Bicycle Network is hosting a community meeting at Hotel Canobolas on Tuesday 18 February to talk about how locals can get involved in next month’s Newcrest Orange Challenge.
More than 1,500 people are expected to descend on Orange and surrounds during the weekend of 21 and 22 March, with Robertson Park set to be the centre of attention and home of the event village.
The community meeting at the Hotel Canobolas will be an opportunity for locals to meet Bicycle Network’s event organisers and learn about everything from participating in the event to selling food, drinks and goods to participants.
Bicycle Network General Manager of Events Rebecca Lane said the Newcrest Orange Challenge will be a great way to put Orange on show to visitors and boost the local economy.
“Last year’s move to Robertson Park created a buzz around the event. We’ll be back there this year and we’d love to see businesses benefit financially and locals have a go on their bikes,” said Ms Lane.
“We’re welcoming people to set up stalls at the event village and we’d love to see businesses in Orange open their doors. We’ll be at Hotel Canobolas on Tuesday to chat about how we can work together to put on a great show.”
The ride itself has three separate options, with 70km, 100km and 170km distances all available, plus the Prologue in the Park sprint race and family ride also happening during the weekend. People interested in riding their local roads with the support of Bicycle Network are also encouraged to come to the meeting.
The 70km ride starts in Orange and finishes in Canowindra, while the 100km ride starts in Canowindra and finishes in Orange. The 170km ride is a loop that starts and finishes in Orange.
As well as supporting businesses, the Newcrest Orange Challenge is working to help local farmers through the Buy a Bale program. The event is aiming to buy 500 bales of hay for farmers battling drought conditions.
Bicycle Network has bought 100 bales, with participants encouraged to make their own contributions.
Enter Newcrest Orange Challenge