Disappointment for South Coast NSW Black Dog Ride organiser Paul Gaffney with Sunday’s scheduled event cancelled due to the weather.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Unfortunately it was just too wet,” said Mr Gaffney who was hoping to have around 200 riders make the trek south from Nowra to Batemans Bay as part of the national one-day event.
“It came down to a safety issue.
“It was bucketing down on Sunday morning and we just didn't want to risk sending the riders out on the journey.
“We would only need one rider to hit a patch of oil in the wet and it could have a catastrophic outcome.”
The one day ride raises awareness of depression and suicide prevention and locally was again supporting headspace Nowra, which provides a number of different medical professionals including psychologists, GPs (doctors) and youth workers who help young people (12-25) who are going through a tough time.
Around 50 riders did turn up at the ride start point in the car park of the Shoalhaven City Council administration building.
“A few turned up and a number did the ride anyway but we just couldn’t sanction it,” Mr Gaffney said.
“We had one lady ride up from Tuross and she said it rained all the way, while another couple came from Sydney and likewise they said it rained all the way down.
“It was a shame. We had done a lot of work to organise this year’s event but the one thing we can’t control is the weather.”
Unfortunately the ride can’t be rescheduled.
“As it’s name suggests, it is a one-day event with rides being carried out all around the country on the one day,” Mr Gaffney said.
“I want to thank Lions Nowra for providing breakfast for those who turned up and all the businesses in town who supported this year’s event.
“Hopefully we will be back bigger and better next year.”