Pedal Power and Community Spirit: 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival Reaches New Heights

The 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival, held last weekend in Mackay, demonstrated its continued growth and success, attracting hundreds of cyclists and their families for a weekend filled with community spirit, fun, and fitness.

BMA River 2 Reef Ride

With the dual purpose of promoting healthy, active living and raising crucial funds for local organisations BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay, the festival remains a cornerstone event in the Mackay community.

Linda Murry, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, expressed her pride in BMA’s ongoing commitment to the event. "We are thrilled to announce that BMA has secured the naming rights for the River 2 Reef Ride Festival for the next three years. We understand the important role this event plays in fostering healthy, active, and connected living within the Mackay community. It's an honour to be part of something that brings so much joy and encourages positive lifestyles for people of all ages," said Murry.

Crit Race at CQ University Mackay Campus.

This year’s festival marked the introduction of the Crit Race, which saw significant participation from AusCycling members, including riders from outside the region.

"We saw a significant increase in our usual numbers for a Crit Race," said Luke Schatkowski, Race Coordinator. "We are keen to make this event an annual feature on the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival calendar, with an aim to double these numbers in 2025."

Golding Kids Colour Ride

The festival was further elevated by the presence of legendary cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris. Not only did Mike bring his expertise to the Crit Race commentary alongside Event Director Nikki Giles, but he also completed the 100km Kaeser Compressors Gran Fondo.

Mike was full of praise for the event, saying, "I want to keep this event in my calendar and I have lots of ideas about how to bring in more people from outside the region." His involvement added a special touch to the festival, and his enthusiasm for the event is sure to resonate in the years to come.

The Golding Kids Colour Ride, held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens on Saturday, was a highlight for many of the younger participants. The event, designed to build confidence and a love for cycling, saw children of all ages navigating laps around the gardens, supported by volunteers from CQ Rescue, Golding, Tri-ActiV8, and the community.

Graham Wicks, Golding General Manager – Mining, Engineering and Development, emphasised the company’s continued support, stating, "Golding is proud to sponsor the Kids Colour Ride for the third consecutive year. It's incredible to see the joy and confidence these kids gain from participating in this event, and we are honoured to be a part of their journey."

"The smiles on the kids' faces and their desire to do more laps than they thought they could before the ride is truly inspiring. We had volunteers spraying the kids with powder colour and blowing bubbles, ensuring they were safe and happy throughout." says Graham.

Sunday’s main event, the BMA River 2 Reef Ride, saw hudndreds of riders take to Mackay’s roads, participating in the 30km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash, 60km City Fitness Epic, and 100km Kaeser Gran Fondo.

At the finish line, riders were welcomed with a free bacon and egg breakfast, courtesy of the Thiess team at their dedicated Recovery Tent.

Youth Artist Naiya Luczynski

A significant number of participants wore and showcased the winning jersey design by Year 11 Moranbah High School student Naiya Luczynski, "Where Cane Meets Coral." Naiya had the honour of ringing the bell to start each ride.

"We are so proud to showcase the artistic talent of high school students in the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions," said Nikki Giles. "It was wonderful to have Naiya attend the festival and see the support from hundreds of riders who will wear her jersey design for many years to come. We still see the jersey designs from the first River 2 Reef Ride on cyclists around the country. What an honour for Naiya to have her design and name immortalised on a cycling jersey."

The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival will return next year on 6 & 7 September 2025. With the support of BMA, the many wonderful sponsors and the enthusiasm of the community, the festival is poised for even greater success in the years ahead.