Bicycle Network: Skill Up

Festival of  the wheel spins up

11 August 2008. Castlemaine's annual festival of the wheel (FOW) is set to roll on the weekend of October 25-26, with an extensive program of events -- stimulating, strenuous, and relaxing.

The highlight is the combined ride-steam train trip.

FOW is designed for all sorts of riders, including trail and mountain bikers and road riders who love a challenge.

On the Saturday, there will be the choice of seven rides, one tourist ride around Castlemaine and six different rides -- on roads and trails -- to Maldon and beyond, with the option of returning by steam train for the first 260 people who book.

On Saturday night, Cycling’s Big Night Out will include comedy and a bike film at the Theatre Royal.

Two fun duathlons will take place on the Sunday morning and be followed by Family Day in the Botanical Gardens. It will be a great weekend for bike lovers.

Full information here.

The FOW is being organised as a fundraiser by the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group, a non-profit group of over 700 members in Castlemaine and surrounding areas, working to limit climate change and create a model for a more sustainable society.

In recent years, Castlemaine and the Shire of Mount Alexander have often been in the news for their efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Individuals, large and small companies, schools and local government – all are trying hard to make a difference. But they’re not working alone. Large outside organisations such as CSIRO, the Bendigo Bank and state and federal governments are also lending a hand.

Over the past three years, bike riding in Castlemaine has boomed. Young and old are now cycling in greater numbers: to get to work, to social gatherings and to the shops and markets. Cycling is increasingly seen as a real alternative to the car, with the potential to cut each individual’s greenhouse gas emissions by five tonnes per year. Several businesses have purchased bikes with large boxes at the front to make their deliveries, and a trishaw will soon open for business. Change is not only in the air - it’s on the bitumen as well!

The Festival of the Wheel will be a carbon-neutral event. Efforts will be made to reduce emissions, for example by encouraging use of public transport to get to Castlemaine and limiting waste. A small part of the entry price will be used to offset the remaining emissions.