In Memory Of

This page is dedicated to members of our cycling community who are no longer with us. The people we remember here shared our love of cycling and enriched our community through their presence, their passion, and their companionship on the road. We honour their memory and the joy they brought to the Bicycle NSW community as we continue their commitment to the world they helped build.

Some sad news that Shoalhaven BUG stalwart Tom McDonald passed away on the 10^th January 2026.

Tom was one of the original Shoalhaven BUG members and had been a part of the Shoalhaven BUG since it's inception in 1997. During the early Shoalhaven BUG years we only did one BUG ride a week on a Sunday, and in 2000 Tom introduced our first mid-week ride on a Wednesday called the mid-week meander. It only had limited success as the BUG regulars were a younger demographic then and most  had to work for a living, however it continued on to April 2002. In mid 2003 Tom restarted the mid week ride on a Thursday and he led it until 2006 when he resigned and another ride leader took over. The Thursday ride is still going in 2026, and is one of the Shoalhaven BUG’s most successful rides, attracting large numbers every week.

In 2007 at Shoalhaven BUG tenth birthday celebrations, Tom was awarded the honour of the title of BUG Patron which he relinquished in 2023. In 2011 when the BUG was incorporated he became the first life member of the Shoalhaven BUG.

Tom’s passing is the end of an era for the Shoalhaven BUG and he will be missed.

With sadness we report the recent passing of BIKEast’s Treasurer of 15 years and foundational member, Derek Nelson. We offer condolences to his family and friends.

Derek was a conservative Treasurer. Through his foresight, BIKEast opened a Term Deposit using funds earned from Council contracts to survey and document locations for bicycle parking-rings. This fund continues to provide BIKEast with a financial reserve to support the ongoing work of our volunteers.

Derek also volunteered at untold numbers of events to promote bike riding. He was the quiet wit at our formal meetings, whose pithy comments often helped us refocus.

As a keen cyclist, Derek undertook many long solo rides. As a BIKEast member, he rode many weekend, weekday and week-long rides, across the country in Bicycle NSW and BIKEast ventures.

He was a great mate and good company, always with a smile, an empathetic personality, ever helpful to others with his much appreciated practical approach and mechanical skills. Some of us even enjoyed his home brewed beer, and his generosity as a host with always a few jokes on hand! We’ll miss you Derek!