Coota Bike Festival a top success

Joining the contingent of riders from the Cootamundra Cycle Club and Cootamundra Bicycle Users Group were visitors from Newcastle, Wollongong, the Shoalhaven and even Queensland.

This fits with the original aim of the festival, which was to showcase Cootamundra as a must-visit destination for cyclists. 

With roads relatively clear of traffic and picturesque paddocks of flowering canola across the district, this time of year is perfect for the festival. 

Organising committee member Alan Moston said he was pleased with the number of riders, particularly as the Bowral Classic was staged on Sunday, taking away some potential numbers from the Southern Highlands and South Coast. 

The festival included four different ride lengths with the two longer rides attracting an average age cyclist of 52 years. 

These rides headed out in the Gundagai direction on which riders termed the Futter Park loop.

Mr Moston said while the day was cold, conditions were good for cycling and everyone returned to the start/finish line with a smile. 

At the finish line at Cootamundra Public School, a market day was held under the COLA with a variety of wares to peruse. 

From there many cyclists headed to co-sponsor of the event, the Olympic Hotel which hosted an Oktoberfest event. 

On Saturday evening a charity trivia night for Stockinbingal Public School was held at the Ex Services Club. 

With 57 people in attendance, more than $1000 was raised for the school.

This was the sixth consecutive year the Coota Bike Festival has been held and Mr Moston said the committee is always looking at ways to grow and improve the event. 

It is hosted by the Rotary Club of Cootamundra with funds raised going back to Rotary projects. 

With the Olympic Hotel, the committee also thanks the Wagga Cycle Centre for their generous sponsorship and provision of prizes.