The 16th annual tour kicked off in Goondiwindi on Saturday, September 2, and travelled via Yelarbon, Texas and Stanthorpe before passing through Northern New South Wales from September 6 – 10 via Woodenbong, Kyogle and Murwillumbah and finishing up at Currumbin, Gold Coast.

Motorists, café owners, publicans and businesses were advised to get set for busy days as these regions were on show to the 500 cyclists who took part in this event which is designed for the total enjoyment of the riders, of any age or ability of cycling prowess and to assist local communities. Bicycle Queensland describes the ride as a fully-catered and fully-supported cycling holiday with around 180 crew and volunteers working around the clock along the journey, riders can concentrate entirely on their cycling and taking in the ever-changing landscapes while we take care of the rest.

Research shows that communities involved benefit greatly from the event, with the tour injecting over $600,000 into the host region. Bicycle Queensland spends approximately $150,000 in towns visited and tour participants spend on average a further $40 per person per day in those towns.

Local community groups and producers were directly involved in the tour, who helped to provide food at rest stops along the route and also at the nightly campsites. Woodenbong community, delighted to be as a chosen stop over gained immeasurable benefits to businesses and fundraising opportunities. Woodenbong Progress Association inspired interaction from local groups and also provided snacks and afternoon tea at the Woodenbong showground along with fire drums to relax by while listening to live music. A special event movie was run at the Woodenbong Public Hall, a bus excursion to view Bob Jeffery’s vintage machinery collection and the students and teachers of Woodenbong Central School assisted the chefs in catering the main meal for the troop.