Riders and racers through the generations revel in Community Sport Event of the Year with numbers up 20% from 480 to 580 riders.
580 LOCALS and Statewide riders and racers alike – plus their families and friends – descended on the tiny Wheatbelt town of Ballidu (pop: 58) over the long weekend for Boekeman Machinery | Case IH Bike it to Ballidu Gravel on Sunday.
This year, the third edition of event added AusCycling-sanctioned 82km and 150km races to its existing 12km, 44km, 82km, 150km fondos as WA’s gravel racing scene continues to explode and excite ahead of the Gravel World Championships coming to Nannup in October next year.
The 82km | The Ballidude event was the most popular with 243 racers and fondoists.
“I’ll be back next year!”
State Gravel Champ Serene Lee took the 150k | Wongan Thrills race, with Ricky Andrews making it three in a row in the men’s.
“That was my third Ballidu and that was by far the hardest,” said Andrews, paying tribute to second placegetter Simon Billeau, who he rode 2-up with fore more than 100km. “Simon was the strongest today, he did so much work. Total respect.”
Andrews added: ”Some people may not know about Ballidu because it is a small town, but this is a great event and the community spirit here is amazing and the gravel is next level! I love coming here – I’ll be back next year!”
Lee celebrated her win despite a fast and sometimes technical course that didn’t necessarily suit her characteristics.
“It was a challenging day but a good day out. I’m pretty happy with how it went,” Lee said.
Looking forward
At the other end of the event, fancy dress and taking on novelty challenges like a mud pit and walking the plank was the order of the day in the 12km | Just Ballidu It fondo, with plenty of cash and prizes up for grabs.
“Bike It to Ballidu Gravel once again proved why it’s one of Western Australia’s most beloved cycling events,” said WestCycle CEO Wayne Bradshaw. “From riders chasing podiums or just a good time, they were part of an event that celebrates bike riding, the communities of the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu – and grassroots spirit!”
“As we approach the Gravel World Champs in Nannup next year, we’re proud to support events like this that not only grow the sport but also strengthen the bonds between towns, riders, and volunteers.”
The WA Government through the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport is a major supporter of Boekeman Machinery | Case IH Bike it to Ballidu Gravel in Western Australia. Sport and recreation creates vibrant, inclusive and connected WA communities.
To arrange interviews please contact:
Shane Starling
WestCycle Communications Manager
Phone: 0492 897 199
Email: shane.starling@westcycle.org.au
Event notes:
- Ballidu is 2.5 hours drive NE of Perth.
