Avon’ some of that! York set to welcome 500 riders for the 2024 Canola Classic cycling festival

“The Canola Classic coming here each year is one of the best things that has happened to the Shire…”

The Canola Classic is back bigger and better in 2024 as the town of York welcomes the big energy of 500 bike riders plus supporters to a fully blooming Avon Valley on Sunday 18 August.

One of WA’s beloved road cycling events, the Canola Classic offers a 93km loop suitable for more trained riders; and a 52km loop accessible to most folks with a sliver of fitness and love of bike riding. E-bikes and recumbent riders are welcome too.

“The Canola Classic coming here each year is one of the best things that has happened to the Shire,” said Shire of York president Kevin Trent.

“With all the riders and their friends and family that come out for the event and the weekend it really is a tremendous time for them and for our community and economy.”

The president reckons conditions are aligning perfectly for a cracking ride through the canola. Last year, riders were greeted with perfect cycling conditions: light winds and temperatures in the mid-20s.

“The rains so far this year have been healthy and the canola is starting to come through so we are looking at tremendous fully blooming fields in a few weeks,” said Mr Trent.

“…the Canola Classic accommodates all!”

WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw said the organisation had worked hard to maintain the Canola Classic’s best assets in a tough climate for cycling events.

“Sadly many events haven’t survived around the State and country, but the Canola Classic is one of WA’s best patronised mass-participation rides – we’ve kept fees reasonable and we’re heading for record entries this year,” Bradshaw said.

“Especially for the Perth and Peel cycling communities, the Classic is an opportunity to come together and revel in bike riding on some of the most picturesque roads in the State. Some ride hard, some stop and take selfies, some do both – the Canola Classic accommodates all!”

While many ride solo, teams are encouraged and more than 50 clubs and other formations are expected this year.

While not a race, every Canola Classic rider is chip-timed, receives a medal, a post event hot meal, and can access professional photography.

Shire of York activities include the York Motor Museum, art exhibitions, wildflower trail walks, on and off-road riding, hot air ballooning, star gazing, rafting, wine tasting, tours through York and other Shire townships like Toodyay, Northam, New Norcia, Goomalling, and Beverley.

Anyone who may be interested in joining our team of volunteers can contact Sam Maguire at [email protected]

WestCycle thanks the Shire of York and Winners Nutrition for their support in hosting this event.

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Tim Roach

Elected Director | Off Road

Tim has been in senior leadership and strategic development roles for more than twenty years. He is currently Director of Executive Education in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University and is a past Assistant Commissioner and General Manager in the public service. He is an Accountant (FCPA) and sits on the Divisional Council of CPA Australia.

Tim has been involved in racing mountain bikes, BMX and triathlon for many years, both as a father of two children who race and as a past and current bike racer. Tim is the current over-50 State Champion in downhill mountain biking. He is also a very regular and enthusiastic transport cyclist; frequently seen in a suit and tie riding to meetings in the city on a mountain bike.

Denise Sullivan

Chair | Governance & Risk Committee

Denise Sullivan has a career spanning over twenty years in senior management and executive roles in the state public and not-for-profit health sectors.

In her usual role of Director Chronic Disease Prevention with the Western Australian Department of Health, she leads the development of state chronic disease and injury prevention policy and planning frameworks and contributes to the shaping of the national preventive health policy agenda.

Her professional interests cover many aspects of chronic disease and injury prevention encompassing health communications, health promotion and research, public policy on health and workforce planning and development.

She has a particular interest in furthering collaborations with other sectors with a mutual interest in promoting a more active and healthier WA community, and creating and sustaining environments that support this. Denise is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Leadership WA Signature Program, and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and the Australian College of Health Service Managers.

Denise is a recreational cyclist and recent convert to mountain biking (although trainer wheels still on!).