The Century Challenge
in memory of George Robertson
Sunday 18th May 2008

Start and Finish at Mt Penang Parklands - Kariong

In 2006 over 300 riders participated, and in spite of a cloudy and cool start, the sunshine appeared making the ride a very pleasant one for all those who took part. Thanks to the generous support of Sanitarium riders went home with Weet Bix, cereals, and sports drinks. The feed-back from riders was very positive and we enjoyed an equally successful event in 2007.

In 2000 the Rotary Club of Erina was programmed to assist the Central Coast Touring Cycle Club as marshals in their annual Central Coast Century Cycle Tour. The tour catered for 100km, 50km, and 20km courses. In return the Rotary Club was to receive some of the proceeds to further the work of the charities and projects it supports. Unfortunately approval for the event was withdrawn by the RTA only weeks before the planned date. The CCTCC decided to no longer organize the event.

The Rotary Club of Erina took up the challenge of organising and staging the event. Months of negotiation with the RTA, Police and Council resulted in gaining approval for a revised course and the event continued in 2001 with the assistance of the CCTCC.

Our first ride saw some 185 cyclists attend for what was a small but very successful commencement. In 2002 the event was hampered by rain in the week leading up to it, but with a fine day for the ride. That year around 220 cyclists attended and from the feedback enjoyed a very pleasurable ride. The following year, 2003, was the first when we were able to attract some sponsorship for the event. Rain dogged us again up until the Saturday night before the event that restricted our numbers to about 220 riders.

In 2004, with hard work from many of our members, we were able to obtain sponsorship from thirteen companies and organizations. We were blessed with fine weather for a change and over 350 riders turned up. The ride is fast gaining a reputation as one of the best in the State with riders turning up from not only the Central Coast but Sydney, Wollongong, Blue Mountains and Campbelltown.

It was apparent that the narrow section of the 100km ride between Kulnura Store and Bucketty was becoming more busy with motor traffic, especially coaches, and it was decided for 2005 to eliminate this stretch and replace it with a detour to Mooney Mooney to make up the distance. This was a popular move amongst the cyclists as it avoided a steep descent to the turn-around point (and a steep climb back after the drink stop). The 2005 event attracted about the same number of participants as 2004 in spite of a poor weather forecast.

Because of increased traffic and safety concerns expressed not only by the Rotary organisers, but also by NSW Police, the 20km family run was cancelled for 2006. However, for future rides, the Cycle Committee is looking at an alterative family run entirely off the public roads. This will enable parents who want to participate in the long runs to allow children to safely cycle in a safe environment. Any progress on this family run will be announced on our website.

Over the five years we have conducted the event, around $30,000 has been raised to assist charities and Rotary projects.

In 2006 and 2007 the major sponsor was Pearse's Chemmart Pharmacies Umina & Woy Woy. In 2007 the cycle ride became the Century Challenge and honours the memory of George Robertson whose tireless commitment and organisational skills contributed enormously to the success of the cycle tour. Thank you to the 300+ riders who took part in the 2007 ride - Coast Shelter will benefit greatly from your participation.

The 2008 ride attracted over 360 riders on a cold, but clear and sunny day. Again Coast Shelter will benefit from the support of all our riders and sponsors and we look forward to 2009.