Ballina cyclists take part in Hell on Wheels Tour
Eight cyclists from the Ballina area are due back in town on Friday and Saturday as they take part in the Yellow Pages Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
The cyclists left Tenterfield on Saturday morning on an eight-day mountain-bike ride.
The eight cyclists have taken leave from their jobs to take part in the Yellow Pages Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour that involves nearly 40 riders following a gruelling route across northern NSW to raise funds for Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter.
In order to break the riders in gently, organisers arranged for day one of the ride to involve some ‘recreation’. That came in the form of a luncheon visit to a New England winery where riders enjoyed a barbeque lunch and wine tasting.
Despite the casual start, the wine wasn’t the only thing tested. Head rider and tour director Tony Keogh decided to test the riders’ legs by leading them up the steep and challenging Mount Mackenzie, just outside of Tenterfield.
The Yellow Pages Hell on Wheels Cycle Tour schedule is as follows:
Day 1 – Saturday October 17 – Depart Tenterfield (and return same day)
Day 2 – Sunday October 18 – Depart Tenterfield for Drake
Day 3 – Monday October 19 – Depart Drake for Casino
Day 4 – Tuesday October 20 – Depart Casino for Kyogle
Day 5 – Wednesday October 21 – Depart Kyogle for Tyalgum
Day 6 – Thursday October 22 – Depart Tyalgum for Murwillumbah
Day 7 – Friday October 23 – Depart Murwillumbah for Ballina
Day 8 – Saturday October 24 – Depart Ballina for Lismore
Ballina people can catch up with the riders at the following places at the end of each day:
The Australian Hotel in Ballina on Friday night (with a band from 6pm)
And, at the rescue helicopter base in Lismore on Saturday from 1pm
This year, the riders are aiming to raise $52,000. Individuals and businesses wishing to sponsor a rider or make a donation can call 6627 4444 or visit: www.helirescue.com.au
PICTURE: The Ballina riders (from left) David Charter, Mick Smith, Chris Hackett, Vince Kelly (with the bike), Tania Trevethan, Alan Tolley, Bob Thompson and Ralph Pickering.
