Sponsored by Active Australia and the Department of Sport and Recreation, the aim of this initiative is to get those bikes out of the sheds and onto the roads, encouraging cycling as a form of transport, rather than taking the car.

Mayors and Councillors throughout the route are taking part so why not get a group together and maybe raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of NSW, the designated charity of the event or indeed a local cause that may need help. You can be sponsored 5c, 10c, $1 a kilometre. Last year a record $290,000 was raised for MS on the RTA Big Ride.

Entry fee is only Adults $27.50, Bicycle New South Wales Member $22.00, Child $18.00, Family up to 2 adults and 2 children $66.00, Teams up to 10 $200.00. Bus transport back to the start is an additional $5.00.

Lunch is provided and all entrants will receive a free Active Australia T-Shirt. Morning and afternoon tea will also be available.

The RTA Big Bike Ride will be officially launched at the Canowindra Newsagency in Gaskill St at 2.

Following that will be a public meeting at 2.30pm, at the Age of Fishes Museum, with the aim being to discuss potential opportunities and events that could be planned for the RTA Big Bike Ride visit.

Cabonne CouncilChr(39)s Promotion and Tourism Officer, Emma Gosper believes that this is a great opportunity for local businesses.

"For the community, this means at least 1.500 people wanting to spend! The RTA Big Bike Ride representatives through their research on previous years say that each person spend between $40 and $50 a day," Ms Gosper said.

The itinerary for this yearChr(39)s RTA Big Bike Ride will be:

Sat. 31 March Oberon Portland

Sun. 1 April Portland Rylstone

Mon 2 April Rylstone Gulgong

Tues 3 April Gulgong Wellington

Wed 4 April REST DAY IN WELLINGTON

Thu 5 April Wellington Cumnock

Fri 6 April Cumnock Canowindra

Sat 7 April Canowindra Grenfell

Sun 8 April Grenfell Forbes

For All RTA Big Ride For A Day enquiries please call Bicycle New South Wales on 1800 686854.