After being hosted on his farm for more than 15 years, it was time for the trail ride to find a new venue.
Lawrence Bike Club vice-president Josh Bradfield said it would be good to offer different terrain.
‘‘We'll have a few different locations that might host the event once every three years, or something. It's just good to give farmers a break, their paddocks can get pretty ripped up.’’
Organising the event was a joint effort with Lawrence Area School, the Lions Club and Bike Club, Mr Bradfield said.
‘‘It's a mammoth event, and you need all of those people to pull it off. But it's worth it.’’
This year the event grossed more than $60,000, which would be shared between the three organisations.
Over the years, the committee of volunteers had enjoyed witnessing young riders grow and develop their riding skills and move on to the harder tracks.
Its focus for the trail ride had never been aimed just at the elite and confident riders, but to offer easier loops that would help build skill and confidence in learning riders, too.
“We have always been set on ensuring this trail ride had options for all abilities and what we have seen each year is more female riders having a go.
‘‘I think we can credit the strong turn out we get to the fact that the whole family can come along and have a go,’’ Mr Benington said.
While the trail ride is based at the Benington family’s farm, it takes in five neighbouring farms as well.
“We couldn’t have done it without all of those landowners' support, not to mention our local St John people as well.”
This year’s event, held on February 18 and 19, had the most entries to date with more than 1200 riders enjoying the three looped trail options and the smaller peewee track.
What Mr Benington liked about the trail ride was that it was bringing in funds from outside of the district; they were not “hitting up” locals and it was the whole community that profited.
Over the years many local organisations and individuals have benefited from the funds.
“We have helped the school buy minivans, and the new community pool got a fair chunk a few years ago.”
He also liked seeing local school pupils involved in representative sport get a little financial help.
Mr Benington appreciated how the trail ride brought many in the community together.
“It really pulls a lot of people in. It’s especially great to see the young guys in their 20s turn up and willing to volunteer their time and help with the set up and break down of the courses.
“It’s that next generation you want to see get involved and learn the ropes. It’s been really pleasing to see,” he said.
- By Alice Scott
