Back in the time of the dinosaurs, there was a bicycle race called the Beverley. Considered the hardest road race of its time, the Beverley was ridden entirely on gravel and was 116 miles(!) in length. The first Beverley - Perth race was run on 25 September 1897 with fourteen participants. the last in 1999...
Except, that wasn't the end of the story. In 2014, fifteen years after the last trophies had been awarded for the official "Beverley', a trio of bicycle nuts - Phil, Rob and Toby - decided to resurrect the event into a weekend devoted to the love of the bicycle. Over a series of years from October 2014, the Beverley Heroic grew into a marvellous occasion of bike rides, cyclocross, a movie night, a town ride, a display of vintage bicycles and exceedingly serious prizes - ranging from "best hair" to "best moustache" to "best outfit". Riders matched their gear to their bicycles. A particularly memorable bunch were the Fat Bastards - an eating group with a bicycle problem.
Unfortunately, COVID 19 began the decline of this reincarnation of the Great Race. Insurance and traffic management costs proved to be A Bridge Too Far and the Beverley Heroic seemed destined to go the way of many other classic races.
Except, that wasn't the end of the story (again). Raising their collective middle finger at the formality of new rules and regulations, riders returned to Beverley to keep the spirit of the Heroic alive.
Last Sunday, I attended the briefing and the start of the latest race. The riders were reminded there were no signs, no safety vehicles, no help and to please not fall over on the railway crossing! What they lacked in numbers, they made up with enthusiasm, joy and to celebrate the ride - by riding it.
Given the history, the recognition and the achievement of the Beverley - Perth race and its offspring, the Beverley Heroic, I believe the time has come for powers that be, public or corporate, to fund this marvellous weekend once more. The demise of the official "Beverley Heroic" was a tragedy and a financial burden that nearly broke Toby Hodgson's heart.
Considering that the 2016 winner was Beijing Olympian Cameron Meyer, Beverley could claim to be the "nursery" of future champion bicyclists. Who knows - the Beverley Heroic could produce a future Brisbane Olympian of 2032.
Let's all lobby for the Beverley Heroic to be reinstated as an important Western Australian weekend on the bicycling calendar.
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