More than 40 cyclists participated in the Bingara Bike Bash, held last Sunday week in aid of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Riders had two rides from which to choose. The first was a 50km ride round trip taking in Keera Rd and Whitlow Rd and the other ride was up the Keera Rd either to the Riverview Rd turnoff with a lift back to town or a return ride up and back along Keera Rd.
Ride organiser, Dimity McMurtrie said she was pleased with the number of riders who turned out to assist the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and to have some fun. “We’re grateful to everyone who joined in the fun ride, both riders and support crew. I think everyone enjoyed themselves, which was a priority for the day,” Mrs McMurtrie said.
Cyclists travelled from Inverell, Narrabri, Tamworth, Barraba and Manilla to join Bingara locals in the fund raising effort. Some of the riders felt the hills out of Bingara were a bit on the steep side, while a few riders complained about the pinch on the Riverview Rd known as “the gap”.
Despite the complaints, everyone returned to town safely and without injury, although there was one fall on a descent early in the day by one of the less experienced riders. “I’ll be stiff tomorrow” was a comment heard more than once around the lunch table!
The Bingara Support Group for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service provided lunch at the conclusion of the ride which was greatly enjoyed by the bicycle crowd. Initial estimates put the money raised from the day at around $1000.
