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Message EVENT GUIDE6-7 September 2025MACKAY’S BIGGEST BIKE RIDE
Table of Contents1EVENT SCHEDULEWELCOMEEVENT MERCHMACKAY CYCLING CRIT RACEGOLDING KIDS COLOUR RIDE30KM QUEENSLAND COUNTRY HEALTH FUND DASH60KM CITY FITNESS EPIC100KM KAESER COMPRESSORS GRAN FONDOTHIESS RECOVERY TENT & TRIPLE MBMA CQ RESCUEEVENT INFORMATIONDISABLED SPORT & REC MACKAYREST STOPS & EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERSRIDER PREPRIDER SAFETYOUR SPONSORSMACKAY’S BIGGEST BIKE RIDE 3.5.6.7.9.11.13.15.16.18.19.20.21.22.23.25.
8AM (7AM SIGN-ON) - MACKAY CYCLING CLUB CRIT RACE (CQ UNIVERSITY CAR PARK)2.45PM - GOLDING KIDS COLOUR RIDE (MACKAY BOTANIC GARDENS AMPHITHEATRE)event schedule AT A GLANCEBMA RIVER 2 REEF RIDE (MACKAY BOTANIC GARDENS, CROWLEYS ROAD)5.30AM - 100KM KAESER COMPRESSORS GRAN FONDO6.15AM - 60KM CITY FITNESS EPIC 6.30AM - 30KM QUEENSLAND COUNTRY HEALTH FUND8AM - EVENT HUB OPEN8AM-10AM - THIESS RECOVERY TENT11AM - BMA RIVER 2 REEF RIDE FESTIVAL CLOSESSATURDAY 6 september 2025THURSDAY 4 september 20253.30PM-5.30PM - RIDER & KIDS PACK PICK-UP (CORRY CYCLES MACKAY, GORDONSTREET)friDAY 5 september 20253.30PM-5.30PM - RIDER & KIDS PACK PICK-UP (CORRY CYCLES MACKAY, GORDONSTREET)SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2025Profits from every event registrationgo to powering BMA CQ Rescueand Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.
For years, Pete has been the voice that has inspired, motivated, and celebrated hundreds of thousands of triathletes across the globe. His iconic style, trademark enthusiasm, and ability to capture the magic of endurance sport have made him a fan favourite and a true ambassador of the athletic community. Athletes often say finishing a race with Pete on the mic is an experience they’ll never forget — and we couldn’t agree more.This year, Pete will be commentating the Mackay Cycling Club’s Crit Race and Golding KidsColour Ride on Saturday 6 September, followed by bringing his electric presence to the startand finish lines of all three BMA River 2 Reef Ride distances on Sunday 7 September. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or tackling your first River 2 Reef, expect to be welcomed,hyped, and celebrated by one of the best in the business.As Pete always says: “Pain is temporary... Glory lasts forever.”Let’s make this a weekend to remember. Every event registration matters. All profits will onceagain be dispersed to BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay — see you on thestart line!welcome3We are excited to welcome you to Mackay’s BIGGEST annual cycle event, BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival in 2025.Nikki Giles - Event DirectorThis year we are thrilled to welcome the legendary Pete Murray as our special guest. Renowned as one of the most recognised and respected commentators in the global world of Ironman and endurance sports, Pete brings unmatched energy, passion, and heart to every start line and finish chute he steps into.Commentator: Pete Murrayspecial guest
Get ready to ride in style with the official 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ridejersey, designed by Mackay Isaac Region’s winning Youth Artist, AbigailPreston.Abigail’s design “Sunshine River Ride”encapsulates the essence of the BMA River 2 Reef Ride and celebrates the natural beauty of our region. Purchase your jersey when you register forthis year’s BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival*. With every jersey sale, you're not just getting a stylish piece of apparel, you’re also supporting BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay while promoting community spirit and adventure.*Orders close for this year’s Event Jersey on 11 July. Limited sizes will be available for purchaseafter this time.event MERCHBMA RIVER 2 REEF RIDE JERSEYGOLDING KIDS COLOUR RIDEOur Golding Kids Colour Ride T-Shirts areavailable for all our mini-riders again in 2025.Registration includes an event T-Shirt*, whilestocks last. Simply register and select your child’ssize. *T-Shirt sizes are limited so get in quick to make sure yourchild doesn’t miss out. To be picked up during the Rider PackCollection.2025 Event Jersey - $49.95
SIGN ON: 7AM SIGN ON CLOSES: 7.30AM RIDE BRIEFING: 7.40AMRACE START: 8AM TERRAIN: RoadLOCATION: TBC (Mackay Area)COMMENTATOR - PETE MURRAY ABOUT THE RACE: The thrilling Criterium Race is back in 2025! Get ready for an electrifying experience courtesy of Mackay Cycling Club. Registrations opening soon.MAPcritrace4saturday 6 september
MAPARRIVAL: 2.30PM RIDE START: 2.45PMTERRAIN: Mackay Botanic Gardens PathLOCATION: Mackay Botanic Gardens(Crowleys Road entrance)COMMENTATOR: Pete MurrayABOUT THE RIDE: Kids will have a great (and safe) time on theirwheels lapping the Botanic Gardens withmuch-loved and exciting colour hits along theway.This is an event for the entire family so bringeveryone along including the grandparents foran afternoon of fun. There will be food trucksand lots of colour!Kids can ride scooters or bikes. Helmets areessential, eye-protection (sunglasses or goggles) recommended.Saturday 6 september
MAP30km dashARRIVAL: 5:45AM RIDE BRIEFING: 6:00AMRIDE START: 6:30AM TERRAIN: Bitumen with hills LOCATION: Mackay Botanic Gardens (Crowleys Road entrance)COMMENTATOR: Pete MurrayABOUT THE RIDE: A great course distance for beginners and those who love a social ride.Starting at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre, riders will then ride to Dumbleton Weir where they will enjoy a light refreshment before continuing on to Nebia-Conningsby Road where they will turn around and ride back to the Event Hub. Keep an eye open for our event photographers and please respect our event Volunteers.sunday 7 september
MAP60km epicARRIVAL: 5:45AM RIDE BRIEFING: 6:00AMRIDE START: 6:15AM TERRAIN: Bitumen mostly flat LOCATION: Mackay Botanic Gardens (Crowleys Road entrance)COMMENTATOR: Pete MurrayABOUT THE RIDE: A great intermediate course and distance.Starting and finishing at the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre, participants will ride to the end of River Road (Marju-Yakapari) and turn at the dirt before heading back to Nebia Conningsby. Here participants will head out to Habana Hall for a refreshment and head back in via Glenella.Keep an eye open for our event photographers and please respect our eventVolunteers.sunday 7 september
MAPARRIVAL: 5:00AM RIDE BRIEFING: 5:15AMRIDE START: 5.30AM TERRAIN: Bitumen and hillyLOCATION: Mackay Botanic Gardens (CrowleysRoad entrance)COMMENTATOR: Pete MurrayABOUT THE RIDE: Translating from “Big Ride” in Italian, the KaeserCompressors Gran Fondo is your opportunity to bea part of Mackay’s longest annual cycle challenge.A test of endurance and mental strength, granfondo rides are not for the faint-hearted, nor theinexperienced rider. When you get to the finish line reap the reward:your exclusive Kaeser Compressors Gran Fondoroundel.Keep an eye open for our event photographers and please respect our event Volunteers.100km gran fondoConquer the Gran Fondoto receive your Roundelbragging rights!sunday 7 september
TIME: 8AM TO 10AMLOCATION: Event Hub (Crowleys Road entrance)Back by popular demand in BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival in 2025 - theThiess Recovery Tent! You won’t be hungry when you leave this year’s event.The Thiess Recovery Team will be serving delicious FREE bacon & egg rollsfor our riders and their families. Remember, it’s Father’s Day so be sure to getall of the Dads involved this year!TIME: 5AM TO 10AMLOCATION: Event Hub (Crowleys Roadentrance)Eden and her team will have their coffeeand frozen yoghurt van onsite again sellingdelicious coffee and refreshments to ourcyclists and spectators from 5am.sunday 7 september
You will find all of the information you need to know about participating in the2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival on our website. We request all participants in the 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival toplease read our “Rider Information and FAQs” page on our website.If there is an emergency situation please call 000 and or notify our eventteam on 0403 080 149.LEARN MOREevent informationRider Information & FAQsRace Pack & Jersey Pick upAll rider packs for BMA River 2 Reef Ride and Golding Kids Colour Ridecan be picked up from Corry Cycles on the following dates:Thursday 4 September - 3.30pm to 5.30pmFriday 5 September - 3.30pm to 5.30pmSaturday 6 September - Late rider pack pick-up for the BMA River 2Reef Ride is from the Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre from 4.00pm to5.00pmPlease note that we are unable to post any packs or jerseys. Jerseys willbe available for pick up at the above times.
Fuel up during your ride. Remember, this isn’t a race, it’s anopportunity to be out there with mates for a social ride whilst raising money for our two local beneficiaries.Be sure to stop at our 2 x rest stops forsome free refuelling and say “hello” to ourvolunteers from Disabled Sport & RecMackay and BMA CQ Rescue.REST STOPSsunday 7 septemberWe will have our Event Photographers out andabout photographing all of our Festival Events. Be sure to strike a pose and give ourphotographers a wave as you cruise past.Our Event Photos are free to download for all ofour participants in the week following the BMARiver 2 Reef Ride Festival.Photographers6-7 SEPTEMBER
Riders are to be self-reliant. We recommend:2 x drink bottlesSnacks like a banana or muesli barPuncture kit & 1 x tyre tube (make sure it is the right tube for your bike)C02 head unit and canisters or bicycle pumpBell on your handlebars, front and rear lightsMobile phoneGlassesHelmetClosed in shoes (no thongs or sandals$$$ to spend at the festivalLycra & shaved legs (just kidding, we’re not that serious)!A bag drop is available, however we also recommend holding car keys orhouse keys in your jersey pocket.We highly recommend that you have your bike serviced prior to the event. Werecommend booking your bike in with Corry Cycles.Use the checklist below:Look for any holes or chunks out of your tyres and replace if wornCheck that you have enough tyre pressure in your tyresEnsure you check your brakes to see that they are working effectively andnot rubbingCheck that your gears are changing smoothlyMake sure your chain is clean and apply fresh chain lubricantEnsure your handlebars are tight and won’t twist from being straight withyour front wheelCheck that nothing on your bike is loose as things could fall off while youare ridingRoving mechanical support will also be available out on course, however itwill be minimal.rider prep
rider safetyRoad RulesCyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users.Whatever vehicle you drive, the golden rule is to treat other road users withrespect and courtesy. All road users should drive or ride safely and obey the traffic rules at all times.This includes keeping as far left as practicable and following ride officials’directions.Riders must not ride more than two abreast. The roads for this ride are not closed to regular traffic, cyclists are to obey allroad rules and listen to directions given by ride officials at all times.At no time are ear pods, head phones or other electronic devices be used bycyclists. In addition, please pull off the road and stop if you need to make ortake a phone call. If in doubt, check the QLD Bicycle Road Rules & Safety.Emergency Numbers: Ambulance, Police, Fire: 000Event Hotline (on the day): 0403 080 149.First aid officers will be located along the course route. Please check in with our volunteers prior to exiting the course. If you need toget in contact with event organisers prior to the event, please emailinfo@river2reefride.com.au
Check out the full detailsof our event onlineVISIT: RIVER2REEFRIDE.COM.AU
Our event Sponsors help to make our BMA River 2 ReefRide Festival possible. We thank each and every one ofthem.thanks to our sponsors