Cyclists set to unite in the Mackay Region for charity

Mayor Greg Williamson, Shirley Bella (BMA) and Even Corry (River 2 Reef Ride) at the Event launch on Friday 1st July.

The 2022 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is on track to raise more than $50,000 for local charities CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association

For the past 11years, riders in the Mackay and Whitsundays have been getting on their bike to give back to two local charities that do so much for the people in the community.

The BMA River to Reef Ride Festival is an annual charity bike ride that brings friends and families together raising monies for RACQ CQ Rescue and Mackay Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association.

“BMA River 2 Reef ride started as just a little idea back in 2011 to give the Mackay region an opportunity to give back to charities that do so much for our community” says Director Evan Corry.

“It’s also a way of uniting businesses, friends and family in a healthy engaging way”.

The event is a Festival held over two exciting days, kicking off with the Golding Kids Colour Ride at 3pm on 3rd September.

“Cycling is not just about adults, learning the skills to ride starts with our kids” says Evan

“If we can engage our kids early, teach them how to look after their bikes and how to ride safely we are in turn making their bodies stronger and giving them life-long skills”.

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.”

Since it’s inception, River 2 Reef Ride has attracted so many local businesses as sponsors.

“The cycling community in Mackay is larger than the general person realises”

Evan says “We have never struggled to find sponsors for River 2 Reef Ride, businesses want to be involved because of the non-competitive team nature of the event.”

Businesses, friends and families have the opportunity to register as a team. This gives everyone lots of opportunity to spend more time together through regular group rides in the lead up to the event.

The second day of the Festival the 4th September, registrants choose one of 3 cycling distances: 30km Queensland Country Bank | Health, 60km City Fitness and 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo rides.

This year the ride will start and finish at Mackay Botanic Gardens.  The entire Mackay community is invited to join in or spectate. 

“There will be food trucks and market stalls plus entertainment, we invite everyone to come along and join in the fun on both 3rd and 4th September” says Evan.

Registrations for this year’s BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival are now open.