After 20 years of supporting Lifeline Central Coast and Coast Shelter, Century Challenge Cycle Rides (CCCR) is set to wind up.
Run by the Rotary Club of Gosford, the ride was cancelled in 2022 and 2023 due to dangerous road conditions caused by severe weather events, but CCCR was able to continue fundraising through the support of sponsors and riders who donated their sponsorships and registrations fees.
The CCCR committee recently handed cheques for $12,560 to both Lifeline Central Coast and Coast Shelter at a dinner at Breakers Wamberal.
Sponsors who contributed were Mounties, Bendigo Bank , Central Coast Council, Gosford RSL, Gosford Golf Club, Leasecorp, Borg, Crossmuller, Pluim, North Construction, Kwik Kopy, Bikeworx, Edge Cycles, Jenkins Spares, Coastal Spares, Drifters Wharf, The Runners Shop and Central Coast Leagues Club.
The charity ride originated with a ride up Kariong Hill to Hawksbury River and return organised by the Central Coast Cycling Club 20 years ago.
The Erina Rotary Club then ran the event for a number of years before it was taken over by the Rotary Club of Gosford North in 2020.
Recent outings have included a 100km ,50km and 18km family rides.
However, it has been decided to discontinue the ride after taking advice from Tuggerah Lakes Police and Central Coast Council about unsafe road conditions and an uncertain road repair program.
The Rotary Club of Gosford North is now actively exploring other opportunities to replace the significant charity event with another fund raising project to continue supporting the Central Coast community.
Terry Collins