2007 NSW Big Ride DVD

We have now sent out the DVDs of the 2007 NSW Big Ride. Keep your eyes peeled on your letterbox and enjoy the footage. It will bring back wonderful memories for years to come.

Introducing the 2008 Great Escapade...

We're excited to announce the NSW Big Ride has evolved into an even more wonderful adventure, The Great Escapade 2008! Bicycle NSW and Bicycle Victoria have collaborated to bring you this amazing event which will be a fantastic experience full of fun and adventures, memorable riding, amazing places and wonderful people. Stay tuned for more breaking news and updates on the most exciting ride thus far!

2007 NSW Big Ride DVD

Magical forest scenery and spectacular coastal views

The NSW Big Ride 2007 will be our best event yet! Here’s why:

• Start and finish in Taree, making travel to and from the ride easy.
• Innovative loop route which provides options of either a 9-day/500km route or choose from two different 4-day/300km routes.
• The route takes in ever-popular beachside destinations on the Mid-North NSW Coast, such as Port Macquarie and Forster-Tuncurry as well as gorgeous forest scenery and winding country roads.
• A range of accommodation options are available.
• And of course, there’s the brilliant last-night party!

The 2007 NSW Big Ride is a recreational holiday ride accessible to everyone that can ride the distance. No exception riding skills are required, however training and preparation will see to that you get the most out of the nine days.

Latest News

Big Ride Photos

18 April 2007

We are currently putting together a system for Big Riders to purchase the photos off our website. This is where you will be able to purchase them when it is finished. Sorry for the delay.

Congratulations Di and David!!

16 April 2007

Big congratulations go out to Di Prestney of QLD and David Harvey of NSW!! They are each the lucky winners of a $250 Ground Effect voucher for completing the survey. Thank you to all those Big Riders who completed the survey. It is only with this feedback that we can make next years ride bigger and better than ever before.

Feedback survey

30 March 2007

Please click here to complete our online survey.

2007 NSW Big Ride Photos

30 March 2007

The photos from our wonderful riding adventure will be available online shortly. You will be able to browse by day and by category and then choose the photo/s and sizes and purchase them.

Taree welcomes us

15 March 2007

Click here to read the latest press release from Taree

Ride Guide and Cyclopedia

8 March 2007

We have sent out all welcome packs as of this morning. If you do not receive yours in time please bring your invoice to the Information Tent at check-in and we can reissue you there. Please click here for an electronic version of the Ride Guide and Cyclopedia.

Tent Set up in Wingham

6 March 2007

The Gymaroos are a group of gymnasts from Taree who specialise in Display Gymnastics. They regularly travel to the Aussie Gymfest at Olympic Park to perform with other Display gymnasts from around the world. They are currently training and fundraising for their trip to the World Gymnaestrada in Austria next year. This event has more participants than the Olympic Games and it is a great achievement for these gymnasts to have received sanction to represent Australia.

Of course, representing Australia overseas comes with a cost. The cost is approximately $6000 per gymnast/coach/chaperone. Fundraising is in full swing and some of the team will be attending the 2007 NSW Big Ride Rest Stop in Wingham to assist with tent set-up, bike cleaning etc. all in return for a couple of dollars donation toward their European tour.

For the riders’ entertainment, the Gymaroos will also be putting on a performance involving amazing acrobatics, terrific tumbling, and dazzling dance.

Check-in:

6 March 2007

When you arrive in Taree please come to the check in desk at Manning River Rowing Club, William Wynter Drive, where we record your arrival. You then take your luggage to the luggage truck for weighing and loading. Any excess luggage weight will need to be paid for, before helping volunteers load your luggage into the truck. Don’t forget, however, to first remove any items from your luggage that you may need on your first day’s ride, because once your luggage is on the truck you won’t be able to access it again until you arrive at the campsite. Luggage will only be accepted on Saturday 17 March. Please note there isn’t any parking at the Rowing Club check-in, though you may drop off your luggage before parking at the Taree Showground (approximately 3km away). Once you’ve parked your car you can ride your bike back to the check-in. The official start at 1pm is from nearby Fotheringham Park, Victoria St.

Need to hire a mountain bike for the dirt stretch on Day 8?

5 March 2007

All About Mountain Bike Tours are providing;

• Mountain Bikes with Town and Country tyres on them so they are suitable for on road and off road but they will have to ride them from the start to the finish and we will carry their bike.

• The cost will be $40.00 per day but numbers will be limited and they must be booked and paid for before 13th of March as we are leaving on the 14th and will only take the bikes that are paid for with us.

• People can use their own seats and pedals if they wish provided they fit!

Please contact Amanda and Albi Steffen at allabout@ncable.net.au.

Entries closed

2 March 2007

Well there's no turning back now!! Entries have closed. We are very excited to say we have 1060 riders registered!! See you all soon!!

Cyclists’ On Ground Support

2 March 2007

The COGS are a team of Bicycle New South Wales volunteers that accompany participants on BNSW rides like the NSW Big Ride and Sydney Spring Cycle.

The COGS team are experienced cyclists in their own right having taken part in many Big Rides, other multi-day tours as well as independent tours and have accumulated extensive experience. They are enthusiastic about cycling and its personal as well as environmental benefits. They want to pass on their joy of cycling to others by sharing their knowledge with others, especially those new to or returning to cycling. Click here to read more.

Need to hire a mountain bike?

27 February 2007

Please contact All About Mountain Bike Tours on (03) 5277 0817 or email them at allabout@ncable.net.au

Laundry Service

27 February 2007

There will be a laundry service available during the ride. Please drop off your laundry in a labelled bag ($5 per pillow case size) at Wingham Laundry located on the corner of Isabella and Primrose Sts, Wingham. All care but no responsibility will be taken. This service will be available from the afternoon of Tuesday 20 March and on the rest day. It will have approximately 1 hour turnaround which will give you time to check out the local area before being handed back your lovely clean clothes for the second half.

Shuttle Bus Service from Wingham to Taree

Greater Taree City Council in conjunction with Wisley’s Bus Service of Wingham is providing a shuttle bus service between Wingham and Taree with pick up points from the Wingham Showground, Wingham Golf Club and Wingham’s main street, Isabella Street.

Times:

Departure times from Wingham:

Wingham Golf Club Motor Inn : 9.20am 10.50am 12.50pm

Wingham Showgrounds 9.30am 11.00am 1.00pm
Wingham Central Park 9.40am 11.10am 1.10pm

Departure times from Taree returning to Wingham:

Victoria Street, Taree - return trip 11.30am 1.30pm 4.30pm

Cost: $5 return trip

Commentary: Manning Valley Tourism Manager, Val Schaefer will be on board to provide some commentary on the area for each of the shuttle services.

How do I vote in the NSW Election on 24 March if I will be on the Big Ride?

If you are required to vote in the NSW election, visit the State Electoral Office website to see how to lodge a postal vote prior to the election. Click here to download an application for a postal vote.

Alternatively, you may receive a pre-poll envelope in your welcome pack. Pre-poll locations are;

* 178 Victoria Street, Taree (parking at Butterworth car park entry through Albert Street) - contact Noel Donnelly 6551 5890

* 143a Horton Street, Port Macquarie - contact Kerry Crawford 6853 2711

Massive Marquee

22 February 2007

We have fantastic news to share!!! We can now confirm that we are having a massive marquee with tables and chairs - right in the heart of our travelling town!!! This introduction to the Big Ride structure will ensure stories, meals, love, wines, beer or waters will be shared as one big massive family.

Coach Transport

21 February 2007

The pick up/drop off point can now be confirmed as Lee Street, Railway Square. Click here for more information.

Need to purchase camping equipment?

20 February 2007

Then take up the exclusive Black Wolf camping gear offer for Bicycle NSW members here.

20 February 2007

We have hit the 1000 rider mark for the NSW Big Ride!!!

We are very excited to make this year's ride extra special and are sure you will go home at the end of it with many, many friends - both new and old.

Car pool

20 February 2007

Please check here regularly to see updated news on car pool arrangements.

Manning River Cruises

19 February 2007

One of our loyal big riders is looking to get together a group of us for a river cruise. Manning River Cruises will put on a cruise dependant on demand on Friday 16th March at 4pm (prior to the Big Ride). If anyone is interested please call George on (02) 4944 9291 or on 0418 459 293.

Deluxe camping

14 February 2007

Could those who have ordered deluxe camping please email Bec at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au or call 02 9218 5413 to register the name of the person you will be sharing your tent with. This is to ensure both your sets of luggage get delivered to the tent.

Hiring equipment

13 February 2007

***If you have already booked to hire anything from goPLAYoutside please contact Bec Gibson at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au***

Birthdays

9 February 2007

Anyone who will be celebrating their birthday on the Big Ride please contact Bec on 02 9218 5413 or at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au

8 February 2007

Any riders coming from Perth, please contact Bec on 02 9218 5413 or at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au as we have a rider hoping to break the ice and make some friends prior to the Big Ride.

Transport

8 February 2007

Bicycle Wagga Wagga are running a bus and trailer to and from the NSW Big Ride. It will depart on Friday 16 March and return on Sunday 25 March. Costs will be shared with an estimated cost of $100 return from Wagga Wagga.

The following postcodes are for towns near Wagga Wagga or along the route to Sydney:

2562, 2580, 2582, 2594, 2640, 2644, 2660, 2663, 2666, 2666, 2708

Please contact Heather Pearce on 02 6926 2256 or at secretary@bww.org.au

or Ray Stenhouse on 0418 400 455 for further details.

Riding Doctors

8 February 2007

If there are any doctors coming on the 2007 NSW Big Ride please email Bec at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au to register your details.

Paying Balance for Ticket

8 February 2007

If you paid a deposit for your ticket your balance is due by 17th February 2007. Just log onto the orders website by clicking on the "Book Now" button above and put a full event ticket into your shopping cart. The system will recognise that you have previously paid a deposit and charge you the balance due.

Rest Day Activities in and around Wingham

31 January 2007

Click here to see all the fabulous things you will be able to do in and around Wingham on the rest day thanks to Greater Taree City Council Visitor Information Centre.

Transport now online

31 January 2007

ATTENTION RIDERS NEEDING TRANSPORT TO/FROM TAREE

You can now purchase coach transport to Taree (17th March) and from Taree (25th March) which is inclusive of your 'boxed' bike and luggage here. You can now also purchase bike transportation if you wish to make the trip independently of your bike here.

Car pool

29 January 2007

We have had some requests to set up a car pool service. If anyone is driving to/from Taree and willing to have some company for the ride or needs a lift please call Bec on 9218 5413 or email her at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au to register your details. This service will be set up by Bicycle NSW however once we put drivers in contact with passengers it is your responsibility to follow it up.

Bicycle Transport

29 January 2007

We will be providing the service of transporting your bike to Taree independently of you however there will be limited capacity. The cost is $30 and the only requirement is that you get your 'boxed' bike to our office no later than COB Thursday 15th March. Our office is located at Level 5, 822 George St Sydney. Please email Bec at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au to register your interest.

Coach transport to/from Taree

29 January 2007

Bicycle NSW will be providing coach transport from Sydney and from the greater Newcastle area, leaving early on the morning of Saturday 17th March.

Price is $55 each way and includes your 'boxed' bike.

We will also be providing coach transport back to Sydney via Newcastle for those needing a lift home on 25th March.

Saturday 17th March Sydney - Taree, via Newcastle

· Loading 5am - 6am (location TBC, but hopefully Lee Street / RTA coach bay)

· Depart 6am

· Arrive 11.30am - midday

Sunday 25th March Taree - Sydney, via Newcastle

· Loading midday - 1pm

· Depart 1pm

· Arrive approx 7pm (location TBC, but hopefully Lee Street / RTA coach bay)

This will be available to purchase online where you bought your ticket so keep checking.

10 Year Club

17 January 2007

Anyone joining the 10 Year Club this year please contact Bec Gibson on 9218 5400 or at rgibson@bicyclensw.org.au.

Rest Day Activities in Wingham

Please check here regularly to see activities available on the Rest Day in Wingham as some will involve booking in advance.

Recommended Bike to bring on Ride

10 Jan 2007

Please click here to read what bicycle is recommended to bring on the ride

Shuttle Bus to Comboyne

15 Dec 2006

Good news - the shuttle bus to Comboyne is now included in the ticket fee for everyone, instead of an optional extra to buy. For those of you who bought a shuttle bus ticket, we will be refunding you your $15 before the ride. This also means a reduction in the amount of unsealed road on the route to about 14 km worth See Day 6 page for more details.

NSW Big Ride Welcomes new Director

11 Dec 2006

Bicycle NSW is excited to welcome Michael Bridge as the 2007 NSW Big Ride Director. Michael comes to us with several years experience organising events with Bicycle South Australia. Read more about Michael on page 6 in the December issue of Push On.