More than 100 cyclists doing the Ride For Country Kids turned into St Edward’s Primary School on Tuesday morning where they were greeted with a huge roar of cheers from its students.
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The encouragement was just what the riders needed, who were pushing through the final leg of a three day tour between Wagga and Orange raising money for Royal Far West.
This is the event’s fourth year, and Business Director Jacqui Emery labelled this edition as “absolutely fantastic.”
“It’s been great we’ve had lots of schools come out and see us along the route. The riders have been fantastic, they’ve had a great time and we have been to some really great little towns,” Jacqui Emery said.
“We’re on track to get close to what we raised last year which was $650,000 so we’re over the $500,000 mark now ahead of the big gala dinner in Orange tonight [Tuesday night]. So it should be pushed a bit higher.”
Students and teachers of St Edward’s mingled with riders, who gave their legs a rest and enjoyed morning tea.
Jacqui Emery praised the school for its hospitality.
“It’s fantastic here this morning at St Edward’s Primary School. Ken [McNamara] the principal has been really wonderful to invite us in here today. For our riders this is what it’s all about,” she said.
This year’s special guest riders included SBS Tour De France commentator Mike Tomalaris and Prime7 presenter Daniel Gibson.
Australian tennis great Wally Masur injured his knee prior to the event but will attend the gala dinner at Orange on Tuesday night.
“They’ve been great supporters of Royal Far West,” Jacqui said.
Riders were also pleased with Canowindra’s beautiful weather on Tuesday morning, having had put up with extreme heat on day one and cold and wet conditions on day two.
The ride covers more than 420 kilometres.
