By Abbey Cannan
The Noosa Strade Branch Association will this year hold a more mainstream cycling event in partnership with The Rotary Club of Noosa Heads.
The Noosa Rise and Grind will be centred from the Apollonian Hotel in Boreen Point, running on Saturday 15 May.
President Andrew Mckellar said their vision was for a ‘gravel grind’ of approximately 100km, open to all types of bikes.
“Gravel riding is the currently the fastest growing segment of cycling in Australia and probably the world, with all major manufacturers producing ‘gravel’ bikes,“ he said.
“In the Noosa/Gympie Hinterland we are blessed with fantastic scenery, picturesque country roads, interesting towns and grassroots businesses, closely tied to the local community.
“There are lots of challenging gravel roads that can be linked together to form a course.“
The not-for-profit association that supports local causes has successfully managed a vintage cycling event for the past 10 years.
Noosa Strade Bianche takes place on hinterland sealed and gravel roads in Noosa and Gympie Shires.
“Being somewhat of a niche event, we felt that there is scope to hold a more mainstream cycling event that would attract quite large numbers of participants,“ Andrew said.
“Noosa Strade Bianche typically has 300 entrants. We feel that a new event could easily attract similar number plus partners/children.
“It would have a significant social and financial benefit for both the town of Boreen Point and the Noosa Shire in general.“
The new event would be loosely based on the ‘Grinduro’ event held annually in the US.
Grinduro is a celebration of cycling with as much emphasis on the fun as the ride, with excellent food, an impressive display of art and incredible handmade bikes, live music, camping and a festival atmosphere.
“The Apollonian would be set up as an event ‘village’ with similar attractions to those at the Grinduro,“ Andrew said.
“We would naturally seek national exposure via our online social media presence as well as seeking out a major sponsor.
“To help out with this major undertaking, the committee felt that it would be a good opportunity to partner with a local community organization such as The Rotary Club of Noosa heads that supports many worthy causes, thereby allowing us to concentrate on promoting and running the event.“
Rotary is involved in the organisation of other notable cycling events, namely Ride the Range, in Toowoomba and the Gears and Beers event in Wagga.
“We will to contribute a significant share of the proceeds to Rotary,“ Andrew said.
Rotary Noosa Heads in return will be manning the refreshments stations as well as some marshalling on-course at key turning points.
For more information visit www.noosariseandgrind.com.au
