Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has confirmed he will join the Cruisin Coota social ride in November’s Coota Bike Festival.
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He has sent a call out for more casual, part-time riders to join in.
“35km is the shortest distance you can cover in this event, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. But at the same time there is a strong community and social focus, so I encourage the not so regular riders to dust off their helmets and come along for some fun,” Mr Taylor said.
“There’s lots of time to chat while you’re cycling those quiet country roads. I’ll welcome any and all distractions along the way,” he added.
Angus said the Coota Bike Festival was a highlight on his calendar.
“This is the third year I’ve taken part. I joined last year’s Energy Challenge and the one before. Three hours on a stationary bike is no mean feat for an old bloke like me!
“It’s a brilliant weekend. As well as lots of different activities for keen cyclists and for families, money is donated to some very worthy causes.”
More than $4000 was raised during the 2013 festival and donated to Riding for the Disabled, the Cootamundra Nursing Home and the Hospital Auxiliary with all involved in this year’s event looking forward to topping that amount this year.
“I’ll also be at the trivia night on Saturday evening so hope someone throws in a few easy political questions to help me out,” Mr Taylor said.
Mr Taylor joined the 1000km Pollie Pedal earlier in the year – cycling from Moree in the State’s northwest to Penrith, to raise funds for Carers Australia.
Bike Festival committee member Rob Power said it’s great that Angus is coming back for a third year to participate in the event.
“We are happy he has found time in his busy schedule to come to Coota and participate in something he loves doing. As I said last year it doesn’t matter which side of the political fence you are on, it’s great to see politicians supporting Cootamundra and it’s events.”
The 2014 event has so far attracted more than 60 entries, the majority from outside the region which can only be good for Cootamundra and the organisers are hoping local riders will join in.
Entries are still being accepted online at www.cootabikefestival.com.au.