Two Parkes cyclists are toughening up to take part once again in one of the most exciting and rewarding charity bicycle rides in New South Wales. Rodney Coleman and Tina Jones are two of the 48 determined entrants for the Mill2Mill ride beginning in Gunnedah on Monday and ending in Manildra on Thursday, 577km later.
The duo first took part in the biennial event in 2014, “I enjoyed it, although it was really tough,” said Rodney, an employee at the Manildra Flour Mills, “I’m really looking forward to catching up with the people who took part last time and going to schools along the way and talking to the kids.” Tina, an employee of Pacific National, is equally excited for the challenge.
The ride is an initiative of the Manildra Group and MSM Milling to raise money for charities that support regional communities, small rural schools and community groups. The main aim is to raise more than $100,000 to be split between beyondblue and small schools the ride will pass along the route, as well as local Manildra community groups whose members volunteer their time to work as support crew during the ride. According to Genya Miller, Communications Manager for MSM Milling, this year’s ride concentrates on supporting beyondblue to help battle increasing levels of depression and anxiety in regional communities and among farmers.
The 2016 ride is the fourth Mill2Mill and will pass through many small regional communities, including Mullaley, Tambar Springs, Coonabarabran, Gilgandra, Narromine, Peak Hill and Parkes. The riders are expected to be in Parkes on Thursday to grab some well-earned lunch at KFC between 12pm and 12.30pm, if you would like to cheer them on.
If you would like to support the ride with a donation go to www.msmmilling.com.au and search for the Mill2Mill charity bike ride.