RSL Remembrance Ride - May 2023
In May 2023, the RSL Remembrance Ride team of veteran riders completed a 457km ride of the Central West Cycle (CWC) Trail in NSW.
ABOUT THE RIDE
Dates: Monday 1 May, to Saturday 6 May, 2023
Route: Central West Cycle (CWC) Trail, starting and finishing in Mudgee - see Map
Total distance: 457 km
In May a group of committed veteran cyclists successfully completed the RSL Remembrance Ride. Led by Geoff Stokes (President of RSL Cooma-Monaro Sub-branch and former Invictus Games coach), the group undertook a 6-day ride of the Central West Cycle Trail in NSW.
The CWC Trail makes its way through a rolling landscape of woodlands and wheatlands of the Central West of NSW, the land of the indigenous Wiradjuri nation. Cornerstones of the trail include Mudgee, Gulgong, Dunedoo, Mendooran, Ballimore, Geurie, Wellington and Goolma. Each day the group rode for around 4 hours and by night they camped in towns along the trail.
At each destination, a commemorative service was performed at local memorials, cenotaphs and RSLs, enabling the group to foster meaningful connections in remote communities. The hospitality and support provided to the riders was a true demonstration of the camaraderie that RSL inspires amongst its members.
The RSL Remembrance Ride set out to create a challenging endurance event that could be undertaken in a supportive environment, whilst raising funds for the upkeep of War Memorials. By all accounts, the event was deemed a great success by both the participants and the supporters.
For those who are interested in participating in similar events visit RSL Active for more inspiration.
Feedback from participants
The RSL Remembrance Ride has been an outstanding opportunity to cycle with fellow veterans from all services. There was a camaraderie forged as we rode through an amazing variety of tracks and landscapes that left an indelible impression on the riders. An unexpected bonus has been opportunity to learn the history of different towns from the locals. This ride has been the experience of a lifetime.
Former Navy CPO Dave Cunningham
Since being medically discharged from the Army in 2020, I’ve had to deal with a raft of physical and mental health issues, so when I saw the Facebook post advertising the RSL CWC Bicycle Tour, I applied with some dread & hesitation, not having seriously ridden a bicycle since suffering a nasty crash back in 2017. However, my wife (Jan) saw this as a great opportunity to ‘get back on the bike’ & ride with other like-minded individuals and actively encouraged me to do it. I’m so glad that I took her advice. The ride was fantastic! It’s given me that extra motivation to continue on this fitness pathway. Thanks to a special bunch of people who made this tour so memorable. Thanks again for allowing me to participate & I look forward to the next RSL cycle tour, where hopefully, I’ll be a lean, mean cycling machine!
Former MAJ Shane Douglas
I am so grateful to RSL Australia, Geoff, Mike and everyone involved for this opportunity to push myself and engage with like-minded people in a welcoming environment. Bring on the next one!
Mick
THE Mission
To deliver an opportunity for Veterans to challenge themselves in a mentally supportive environment, whilst riding a scenic trail.
To provide an environment for Veterans to foster connections with other Veterans.
To link and support veteran communities within the villages and towns along or nearby the Central West Cycle Trail.
To promote the Returned & Services League of Australia as we pass through the towns and villages along the Trail, highlighting the importance of remembering those that went before us, and the imperative to support and assist returning service personnel, struggling with post-operational physical and mental trauma.