Twelve teams of up to 12 riders will cycle for 24 hours on stationary bikes with the energy produced from each bike measured and Cootamundra vying for the record of “Most electricity generated on bikes within 24 hours” which was set in Manchester in the UK in 2010.

The more participants pedal, the more power they generate, with organisers sure the record is in Coota’s grasp.

Also up for grabs is bragging rights for being the team which generated the most energy on the day.

Organised by Cootamundra Rotary and local cycling enthusiast Rick Martin, the Energy Challenge, which will take place at the showground, is part of a two day ‘Cootamundra Bike Festival’ to be held on March 10 and 11.

The challenge will take place between 10am Saturday and 10am Sunday, while a separate 25 kilometre casual bike ride will be held on the Sunday morning from 8am.

The Sunday morning ride is for participants in the challenge, as well as any other locals who may which to enter.

The Bike Festival has been brought about for a number of reasons, including raising funds to support local health initiatives and raising awareness of renewable sources of energy.

The Renewable Energy Challenge utilises a specially made power generation trailer from Victorian based company Future Spark.

Rotary president Jim Della Vedova said teams can work out amongst themselves how long each member rides for Riders can spend anywhere from half an hour to multiple hours in the saddle.

To accompany the challenge a bush dance will be held on the Saturday night.

The entire community is invited to attend this great event and show their support for the riders. The bush dance is being run by the Wallendbeen tennis ladies to support their fundraising for an ultrasound machine.

Teams are invited to set up marquees and camp at the showground overnight so all are on hand to cheer their late night riders on.