What a Heroic Weekend!

After an action packed weekend, I have recuperated enough to write this post. By yesterday afternoon, my feet were throbbing in unison and I was only able to focus on dinner preparations before succumbing to the vapours and collapsing on our sofa for the rest of the evening.

This morning, we woke to wind and rain after a glorious few days. What a relief that the wild weather had held off for the Beverley Heroic. I am sure that the participants would have risen to the occasion and behaved even more heroically in the event of foul weather. However, sunshine and warmth enhanced the enjoyment of all those involved and was the icing on the cake of a wonderful weekend.

For those who think I'm speaking gobbledegook, let me explain. A very long time ago, 1897 to be exact, a bicycle race was established between Beverley and Perth. This was tough cycling, over gravel roads and earned a reputation for being one the hardest races in the world at that time. The original "Beverley", as the race became known, ran until 1999. By the time we arrived in town in 2011, the "Beverley" had become a memory of a bygone era.

Enter Toby Hodgson, bicycle enthusiast extraordinaire and passionate believer in a rebirth of a new Beverley event, centred around bicycles of all vintages, fun, fresh air, family participation along with some semi-serious racing. The "Beverley Heroic" was launched in October 2014.

This most recent weekend featured a 100 Mile (160 kilometre) race, a 50 Mile (80 kilometre) race, a town race, a Cyclocross for both adults and children (with plenty of mud), a retro bicycle show and the customary presentation to finish proceedings.

Old and new bicycles, a penny farthing, outrageous hairstyles, suitably heroic outfits and all manner of cycling gear graced the main drag, with both the hotels, the B&B and the caravan park bulging at the seams.

We were lucky enough to have the penny farthing in the East End Gallery on display from Friday afternoon for the night and next morning. Heroic rider Collyn was most grateful to have a spot to park the penny farthing and we were delighted to be able to accommodate his need.

The East End Gallery was busy all weekend with Heroic riders, their friends and families. Occasionally, a bewildered day tripper arrived, wondering what outrageous event they had stumbled upon in a supposed quiet little country town.

The Heroic closing ceremony was an absolute hoot. There were prizes of course, all based on Heroic feats. Greg won the "Heroic Hair" category. Karl won for heroically completing an 80 kilometre ride when his previous longest distance had been 10 kilometres. A Perth team, the Escapados, won for matching Heroic riding clothes. One Escapados also won the ultimate "Heroic" for first to finish.

Shire President Dee and local pollie Darren West were also present to congratulate everyone involved with another fabulous Heroic and hand out the winners' cups. Both of them looked like they were having as much fun as the rest of us.

Toby himself was looking a tad worse for wear by the end. His moustache had moved to a jaunty angle on his top lip, his cap was slightly askew and his vintage bicycling outfit was a tad crumpled. All appearances aside, Toby was The Man. He'd pulled off another Heroic.

Roll on next year.

Still life of Michael, Collyn and Penny Farthing.

Yes, it really looks like that.

Countdown to blast-off...

three...

two...

one...

IGNITION!

Gathering for the finale.

Prez Dee with MC Toby.

The Heroic Escapados in matching shirts and caps.

Regional MLC Darren West with Beverley Shire President Dee Ridgeway

Still filled with passion.

One very happy winner!

Amazingly, Karl was still upright

and Greg's hair was suitably tousled and wild!

Collyn (minus the penny farthing) with a very sore rider on his right and one of many photographers on his left. The bloke in the bike shorts must have a memory deficit. He was already talking about the 2018 Heroic!

And a huge thank you to Sarah, Merieke and their team of volunteers.