South West welcomes cyclists

Riders on the Main Roads LifeCycle Great Western Australian Bike Ride experienced a warm South West welcome as they cycled from Albany to Perth. Albany provided free camping space for all as the horde of cyclists descended ready for the big ride. Restaurants were packed and the streets swarmed with bicycles.

Walpole posted a bicycle and balloons welcoming cyclists into town where we were treated to the spectacle of a decorated bike parade by local school children and some songs for good measure. The local markets provided a cool retreat.

The towns offered a great array of activities and attractions. Manjimup closed a street and set up sausage sizzles and stalls and Nannup set up an historic photo display. Cowaramup offered entertainment, an art exhibition and demonstration blacksmith. Augusta's spinning and art groups put on a display of their creations. The local pub put on a great band and cyclists were up dancing despite sore muscles. Voyager Estate in Margaret River opened its gates to us. There must have been some trepidation as thousands of cyclists tramped over the immaculate lawns and admired the manicured gardens but all went smoothly. Many of the cyclists returned to visit the restaurant on their rest day.

Voyager Estate besieged by cyclists

This is an excerpt from Tourism WA’s weekly newsletter April 2006
Great WA Bike Ride a Winner

The Main Roads Lifecycle Great WA Bike Ride saw more than 2600 riders and 250 volunteers cycle through the South West from Albany to Perth from 19 March - 1 April. Of the cyclists, 1400 were interstate visitors, around 50 were international visitors, and 1200 were Western Australians. The fully escorted camping tour overwhelmed the towns of Albany, Denmark, Walpole, Manjimup (1 rest day), Nannup, Augusta, Margaret River (2 rest days), Busselton, Bunbury, and Pinjarra before concluding in Perth.

Many local businesses praised the event after it generated their busiest trading day in years; some testimonials are below: