A SEA of wobbly legs and bright smiles told the story on Sunday, as we saw another instalment of the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic held at Turramurra’s Karuah Park. Despite the shorter turnaround from last years September edition, there was no lack in interest as around 1400 riders prepared to undertake the rewarding endeavour.

The BOBBO rides got underway just as the sun began to rise across Sydney, with the riders undertaking the longest of the 4 routes, a 104 km journey, leaving the starting blocks first. However, it was an even earlier start for the volunteers on the day, primarily driven by the Rotary Clubs of Ku-ring-gai, St. Ives, Turramurra, and Wahroonga.

From preparing the ‘BOBBO village’ grounds, to marshalling and helping to prioritise the safety of the riders, all community volunteers played perhaps the most significant role in making sure the BOBBO continues to shine.

As the riders trickled back throughout the morning, they were greeted with a unique 2023 BOBBO ribbon. In most cases, the cyclists were also instantly greeted by cheers and affections from family members young and old, friends, and also members of the local community, appreciating the efforts and what they were representing.

Cycling aside, the BOBBO is special because of what it stands for, and the significant role that it plays for members of the local community. The fundraising of the riders in the build-up and on the day are directed towards a number of deserving charities, many of which were present on Sunday.

Long standing charity partners such as Mentoring Men and KYDS were active throughout the day, promoting their important messages of seeking support for mental health for all community members. This year, the Kuringgai Neighbourhood Centre and HAFG both joined the BOBBO community. Keiser Physio played a significant role on the day, as they offered riders a free massage following their rides, an offer that was taken up by a number of the sore bodies.

Speaking on Radio Northern Beaches and Triple H FM’s live broadcast from the oval, Rotary and BOBBO representative, Ian Stuart, re-stated the importance of the Lifeline organisation, the BOBBO’s Major Charity Partner, who will receive 50% of the fundraising to go towards their brilliant work. “We still have the fundraising platform for another couple of weeks”, Ian stated, “we’d encourage any riders that haven’t yet made a donation or raised any funds to do so, particularly if they enjoyed the BOBBO today.”

Overall there were over 1500 participants riding in the Bobbo this year.

As of the 28th of March, there has been $74,257 raised.

Top individual fundraisers included: 

• Frank Salerno - rasing $5,634,
• Alex Chan -raising $3,260,
• Richard Ames - raising $2,644, and
• Michelle McCallum raised $2,630.

Top fundraising teams for the Bobbo included;

• Logico Homes - raising $5,685,
• Lenovo - raising $3,789,
• SAN Cyclists raising $1,309,
• Kranks - raising $2,487, and
• Magpies Waitara - raising $2,103.

If you would still like to donate head to www.bobbinheadcycleclassic.org.au/donate