North Coast cyclists raise funds for Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter
North Coast cycling enthusiasts keen for the challenge have tackled a 300km-plus stretch in just five days – raising funds to keep the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter in the air. See the photos
Coffs Harbour
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The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service’s premier mountain bike event, Wests’ Ride To Fly, took to the roads and trails of the Nambucca Valley and surrounds this month to raise funds for the essential rescue service.
More than 25 riders participated by taking in the glorious scenery of the Nambucca Valley raising over $40,000 for the service along the way.
The popular mountain bike ride covers over 300km over the five day event, which ran from Wednesday March 13 to Saturday March 17.
Different rides each day explored the beautiful Mid North Coast through National Parks and scenic terrain, as well as road sections.
A full support crew including safety vehicles, bike trailers, catering crew and a very experienced team of riders accompanied the group to guide and assist them on their trek.
The ride kicked off on Wednesday at Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park with over 60km of single track for riders to explore.
On Thursday, riders took to the western loop ride encountering plenty of back roads, gravel and tarmac with terrific scenery to visit one of Australia’s landmark tourist attractions – The Pub with no Beer, at Taylors Arm.
On Friday the Southern loop ride included the annual King and Queen of The Mountain – riding through some fantastic temperate forest and national park before finishing at the stunning Yarriabini Lookout.
There was also a visit to Macksville Public School, where riders will share bike safety tips and insights into the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service.
On Saturday riders tackled the trails of the Wedding Bells Mountain Bike Park – a gravity style park north of Coffs Harbour.
From Coffs Harbour, they rode to the Cows with Guns Mountain Bike Park, which is a traditional cross-country park set in an amazing rainforest.
Riders stopped in at the Cows with Guns MTB Park and returned to Jacks Ridge MTB Park for an afternoon ride.
Event Coordinator Jeff Galbraith said the ride culminated on Sunday at the Kiwarrak Mountain Bike Park – just south of Taree.
“Our riders were finally able to rest and take a moment to recognise their valuable contribution to the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service,” Mr Galbraith said.
After travelling from Tamworth for the ride himself Mr Galbraith said the ride was extraordinary yet he was looking forward to getting home.
“It’s a big trek,” he said.
“The body will need time to recover.”
Today, the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service operates in partnership with NSW Ambulance and NSW Health, to deliver the highest standard of aeromedical and rescue services to those in need across a statewide network.
An NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and NSW Health doctor are on board each AW139 aircraft to provide the highest quality critical care where it is needed most.
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