Last week, Bicycle NSW caught up with their ambassador, Mike Tomalaris. He is a big fan and ambassador of the Gears + Beers Festival held in Wagga Wagga on the last weekend of March. As the name suggests, this event consists of a variety of rides and a festival of craft beers. In fact, all the rides finish at the beer festival!
The flagship ride, the Dirty 130, is primarily a gravel event but the other courses also cater for road enthusiasts who don't want to do gravel. “The rides are just another example of how cycling has developed over the last three decades, from just riding on the road, to trying different things to make it appealing and entertaining. Because the community has grown so much, cycling event organisers are looking at refreshing and unique ways to attract the market. Gears + Beers, I think, are certainly onto a winner, “ confirmed Mike.
An event with a sense of humour.
When Mike hosted the event in 2019, the organisers set up a couch on the Dirty 130 route in the middle of a forest. A sign next to it said: ‘Sit on the couch with Mike Tomalaris for a photo opportunity.’ Mike says: “It's a community event first and foremost. So what makes it unique for me is that it’s an event with a sense of humour’ (....) “It's quirky!”
The post-ride craft beer festival has a vibe of its own, and is the ultimate finish to the morning rides. The rides are timed so that most people arrive around lunch time with the music pumping and beer flowing. You can also support the local sponsors, enjoy locally roasted coffee, great food and live entertainment. For all registered riders, access to the festival is included in the ride entry.
Bicycle NSW is excited to see the continuation in a trend of regional centres showcasing local routes through charity bike ride events. 100% of rider registrations for Gears + Beers go to charity.
“Events like Gears + Beers are essential for putting towns like Wagga Wagga on the map as a wonderful cycling destination, demonstrating that sometimes the best bike riding attractions exist outside of major city centres,” said Bicycle NSW CEO, Peter McLean.
Join Bicycle NSW now and be covered by comprehensive bike rider insurance while participating in Gears + Beers or any other charity ride.
Photo credit: @imagewriterphotography @wagga_gearsandbeers
