BMA River 2 Reef Ride 2023 Unites Mackay Community in Support of Local Not-for-Profits

60km City Fitness Epic Starting Line

The BMA River 2 Reef Ride, an annual community event known for its ability to bring people together, was held on Sunday 8 October at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

The event, which has grown in popularity over the years, once again raised much-needed funds for two vital local not-for-profit organisations: RACQ CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.

The ride has become a cornerstone event in the Mackay community calendar, attracting teams of cyclists and individual riders and supporters from all walks of life and from all over Queensland.

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

BMA’s General Manager Linda Murry and BMA Team riders.

“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 local organisations who play a much needed support role in the Mackay area.”

What sets this year's BMA River 2 Reef Ride apart is its ability to inspire new community groups to join in the mission of making Mackay a more inclusive and healthier place to live.

One such organisation that has enthusiastically embraced the event's spirit is Selectability, a not-for-profit charity committed to improving the mental wellbeing of people in regional Queensland and contributing to suicide prevention.

Carl Holland, Selectability’s Bike Shed Coordinator, shared his excitement for the event, saying, "We believe in the power of community and collaboration. The BMA River 2 Reef Ride has given us a unique opportunity to create a focused goal for Mackay's youth."

Carl Holland's dedication to empowering Mackay's youth saw his “Selectability Youth Team” come 8th in their first year participating in the ride.

Selectability is an example of how the BMA River 2 Reef Ride serves as a catalyst for positive change. By encouraging young people to develop valuable life skills and engage in physical activities, the event not only raises funds for worthy causes but also promotes the overall well-being of the community.

Selectability Youth Team

 The winning cycling teams for 2023 for riding the most kilometres across the 3 distances: 30km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash, 60km City Fitness Epic and 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo were:

1.    Tri-ActiV8: 38 Riders, 3118km

2.    BMA: 37 Riders, 1737km

3.    Muscle Garden: 12 Riders, 780km

4.    Tied: Queensland Country Health Fund: 16 Riders, 480km and Marian Multisport: 8 Riders, 480km

5.    Sugar Australia: 10 Riders, 450km

6.    Uppaaahhh!!!: 4 Riders, 400km

7.    Selectability Youth Team: 11 Riders, 330km

8.    Rural View Dental: 5 Riders, 210km

The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival continues to promote cycling, camaraderie, and community spirit. Cyclists of all levels are encouraged to participate as individuals or as a team, from beginners to experienced riders.

Seb and Joe Cali participated in 60km City Fitness Epic

Join us in making a difference in the Mackay Isaac community by participating in the annual BMA River 2 Reef Ride. Together, we can support RACQ CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay while fostering a sense of unity and promoting active, healthy living.