Enthusiastic amateurs, fun-seeking families and serious cyclists will soon flock to Dungog for this year’s Pedalfest.
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There's a pretty serious hill between Dungog and Gresford. It's about 50k there and back and they have to climb that hill twice.
- Bob Humphrey
The event has been running for around 10 years and in 2016 organisers have freshened up the program.
The changes are geared to ensure plenty of cycling, food, fun and entertainment.
Bob Humphrey, publicity officer for the Rotary Club of Dungog, which has organised the 2016 event, said all funds would benefit the town and organisations such as Dungog High School, flood recovery programs, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
“We are hoping for an increase in numbers on previous years,” Humphrey said.
This year all events will start and finish at Dungog Showground, where camping will be available.
First on their bikes will be the kids, with the Kids and Cobwebs event on the afternoon of Friday, September 9.
Friday evening the Royal Hotel will host a pasta night from 5.30pm.
On Saturday, organisers the Rotary Club of Dungog will kick off the day with the customary Showground breakfast. Market stalls will be on-site from 8.30am, and the Fosterton Loop ride will begin at 9.30am.
At 2.30pm on Saturday, there will be a Scones, Jam and Cream ride, with scones at the Flat Tops RFS shed.
There’ll be more carbs on offer on Saturday night under the Showground grandstand plus entertainment including musicians and bush poets.
A new event aimed at the serious cyclist will grace the program in 2016. The 50km Bingleburra Challenge begins at 9.30am on Sunday and crosses between Gresford, Dungog and return across beautiful Bingleburra mountain.
Humphrey said the ride rises and falls 380 metres over its course and is not for the faint-hearted.
“There’s a pretty serious hill between Dungog and Gresford,” Humphrey said. “It’s about 50k there and back and they have to climb that hill twice.”
While the serious cyclists are tackling the Bingleburra Challenge, a second Fosterton Loop Ride will be under way.
At 10am on Sunday, a Historical Ride will depart the showground and tour Dungog’s many historic houses and sites of interest.
“This leisurely ride is a cruise around town ending with lunch at the Showground,” Humphrey said.
To register online visit pedalfest.org.au. Entry forms are also available at the Dungog Visitor Information Centre.
Le Tour De Glen William will take place this Sunday, August 28, between 8am and 2pm, with bike rides at 10am.
The event, hosted by Glen William Public School P&C, will include a 27km group bike ride, a 10km bike ride option with recovery stop, market stalls, food, entertainment, face painting, a giant slide and jumping castle.
For information about the ride call Donna on 0428 255 944. To book a stall for $10 call Chris on 0468 529 383.
