Here is an example of a media release I wrote for BQ in May of 2012.
5.05.2012
General article on Citrus to Sea
Julie-Ann Ellis
Bicycle Queensland has released the details of their highly anticipated annual event, Cycle Queensland 2012, “Citrus to Sea”.
The nine day holiday will cover a mere 542 kilometers of Queensland’s majestic North Burnett region and will start at Gayndah on Saturday 8 September.
The bike riders will peddle their way via Biggenden, Maryborough and Hervey Bay and will continue through to Gympie, Tiaro, and Cooroy before crossing the finish line in Noosa on Sunday 16 September.
Bicycle Queensland has designed “Citrus to Sea” as an enjoyable holiday while appreciating the scenery of the North Burnett region.
Bicycle Queensland’s Event Manager, Graeme Ferguson, said, “On Cycle Queensland you don’t need to worry about cooking meals, transporting luggage or navigating from town to town because we have a 180 strong support crew to look after those things. Each day you’ll ride at your own pace, enjoying the sights along the way before pulling into the night’s campsite where hot showers, masseurs and entertainment will be provided.”
Graeme said Cycle Queensland will inject thousands of dollars each day into the local economy.
“We work closely with local councils, tourists and business operators to ensure all the towns we visit get maximum value out of our stay,” he said.
Citrus to Sea presents the North Burnett region with the opportunity to be observed by a wider audience. The local economy will benefit, new friendships will be established, historic buildings will be admired and the breathtaking scenery will be savored. Mostly, the topography will be feared, appreciated and traversed by seasonal and fanatical cyclists.
Day One of Citrus to Sea (The Gayndah loop), consists of a 2 km climb to Binjour Plateau and a few exciting down hill rides. Lunch will be held at the almost-century-old (15 September 1913) Binjour Plateau State School with the local community.
Gayndah to Biggenden (Day Two) will follow the Burnett Highway for a short while and veers onto the peaceful back roads and through the tiny hamlets of Gooroolba, Didcot and Degilbo. After conquering the two short sharp inclines, at Gooroolba, the riders will be rewarded with a long down hill ride to the 1889 service goldrush town of Biggenden.
The third day involves inviting back roads that lead to the elegant and stately buildings of Maryborough (home to the early beginnings of Mary Poppins).
From Maryborough, the ride follows Old Toogum Road where amateur birdwatchers can enjoy the ducks, ibis, herons and more. The rest stop in Toogum gives cyclists the opportunity to pull off their cycling shoes and wade in the cool water while reveling in the delight of the enchanting surroundings.
Day 5 is a rest day and will give cyclists the chance to explore Australia’s whale watching capital Hervey Bay. They can stroll along the pristine beaches, enjoy a latte on the esplanade, fish off the Urangan Pier or marvel at Vic Hislop’s controversial shark museum.
The cycle on day 6 starts along the Hervey Bay esplanade and stops for lunch at the historical (social and community) significant Yengarie Hall on Mungar Road. The beautiful ride will terminate at the home of the infamous Tiaro Meats.
Bearing south in a zig zag direction on back roads, day 7 is the hardest ride of the nine days with many hills to embark upon. The riders will set up camp at the ‘Town that Saved Queensland’, Gympie (1867).
The ride from Gympie avoids the Bruce Highway and is incredibly magical amongst the hills. The riders will disembark at the old sawmill town of Cooroy.
The Final day of Cycle Queensland 2012 will take cyclists along more hills that provide a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Ending in Noosa, the tired participants can lay on the beach or go shopping.
(Attach Map)
There are shorter options available to people unsure of riding for nine straight days. For example, Gayndah to Hervey Bay or Hervey Bay to Noosa. Entries for the ride close on 10 August. For more information about Cycle Queensland 2012 go to http://www.bq.org.au.
Bicycle Queensland holds additional annual events for novice and experienced cyclists alike, such as;
2012 Bike Week Festival, which, incorporated an array of mini events including bicycle maintenance workshops, babies on bikes teddy bear picnic, 10-speed dating, Ride to work day, film nights, seminars, national ride to school day and the reputable BDO Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge.
The Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Challenge, 7 October, has raised more than one million dollars for various charities over the last seven years.
Bicycle Queensland is a Brisbane based not for profit organization that advocates safe, everyday cycling.
The community based association is focused on voicing the opinions of Queensland cyclists within government, media and community institutions.
The promotion and recognition of everyday Queensland cyclists; their needs, rights and responsibilities are vital components of BQ’s entity.
BQ is dedicated in assisting government with planning and implementing by way of improving and expanding regional and urban cycling infrastructures.
This strong and vibrant organization is extremely passionate about safety issues, and are equally determined to increase the number of cyclists riding for recreation and transport.
For more information about Bicycle Queensland go to http://www.bq.org.au.
Media Contact: Leah Lane 3844 1144 or 0438 769 807
