BIKE riders who love a challenge are being encouraged to get behind a number of worthy causes and take part in next year’s Mill 2 Mill Ride.
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The biannual event, hosted by Manildra Group and MSM Milling, starts at one of the company’s mills around NSW and ends in Manildra, raising over $100,000 for national and central west charities each event.
Next year’s ride will require cyclists to start at the Namoi Flour Mill in Gunnedah, travelling more than 500 kilometres through Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle National Park, Gilgandra, Narromine, Peak Hill and Parkes to the MSM Milling plant in Manildra from March 14-17.
Ride organiser and MSM Milling director Pete Mac Smith said the major charity supported by the ride would be beyondblue.
“In all regional areas, mental illness is a big issue. The Manildra district has had some tragic events happen recently, many farmers are battling depression and anxiety and I know many people will have benefited from the work of beyondblue. We just want to raise some awareness and funds for them so they can continue to help,” Mr Mac Smith said.
“This year we’re lucky enough to have a representative from beyondblue who will join us for the ride and will talk about his own experiences with the riders and the communities we stop at along the way.”
Other organisations also set to benefit from the ride will include Manildra Preschool and Manildra Show Society, with sponsorship requests still open for other organisations, who can call 6364 5999 for more information.
Mr Mac Smith said the ride was open to everyone, with cyclists split into three groups travelling at different speeds to suit varying fitness levels. A limit of about 60 riders participate in the ride.
“You don’t have to be an elite rider, you just have to have a few kilometres in your legs,” he said.
The full cost of the ride is $950, which covers accommodation, food, two Mill 2 Mill riding shirts and support vehicles. A portion of the fee also goes towards the charity donations.
Visit www.msmmilling.com.au for registration forms.
alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au