A wheelie good ride for all

The 2022 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival was held on 3rd and 4th September raising much needed funds for local charities CQ Rescue and Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association

Yuwi’s Uncle Phil performing “Welcome to Country”

Almost 1,000 riders showed up with friends and family in tow to ride in either the Golding Kids Colour Ride on Saturday 3rd September or BMA River 2 Reef Ride on Sunday 4th September.

“It’s the only charity ride in the region that brings together so many ages and family generations” says Event Manager Nikki Giles.

“Our youngest rider was a mere 3 years old riding our mini-course on their trike and our oldest riders were 82 years old completing the 30km Queensland Country Bank | Health Dash”

Uncle Phil from Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation performed a Welcome to Country and a traditional Smoking Ceremony to open the Festival on Saturday 3rd September.

“The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Team acknowledges the Yuwi people as the traditional custodians of these lands where we ride and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging” says Nikki.

BMA River 2 Reef Ride is an annual ride that unites not just the Mackay region but cyclists from all over Queensland. 

“We had riders from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, regional Queensland, Townsville, Rockhampton and Airlie Beach” says Nikki

“The various ride distances on offer to cyclists provides a stunning view of our beautiful Mackay region as well as a riding challenge for those keen to extend themselves on the day”.

Now in it’s 12th year, BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival continues to go from strength-to-strength.  The non-competitive event has attracted more business support than ever before.

Linda Murry, General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, said BMA is proud to sponsor this significant community event for the region.

“BMA employs so many people in the region and is part of the community,” she said.

“We recognise the importance of events such as this, which bring the community together, whilst also raising funds for charity.”

Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) Mackay was a partner at this year’s event providing every rider with a safety kit. 

“Our Golding Kids Colour Ride kids received high vis stickers to attach to their bikes and helmets for their ride around the Mackay Botanic Gardens” says Nikki.

“Our BMA River 2 Reef Riders received high vis vests, lights and stickers”.

 RAAG Mackay’s involvement in the ride this year was a welcome inclusion. Safety on the roads for every cyclist is a focus in event planning and for the management team.

Cyclists and businesses can register their interest for the 2023 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival now. The Festival will be held on 7th and 8th October 2023.