The Central Coast Bicycle Users Group (CCBUG) has celebrated the easing of lockdown restrictions by launching a new event for the region, the Tour de Central Coast.
While solo riders were still able to put pedal to the metal during the height of the pandemic, group rides were outlawed as were large scale competitions and meetings, including the Tour de France, arguably the world’s most well known cycling event.
Similar to its namesake, the Tour de Central Coast will take place in stages and kicked off on June 1 with a 25km ride from Woy Woy to Gosford.
The remaining nine stages will take place throughout June and culminate in a 100km endurance race from Gosford to Newcastle.
According to CCBUG President, Alan Corven, each stage mirrors a typical CCBUG route and will see riders travel across the Coast, with four stages to be held within the former Wyong Shire.
Corven said the 10 stages also included a mix of difficulty levels, elevations, surfaces, paces and distances, making it suitable for riders of all skill levels, whilst still presenting a challenge for experienced riders.
It’s also just a fun way to usher in the return of group cycling.
“Tour de Central Coast is a way for CCBUG to encourage people to get back on their bikes.
“With winter coming up, we thought this would be a good way to get members excited about riding again and help us get our regular rides back up and running,” Corven said.
While it’s being touted as a friendly competition, Corven said the CCBUG Committee had also arranged for a number of prizes for entrants as well as stage winners.
Prizes range from Fast and Furious for the fastest rider, to the Slow and Steady for the most consistent last place finisher.
In an added benefit, would be riders can also complete stage routes in their own time and do not have to wait for the official data.
They simply need to be a CCBUG member and record their time to be eligible for a prize come the end of the Tour de Central Coast.
Corven said strict social distancing guidelines were also being enforced at the group stage rides and that he was confident riders would cooperate.
“Everyone was very good about the distancing during stage one.
“No one wants to get sick, so I don’t expect this to be an issue,” Corven said.
The next Tour de Central Coast takes place on June 6 in Terrigal.
Reporter: Dilon Luke