Perfect riding weather greeted hundreds of cyclists to the annual Bega to Tathra Community Bike Ride on Sunday.
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More than 200 pre-registered for the event, now in its third year, and going by the numbers setting off from the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre Sunday morning, many more turned out on the day.
Cyclists of all ages and abilities were also joined by horse riders, vintage cars, several special vehicles celebrating Bega Cheese's 120th birthday - and a guy in period costume on a penny farthing!
A wagon with a couple of bobby calves being pulled by a team of Clydesdales was a particularly entrancing sight heading across the Bega Bridge and through town.
The procession set out from the Heritage Centre to enjoy a community ride through to the Tathra Hotel, taking in the scenery of the Bega River bike path network, the Jellat flat, Kalaru's new bike path section and the dreaded Evans Hill.
The day was all in aid of promoting safe riding in the Bega Valley Shire as well as the ongoing project to construct a bike path linking Bega to Tathra.
It was also being held in honour of Meirmbula cyclist David Brand, who died as a result of a tragic altercation with a motorist on Mount Darragh Road in 2018.
Louise Brand spoke to the hundreds of participants before they set out, urging everyone to "ride safely, remember your road rules, and remember to be respectful and tolerant to each other" - a message directed to motorists as much as it was to cyclists.
She said it was great to see so many people in the wider community out supporting the ride, asking them all keep their sense of humour while enjoying the leisurely pedal to Tathra 20-odd kilometres away.
Bega Tathra Safe Ride coordinator Doug Reckord also made sure cyclists knew it was not a race.
"In previous years we've had people get a little frustrated with the regular pausing and making conversation while waiting for the group to catch up - but those conversations are what's important," he said as part of the ride briefing, which also made reference to the upcoming Bega Valley Mental Health Month activities.
While last year's ride raised money to put towards the Tathra Bushfire Mayoral Appeal Fund, this year it was held in aid of promoting cycling education in local schools.
Mr Reckord said donations for the day would go towards bike education programs so kids ride more for physical and mental wellbeing, get support to improve their cycling skills, and have equipment and safe places to ride.