Heavenly Beverley : Be Very (Beverley) Heroic

Friday, 5 October 2018

Be Very (Beverley) Heroic

Back before the turn of the twentieth century, an absolute bicycling enthusiast and owner of a bicycling enterprise named Percy Armstrong had a brainwave and created the most gruelling bike race in Australia. Known originally as the Beverley-Perth race, this was an extreme ride over one hundred and sixteen kilometres of gravel roads and proved immensely popular.

Eventually, after one hundred and two years, the race ceased. Probably because all the competitors were either dead or had sustained serious injury or had been confined to the lunatic asylum...

Enter Toby Hodgson. Another bicycling maniac. With his team of fellow nutters, Toby brought to fruition an entire weekend devoted to the love of bicycle riding. And honouring all those vintage bikes and riders who had come before.

In 2014, the Beverley Heroic was launched. Now snugly settled on the second weekend in October, the weather can be changeable, but the countryside is a blast of green and yellow, thanks to the cereal crops looking their best. And sheep? Did I mention sheep? We have more sheep around Heavenly Beverley that most of us have had hot dinners.

The event has grown every year. The weekend can be as packed or relaxed as participants and visitors wish. For the serious bike riders, there are choices of fifty, seventy or hundred mile races. There is a ten-mile night ride around Beverley. There is a vintage bike display in the town hall. Cyclocross for the young, the fit and the rest of us.

And presentations. The Beverley Heroic knows how to party. Cyclocross presentation on Saturday afternoon and the full Heroic presentation on Sunday afternoon. Every prize under the sun from "Best Rider", "Best Bike", "Best Team" to "Best Moustache" and "Best Vintage Outfit".

Last year, we offered the Gallery as a temporary home for the Penny Farthing. This is a seriously tall two-wheeled contraption that has to be seen to be believed. Even more amazing is watching the rider mount this enormous beast of self-propulsion.

This is a weekend not to be missed. Our local oval opens for caravans and campers. There are powered sites available and very nice bathroom facilities in the adjoining sports building. Plus, Beverley has come into her own. Shops, galleries, parks, historic buildings, curious collections, a heritage farm, gliding and beautiful scenery.

Come and enjoy this fantastic two-day event. And discover Beverley. Go on, be very Heroic!