September 20, 2019
The popular Cooyar Trail Bike Ride will not run this year due to drought.
The ride, which was scheduled to be held on November 2-3, was cancelled on Tuesday due to “unprecedented drought conditions” in the Cooyar area.
The 31-year-old event is organised by Cooyar State School’s P&C and is one of its biggest annual fundraisers.
It offers a non-competitive weekend of motorcycle riding for family groups, with PeeWee, Novice and Open tracks running from the Cooyar Showgrounds in Rangemore Road through adjoining properties.
Two years ago, it attracted a bumper roll-up of 900 riders.
The Showgrounds provides toilet and shower facilities, campsites and a canteen for participants and spectators, and the event usually offers Saturday night entertainment as well.
A spokesperson said the decision to cancel this year’s Ride had been taken with great reluctance.
A key reason was the risk that motorcycle riders could spark bushfires in the tinder-dry conditions.
However, the Cooyar Campdraft set down for October 4-6 at the town’s showgrounds will proceed as normal.
