In 2014, some maniac named Toby Hodgson proposed to resurrect the spirit of a bike race that began in Beverley in 1897 and continued until 1999. The original Rover Road Race was renamed the Beverley to Perth Race and then eventually shortened to The Beverley. This was a gruelling event over bone shaking gravel roads and a test of the endurance and insanity of those early bicyclists.
Enter Toby. His brain wave was to retag the event as The Beverley Heroic and have three separate bike rides on the same day - Beverley to Northam and back, with a six thirty start (ye Gods!), Beverley to York and back and a ten kilometre ride around Beverley town. The first Heroic was held a year ago in atrocious weather - cold, wet and windy. But the riders came. And they had a blast of a day. Toby even grew a handlebar moustache for the occasion.
Fast forward to The Heroic 2015. Toby altered his attire this year to elegant country gentleman, complete with a cravat and riding jacket. The event was spread over Saturday and Sunday, starting with a retro bike display and competition, a bicycle movie show and culminating in Sunday Afternoon Tea and the Presentation.
Beverley has been jumping all weekend. The weather was completely opposite to last year - warm, sunny and breezy. Even though I am not a bike rider, I think conditions have been perfect. We've had young riders, old riders, vintage clothed riders, moustachioed and bearded riders. All have been connected by the joy of the open road, the wind in their faces and the thrill of the ride. I've watched the riders zooming past the Gallery throughout the day. All I've seen is big smiles on faces, particularly from the kids. Brilliant.
And we've had lots of visitors in the Gallery as well. Not just those attending the Heroic either. We have been host to several groups who had been at the Kulin Races, as well as day-trippers from Northam and Perth and Jarrahdale.
The Beverley Heroic is over for another year. What a great day. Thank you again, Toby Hodgson, you are a star.
And to everyone who participated in the Heroic over the weekend, I hope you had a marvellous time and see you next year!
Those magnificent men on their riding machines, out for
a bicycling adventure...
beginning at the Beverly Town Hall...
for Heroic Bicyclists...
of all ages and abilities!
No comments:
Post a Comment