Riding To Raise Valuable Funds

The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival returned for its 12th year over the weekend, providing a great opportunity for family fun while raising funds for local charities.

The event encourages more people to become active and involved in cycling through a variety of categories across the two exciting days at Mackay Botanic Gardens.

Saturday afternoon saw approximately 150 children participate in the Golding Kids Colour Ride where kids rode as many laps as their legs could take them while getting splattered in all colours of the rainbow every time they passed the starting line.

Food vans and live entertainment were also on offer throughout the evening, completing a day of family fun in the gardens.

Early the next morning, riders gathered at the amphitheatre to take on the 100km Corry Cycles Gran Fondo.

Shortly after, riders participating in the 60km City Fitness Epic and the 30km Queensland Country Bank | Health Fund Dash took off.

Food vans, coffee carts, live entertainment and giveaways were again on offer, bringing an electric family atmosphere to the morning.

“One of our goals was to make it more of a festival feel,” said Event Manager Nikki Giles.

“We had food vendors available and a coffee cart for when people finished to stay and soak up the environment of the Botanic Gardens and cheer each other on.

“It was Father’s Day, after all.”

A total of 859 riders participated over the weekend.

Funds were raised through rider registrations and sponsorship and, while figures are still being finalised, organisers are predicting close to $50,000 raised to be split evenly between RACQ CQ Rescue and Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association.

Charity representatives and volunteers assisted in the organisation and running of the weekend.

“We’re really grateful to see the community get behind it,” said Ms Giles.

“Everybody finished successfully, motorists were very respectful, so a thank you to the community for supporting the event.”

Over 850 riders took part in the BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival last weekend.

Featured in Mackay & Whitsunday Life on 8 September 2022