3,500km route to Mission Beach in North Queensland.

Mr Officer said he used his mechanical knowledge to improve the reliability of their car.

"I just put lots of new bits in it."

Mr Batzloff said it was a good chance to raise money for sick kids while visiting some interesting towns.

"A lot of the places I have never been," Mr Batzloff said.

Mr Wagner said people were supportive of his team's fundraising cause.

"What we get out of it honestly is the satisfaction in seeing where some of the money goes," Mr Wagner said.

"It is hard to describe that."

Originally published as Variety Bash trio ready for epic road trip