The return of the City to Coast Community Bike Ride from Bundaberg to Burnett Heads saw nearly 300 people enjoy Sunday morning exercise.
Former professional cyclist and Bundaberg-born Aaron Kemps had his helmet strapped on and was ready to take part at a slower than usual pace as he rode with his children Cruz and Matilda.
Aaron’s wife Holly Kemps said it was great the Bundaberg Region had a family-oriented ride like the City to Coast and she hoped it would return next year.
“Aaron was a professional cyclist in Europe and America, he only retired six years ago,” Holly said.
Aaron said after competing at cycling events including the Commonwealth Games and the Tour of Spain it was nice to enjoy a family day out with a local ride.
“I raced in Europe professionally and took part in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, and I have done the Tour of Spain, which is also on at the moment, but now I really enjoy the community events like this,” Aaron said.
“I did this ride about four years ago with Cruz in a baby carrier on the front of the bike.
“This is the first time with Matilda and next year we are hoping Immogen can do the ride as well as Holly and the new bub.”
Aaron said the 20km ride would be a piece of cake for the two children, who would often ride regularly about 6km with him.
“An event like this is great for families and everybody really,” Aaron said.
“This gets the kids off the couches and out of houses, it’s just a really good event.
“Even Matilda is excited to write about this in her blog at school on Monday morning.”
City to Coast bigger and better than before
The ride was last held in 2015 and Bundaberg Mad Cycologists Inc secretary Rhianna Steindl hoped it would return bigger and better, and she was right.
Mad Cycologist’s Roy Fraser said it was nice to see not only community members from the Bundaberg Region taking part, but also people who had travelled from Tiaro, Maryborough and Hervey Bay to participate in the City to Coast Community Bike Ride.
Roy said he was pleasantly surprised by the number of late entrants, and the number as a whole was a good indication for the need to continue the event in future years.
“We may end up with over 300 in total and a lot of them are families,” Roy said.
“It was our intention, when we started this ride many, many years ago, to get families to do things together on the weekends.
“It’s a surprise and great to see so many kids here.”
Roy said the perfect Bundaberg weather and a tail wind made it a pleasant ride all the way to the coast.
Bundaberg Regional Councillor Jason Bartels and his wife Jillian were ready to hit the pavement and pedal out to Burnett Heads.
Cr Bartels said it was the first time they had participated in the City to Coast Community Bike Ride, but as social riders they expected it to be a lovely ride to the coast.
“It’s great to be able to participate in this year’s City to Coast Bike Ride,” he said.
“After a spell of four years it’s an absolute credit to the organisers, the Bundaberg Mad Cycologist, for bringing this event back to life.
“It’s a very successful roll-up here today and let’s hope it’s a successful event that continues for many more years.”
- Earlier report: City to Coast Community Ride returns
