Bathurst Cycling Classic

14 years ago I happened to be the chair of the local bicycle user group. I went to a meeting with the chair person from the racing club to discuss starting an event here including elite cyclists and to encourage family friendly cycling. The local Rotary Club took on the challenge of organising it with Cycling NSW assisting with the technical bits. The first race was called the O2B ( Orange to Bathurst) along back roads and through the towns of Blayney and villages of Millthorpe, Newbridge, Georges Plains and Perthville. It was 88 k and we had 29 entrants.

Over the years it has grown and today they had a hill climb ( Mt Panorama) criterium races and a family event. I went up and sort of got a job helping. Here are some pictures of the marshalling area and kids riding. One baby was asleep and one little boy had no pedals. They were so cute.

Tomorrow is the B2B ( Blayney to Bathurst ) a few changes to the route. The council has taken on the organisation as it is too big. They have a short course of 70k and longer event for the elite riders and they do 110k. they have professionals so it is pretty fast and furious. 2400 are entered for tomorrow so the original idea took hold. It is great for the town bringing so many people here for the weekend. It’s also nice to see an event catering for babies through to oldies.

By the way, in the first event I rode and came in last. Someone’s got to do it!