The Collie cycling community has come together to host this year’s Karri Cup cycling event. The event, which is usually held annually in Northcliffe, had to be cancelled due to the recent devastating bushfires.
Northcliffe has held the Karri Cup for many years, and this year’s event was cancelled three weeks prior to the event after the bushfires destroyed huge tracts of land and closed the mountain bike tracks and forestry trails used in the area for this event.
Erik Mellegers, from Crank'n Cycles in Collie, put out a call on Facebook to see if the Collie community would support the idea of running the Karri cup here. The support from locals was overwhelming and the post had over 9,000 likes within a matter of days.
“It’s the longest standing one day stage race in WA and we are running this event in support of the Northcliffe community,” said Mr Mellegers.
Mr Mellegers said it was important that the event was not cancelled completely.
“We were lucky that we were in a position where we can organise a similar event within three weeks to cater for around 800 people.”
“The Shire of Collie, The Department of Parks and Wildlife, Harris River Estate Winery, and local businesses have all been so supportive of this event.”
The Karri cup race has been running for years and is entirely run by volunteers in conjunction with government departments and local businesses.
“The mountain bike community has come together to support the residents of Northcliffe, It’s nice to be able to give something back to the people of Northcliffe,” he said.
All funds raised by the event, donations and sponsorship will be donated to the town of Northcliffe. The organiser of the event will liaise with prominent members of the Northcliffe community and distribute the funds to where they are needed the most.
In addition to the Karri Cup event there will be a Quiz Night on Saturday February 28 at the Harris River Estate Winery.
“This will be a great opportunity for people to be involved if they are not keen on jumping on a bike and taking part in Sunday's riding stages,” he said.
The event will take place on Saturday February 28, and Sunday March 1 at Harris River Estate Winery.
On Sunday March 1, the Harris River Estate Winery will be hosting a Family Fun Day with an open cellar door, live music, bouncy castles for the kids, and more. Those attending will be able to see the riders come around part of the course and through the winery grounds and have the opportunity to donate money to the Northcliffe community while they are there.
“The mountain bike community is close knit and wishes to support the long standing home of the Karri Cup and it's community members,” said Mr Mellegers.
