This year, cyclists of all ages will meet again in the beautiful wine country to participate in The Xstrata Great Hunter Cycling Events on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of May. Not only will they be improving their fitness, but this year participants will also be cycling to support beyondblue and men’s health.
Depression affects around one in six Australian men at any given time, which is why this May; the Xstrata All Spokes Festival has chosen to lend a helping hand by donating part proceeds of entry fees to beyondblue. beyondblue is an Australian non-profit organisation which aims to increase awareness and improve the treatment of people with mental disorders. The Xstrata All Spokes Festival is the perfect reminder of the value exercise, fun and fresh air, can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Matt Farley, Event Organiser states “We are really encouraging local riders of all levels to get involved this year. And the best thing is that this year you can register on the day, so no-one has to miss out!”
The Great Hunter Grand Prix: Saturday 21st of May
New to the cycling festival this year is The Great Hunter Grand Prix, a criterium event which will be staged at The Tempus Two Vineyard on Broke Road, Pokolbin. Family, friends and spectators will be encouraged to come along, bring a picnic and indulge in some of the Hunter’s best wines whilst enjoying some exciting criterium racing.
The Great Hunter Cycling Classic: Sunday 22nd of May
The Great Hunter Cycling Classic is perfect for cyclers of all levels, from serious to touring and recreational riders. This event offers cyclists the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of individual and team challenges circumnavigating central Pokolbin. There are a number of rides available, depending on fitness level. These include the 20km Fun Ride commencing at 7.30am, 60km Short Ride starting at 8.30am or if you’re up for the challenge, the 100km Long Ride departing at 8.20am.
Given the vast spectrum of cycling experience expected at the event, riders can choose a fun, team, short or long course ride, with the flexibility of the course encouraging both non-competitive participation and elite competition options. The cost to cycle on the day depends on which category you wish to enter. Prices start from $10.
Many of Australia’s well know cyclists will also be there to lend their support. This includes Eddie Salas former Olympic Representative and 7x National Road Champion, Nathan Hass who is a Silver Medallist in the 2011 Road Championships and Jackson Leigh Rathbone and Ben Harvey who are in the NSWIS National Road Series Team. Also several of NSW’s best up and coming riders will be cycling on the day including Joshua Blick, April and Brooke Langereis who will line up for the Racing Kangaroo’s development team which is supported by Nathan Tinkler and the Tinkler Sports group.
The Xstrata All Spokes Festival also welcomes spectators and encourages competitors and their families to make a weekend of it, taking in all that the breathtaking Hunter has to offer. Accommodation packages are available at Harrigan’s Irish Pub. For further information regarding accommodation packages call 02 4998 4300.
So dust off your runners, pump up those tires and register your interest to participate in a fun event that will also be helping out a wonderful cause: http://www.allspokesfestival.com.au/
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