Cycling Archives - Parkes Phoenix

Ride For Country Kids

May 14, 2026 By Roxane Manley

The 2026 Royal Far West Ride for Country Kids 400km bike ride will be traversing our region from 17 – 20 May, beginning in Parkes and ending in Forbes. Cheer on those riding to connect country children with the assessments, therapies and support they need.

Each year, cyclists head out on a three-day ride across regional NSW as part of Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids. The annual event raises vital funds and awareness for developmental and mental health services, to help transform the lives of Australia’s country children.

On Sunday 17 May, 64 riders will set off on a 400km ride through NSW’s far west regions.

Day one starts in Parkes and riders will set off from Cooke Park Pavilion, Clarinda Street and all are welcome to come along and cheer the riders on. The ride will head through Manildra and Molong, before returning to Parkes (approx. 150km). Day two again starts in Parkes with riders travelling to Trundle, before heading to Forbes (approx. 130km).Day three starts in Forbes, heading to Eugowra and finishing in Forbes (approx.120km) Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids’ grand finale is being held from 2pm on Tuesday May 20 at Victoria Park, Forbes.

All are welcome to meet the riders after they completed their 400km, three-day ride and donate to support the riders.

Royal Far West’s Ride for Country Kids aims to raise $500,000 this year to fund vital developmental and mental health services for country children and their families. To find out more about the ride or donate go to: www.rideforcountrykids.com.au/event/rfck

First Edition Of Goodnessgravel Parkes This Weekend

October 30, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The goodnessgravel Parkes event is taking place this weekend, so you can expect to see a large number of cyclists in the area.

Currently there are 160 riders locked in with riders coming in from all over NSW, ACT and QLD. This event series is designed to bring riders to exciting locations to ride, see and cycleRiders had the choice of registering to cycle either 130km, 110km or 50km. The 130km, 110km and 50km courses are a challenge and riders are expected to have put in training.

It seems that the weather is going to be a bit warm, reaching 30C, but no rain is expected. Riders are excited to experience the rolling hills of Parkes. This loop has a little bit of everything, tarmac, ascents and descents, great rest stops, villages and of course plenty of good(ness) gravel.

Ricers will start departing from Harrison Park at 7.30am, 300m above sea-level (ASL) – riders will ride a bit of tarmac for the first 6km which is ‘flat’. Rest Stops will be positioned along the way at Cookamidgera and at Eugowra.

The great people from Parkes Action Group will be the suppliers of complimentary sausage sandwichs & cold drinks once the riders roll over the finish line.

On the Sunday 2 November in an effort to get out and explore more of the glorious Parkes Area, the group will enjoy a Social Pedal out to The Dish.

Motorist’s are advised to keep an eye out for Riders across both days. Riders will be following NSW Road Rules – it’s a ride, not a race.

Local Bicycle Mechanic Gearing Up For Mudgee Classic

April 28, 2023 By Roxane Manley

Aaron Arnott from Bicky’s Cycle Shed is excited for the Mudge Classic Cycle event being held this weekend.

In an extremely exciting development for the cycling community in Parkes, local bicycle mechanic Aaron Arnott, better known as Bicky from Bicky’s Cycle Shed, has been selected to provide services for the Mudgee Classic Cycle event.

The Mudgee Classic, being held this weekend 29th and 30th April, is a major cycling event that attracts over 2,000 riders annually to the picturesque city of Mudgee.

The event caters for all levels of cycling ability, with four different event distances ranging from 35km to 175km.

Aaron has been servicing bikes in Parkes for over 20 years and completed Certificate II and III at the Bicycle Mechanic Training Institute, the industry standard and only recognised qualification under the Australian Training Framework. He has since gained a reputation for his expertise and attention to detail.

His skills were noticed by the organisers of the Mudgee Classic, who were impressed by his knowledge and absolute professionalism. This will be the third time that Aaron has been invited to provide services to the participants at the Mudgee event.

This opportunity will not only allow Aaron to showcase his abilities to a wider audience, but provide a valuable service to the riders, ensuring that their bikes are in top condition for the challenging ride.

Aaron attended both the Mudgee and Bowral cycle events last year, which are recognised as significant fixtures on the cycling calender.

Aarons selection is undoubtedly a proud moment for the entire cycling community in Parkes. It is testament to his dedication, hard work and passion, and we wish him all the best for the event.

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