Riders in 2017 enjoying the community spirit of riding from Tathta to Bega, in 2018 the ride happens in reverse. Photo: Dave Gallen.
2018 brings a change in direction for the annual Bega Tathra Safe Ride NSW Bike Week Community Ride.
The inaugural ride 12 months ago saw around 270 riders peddle from Tathra to Bega, this year cyclists of all abilities and experience will tackle the 16km paved route in reverse. Well not actually in reverse, that would be a big ask, but they will travel from Bega to Tathra in a forwards direction!
Leaving Bega Showground at 9am on Sunday, September 30, cyclists will head for Lawrence Park Tathra.
The long-held reality of a dedicated bike track linking the two towns is becoming a reality, with planning for stage one well advanced.
“We’ve been talking about this for a long time so seeing the first 4.6 km from Tathra to Kalaru starting to take shape is very exciting, but we need to keep fundraising and the community ride is part of that effort,” says Robert Hartemink, ‘Lead Rider’ of the Bega Tathra Safe Ride Committee.
The NSW Government has so far invested $3 million into the project which is being managed by Bega Valley Shire Council.
On September 30, riders will get a sense of the full vision and its potential for the Bega Valley community and tourism.
The smiles of 2017 will be repeated on September 30 this year. Photo: Dave Gallen.
“Rolling road closures managed by Platinum Traffic Services will give riders a chance to experience the journey without the normal pressure of traffic,” Robert says.
“This will be a great family day, only the brave and keenest of riders can tackle this course normally, the speed and the closeness of cars and trucks is just too much for most.
“I can’t wait to see families enjoying our beautiful countryside without that stress, not only on September 30 but whenever they choose to ride once we complete the track.”
Entry fees from the ride will help with the ongoing fundraising effort to extend the track all the way to Bega, funds from the day will also be allocated to the Mayor’s Tathra and District Bushfire Appeal.
“Families who lost their home in the fires of March 18 get to ride free, we know that many people are still struggling with their grief and the task ahead, we really hope this is a day that will lift them up and push them forward,” Robert says.
On the back of last year’s success, entries are now open and the number of riders is starting to build as word spreads.
“For those who haven’t taken part in a mass ride before this will be a real thrill, there will be a real community spirit, everyone will be looked after,” he says.
The farmland between Bega and Tathra provides a great backdrop to the Community Bike Ride. Photo: Dave Gallen.
The day starts with breakfast at Bega Showground from 7:15 am, with registration from 7:30 am – 8:30 am, followed by the Welcome to Country and briefing before riders set off together at 9 am.
Riders are expected to arrive at the Tathra finish line before 11 am, and the event will conclude at 11:30 am after the Lucky Rider Prize is drawn. Tathra Beach & Bike have chipped in with a $500 voucher for the purchase of ‘Specialized’ gear from their store. All riders will be in the draw for that fantastic prize.
After the event has finished riders will be invited to stay on for brunch and to join in community activities organised by Tathra Sea Eagles AFL and Clean Energy for Eternity.
There’s more information on the Event Website and Bega Tathra Safe Ride Facebook page including a link to TryBooking.com for registrations ahead of the day.
Sponsors include: NSW Bike Week, Transport NSW, Bega Cheese, Bega Valley Shire Council, Morgans Financial Services, Tathra Beach & Bike, Bournda Environmental Education Centre, Specialised, Clean Energy for Eternity, Tathra Sea Eagles AFL, Platinum Traffic Services, Lantern Heritage, On The Perch Bird Park, Bega Showground Committee, Tathra Beach Country Club, Bega Valley Medical Practice, and About Regional.
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