Westlink M7 Freedom Wheels Ride

It was our first riding event - and the weather forecast wasn't the best - but on Sunday the inaugural Westlink M7 Freedom Wheels Ride went ahead as planned!

The first riders take off

We wanted to bring our Freedom Wheels client families together for a social ride, as well as invite the general public to join in with them. Our goal is to show how important a simple joy like riding a bike is to someone with a disability and secondly, that the perceived barrier between ability and disability is irrelevant.

Our destination was the Westlink M7 shared bike path, a 40km off road path covering the distance of the motorway. At regular intervals the path intersects with parklands and we chose Lady Penhryn Park at Kings Langley as our starting point.

Riders and volunteers started arriving from 8:30am as we began to take registrations and set up a short loop on the track from Lady Penhryn Park to the Old Windsor Road turnoff.

Colourful balloons were attached to each bike as they began their ride and provided a fantastic sight to the other regular riders who use the path.

Thankfully the weather, although quite muggy, stayed clear during the ride and the kids seemed to have a ball.

For our first low-key riding event, we organised a videographer to come along and film the riders and the event to help us promote a bigger and better ride next year.

On the day we partnered with the Westlink M7 who helped with planning and signage on the track.

Each rider and volunteer was presented with a certificate and a hat to thank them for coming.

Not only was it a chance to see our bikes in action, it gave the families an opportunity to socialise with other families too.

Everyone at the end of the ride.

Next year we plan to hold a few different rides, to cater to varying abilities, including a serious ride to cover the length of the motorway. To get involved in next year's event, get in contact with us at fundraising@tadnsw.org.au or phone (02) 9912 3406.