Almost 100 riders of all ages are gearing up for a six-day adventure for the 11th Variety Postie Bike Dash which kicks off this Sunday (3 November).
This unique event will see motorcycle enthusiasts mount their postie bike (Honda CT110, CT110X or NBC110) and make their way through 1300 km of Australian countryside from Yass through to Bright, Wagga Wagga and Cootamundra – giving back to kids in need along the way.
First stop after leaving Yass is the Holbrook Public School and there’s excitement in the air as the students look forward to hosting a breakfast for the group.
Principal Louise Purss-Semple said the students were most looking forward to seeing the ‘dasher’ who dresses as Postman Pat.
“Over the past few weeks our students have been focusing on letter writing and will be giving the letters they have written to ‘Postman Pat’ so that he can deliver them to children in a hospital in Newcastle. They’ve really enjoyed writing them.
“The students are really looking forward to seeing the bikes; I’m not sure they have fully gauged yet what that will be like and it won’t be until they see them at the school and on the playground that they’ll get it, but there’s definitely excitement in the air.”
More than $32,000 in grants will be delivered to seven rural schools and community groups enroute including Corowa Public School, North Wagga Public School, Ardlethan Central School and Cootamundra Public School.
These funds will be used for much needed technology and educational equipment such as therapy pods, adjustable desks and stools, calming canoes, hiking packs and science/art supplies.
“This is the first time that we’ve hosted an event and applied for the grant,” said Mrs Purss-Semple.
“The $5000 we have received will be used to purchase a visual and sound system for the school hall. It will benefit the school and the whole community as being in a rural area the hall is used for a variety of purposes.”
The Postie Bike Dash has raised more than $2 million over the past decade for Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT, and Variety hopes to raise $250,000 from the 2024 event to support kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.
Variety NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner said the Variety Postie Bike Dash was more than just a ride – it was a journey of compassion and connection.
“Our motoring events have a long tradition of supporting kids and families in remote and rural areas in keeping with our mission to ensure all Australian children can reach their full potential, regardless of ability or background,” said Tony.
“The Variety Postie Bike Dash, sponsored by First National Real Estate, Tamex Transport, and Australia Post, has grown steadily over the years, and its success is due to the incredible spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose that unites our riders.”
The scheduled stops along the route include:
- Start Line (Sun 3 November) – Yass the Clubhouse Hotel depart 8:30 am / 9 am.
- Yass Football Club (Redbacks) – Receiving $5000
- Stop 1 (Mon 4 Nov @ 7:30 am) Holbrook Public School – Receiving $5000
- Stop 2 (Wed 6 Nov @ 7:30 am) Bright P-12 College – Receiving $4680
- Stop 3 (Wed 6 Nov @ 12:30 pm) Corowa Public School – Receiving $4977
- Stop 4 (Thu 7 Nov @ 7:30 am) North Wagga Public School – Receiving $4423
- Stop 5 (Thu 7 Nov @ 12:30 pm) Ardlethan Central School – Receiving $4524
- Stop 6 (Fri 8 Nov @ 7:30 am) Cootamundra Public School – Receiving $3597
- Finish Line (Fri 8 November) – Coronation Park, main street of Yass ETA 12 pm
For more information visit the 2024 Variety Postie Bike Dash