In the Wheatbelt of Western Australia there was a bicycle race, started in Beverley, that ran from 1897 to 1999. It was hard racing in the days of gravel tracks, and thought to be the toughest race in Australia. The brainchild of Percy Armstrong, owner of the Rover Cycling Agency and bicycle enthusiast, the Rover Road Race of one hundred and sixteen miles (!) was well supported and was later known as the Beverley to Perth Race - or "the Beverley".
Slow down and step back in time. Historical towns, historical bikes and some beautiful country side. We celebrate the history. We love those old bikes. We look forward to the new heroes making the event another historic ride.
The previous three paragraphs are taken from the Beverley Heroic's webpage. The reality is even more fun.
Back in 2014, a cycling lunatic named Toby Hodgson hatched a mad scheme to recreate the great bicycle races of earlier times and develop an entire weekend of bicycle related activities. In Beverley. The East End Gallery and the Beverley Heroic were born at almost the same time. Over the last three years, the Heroic has grown in stature and popularity. So has the East End Gallery.
This year Toby has orchestrated a packed schedule on Saturday 14 October and Sunday 15 October. From a retro bike exhibition to a cyclocross for kids, a town ride, and both the 50 mile and 100 mile rides, the Beverley Heroic is a fantastic weekend of cycling memorabilia, of simpler times and a celebration of all travel on self-propelled two wheels.
I will be cheering from the sidelines as I have for the previous Heroics. I have neither the balance nor co-ordination for riding a bicycle. I can trip over even ground. However, the Beverley Heroic is a weekend to embrace all those who has the necessary abilities to ride a bicycle and have a rollicking good time. And for spectators like me to enjoy the show.
See you all at the Beverley Heroic next weekend!
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