Killarney Bike Classic riders pedal for cancer

The 2019 Killarney Bike Classic, on Sunday, September 29, was described by organisers as another successful and fun-filled event.

This year there were 126 registered participants across the four bike rides.

Killarney Bike Classic secretary Natalie Gourley said that was a significant increase on last year’s number.

This year the Killarney Bike Classic also held its first ever 5km fun run.

The senior male winner was Keegan Richardson and the senior female winner was Sofie Verhaegen, while Mia Croaker and Oli Stait were the junior female and male winners respectively.

The highly-anticipated Killarney Bike Classic was packed full of activities and events for everyone, beginning with the four races before finishing up with a fun day on The Crossing Theatre lawns which included a jumping castle, barbecue, facepainting, a cake stall and milkshake stand as well as the kids’ classic.

Harriet Lampe and Emily Croker. Harriet Lampe and Emily Croker.

Killarney Bike Classic committee members - Carolyn Slattery (sponsorship), Natalie Gourley (secretary) and Ros Williams (venue co-ordinator). Killarney Bike Classic committee members - Carolyn Slattery (sponsorship), Natalie Gourley (secretary) and Ros Williams (venue co-ordinator).

Dimity Hunter and Helaina Williams. Dimity Hunter and Helaina Williams.

Team Kalyx - Gabby Chaffey, Davo McCathie, Robyn Smith and Michael VanDrie. Team Kalyx - Gabby Chaffey, Davo McCathie, Robyn Smith and Michael VanDrie.

Team Continental Eagle - Sandra Noble, Ian and Debbie Johnson, Kim Richards, John Van Der Vliet and Dave Noble. Team Continental Eagle - Sandra Noble, Ian and Debbie Johnson, Kim Richards, John Van Der Vliet and Dave Noble.

James Elms, Campbell Gourley and Stuart Officer. James Elms, Campbell Gourley and Stuart Officer.

Grant and Will Stuart. Grant and Will Stuart.

Anthea Williams, Charlie Williams, Anastasia Kondos, Annika Gourley, Lewis Whitton and Laura Gourley. Anthea Williams, Charlie Williams, Anastasia Kondos, Annika Gourley, Lewis Whitton and Laura Gourley.

Ron Campey, Guy Roth and Jock Cameron. Ron Campey, Guy Roth and Jock Cameron.

NAB representatives Jim Pitman and Alex Reed. NAB representatives Jim Pitman and Alex Reed.

There was a huge turnout to the fun day, with many non-riders and travellers passing through joining in to help support the event.

Mrs Gourley said that numbers at The Crossing Theatre lawns were up significantly compared to last year and that the committee was grateful for such a supportive community.

The Killarney Bike Classic was launched 11 years ago to raise funds for local cancer groups and also as a tribute to local farmer and grazier Mark Lampe who sadly lost his battle with cancer.

Mr Lampe rode from Killarney Gap to Sawn Rocks with a group of friends for an Easter get together with their families.

The Killarney Bike Classic grew from that, eventually becoming a successful annual fundraiser.

It now raises funds for local cancer support groups including Can Assist, Narrabri Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Inala House Tamworth, Ronald McDonald House, Tamworth and The Cancer Council.