Variety Postie Bike Dash 2022 Media Centre

When:   Sunday 30^th October ~   Where: Curtis Park, 75 Faulkner Street, Armidale  ~   Time:  8am

 Media contact:  Christine Stani, A Little Extra on:  0433 127 245

 Armidale ~ Barraba ~ Inverell ~ Gum Flat ~ Texas ~ Stanthorpe ~ Applethorpe ~ Warwick ~ Urbenville ~ Tenterfield ~ Ashford ~ Glen Innes ~ Armidale

Sixty five dashing riders ranging in age from 21 to 73 years old are about to descend on Armidale as part of Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT 9^th annual Postie Bike Dash helping kids in need and injecting over $35,000 of much needed equipment and resources granted to seven small schools on the route.

The Variety Postie Bike Dash is a six-day ride throughout NSW and QLD on Postie Bikes travelling off the beaten track through the stunning Australian bush and countryside. The six day 2022 Dash begins in Armidale on Sunday 30 October and participants will go off the beaten track for over 1,400km stopping at rural towns and schools along the scenic route before returning to Armidale on Friday 4 November.

Each of the 12 towns can look forward to the spectacle of the colourful crew dashing through with many of them dressed in novelty team themes including Postie Dogs, Wascally Wabbits, Pirates, Animals, Dusty Sistas, Mad Cows and seasoned Postie Dash team, The Black Widows who are thrilled to have this special event start and finish in their home town of Armidale.

Dash veteran, Greg Frost and his group of passionate Armidale entrants will be riding their Postie Bikes and in keeping with the zany fun of the event, have called themselves The Black Widows.  Greg explains “It was just a bit of fun that we decided to call ourselves the Black Widows, after the dysfunctional motor bike club featured in the Clint Eastwood classic movie, Every Which Way But Loose.  We are 12 long-time mates who all share a love for motor bikes, fun and fundraising for Variety.  We arrive into these small towns and see first-hand the great work Variety does for kids in need.  This is our inspiration to continue to fundraise and we haven’t let the floods nor Covid slow down our efforts with $30,000 raised for the Postie Dash and approximately $150,000 over the eight Dashes.”

Greg says that the groups involvement in the Postie Dash evolved over time, “Originally it started with two brothers wanting some family bonding time, I invited myself in 2015 and now there is a dozen of us enjoying six days together, exploring regional towns and all for the greater good.  Our Dash highlight is meeting Variety recipients as it makes us all feel warm and fuzzy.”

Variety NSW/ACT Executive Director David Small said the boutique event has grown in popularity since ‘Dashers’ first hit the road in 2014. “The Postie Bike Dash is a unique event that brings together riders of all ages – from their early 20s through to 70s and people from all walks of life with two things in common, a postie bike and a desire to help kids in  need,” he said adding, “They may all begin the event as strangers, but everyone crosses the finish line as friends having shared an incredible six days of adventures together delighting communities along the way.”

He added   “Variety impacted the lives of more than 28,500 kids last year but we are only able to do our vital work thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, including those who take part in our motoring events. The Dash will visit a number of small, remote schools and everyone will have the chance to see our grants in action and discover just how valuable the support is to these regional communities.”

Participants are required to raise at least $2,000 to join the Dash with the funds helping to support children in NSW and the ACT who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.  Aside from the joy of the ride itself, participants get to see the difference they make at every school along the way – the event will see over $35,000 of much needed equipment and resources granted to 7 small schools on the route.

Riders young and old with a spirit for adventure are invited to join the boutique event.  All you need is a Honda CT110 or NBC110 Postie Bike ready and a ‘P’ or full licence.

The Variety Postie Bike Dash is proudly supported by First National Real Estate and Tamex Transport with logistical support from Australia Post.

David Doherty, a Principal of First National Real Estate Tamworth who has taken part in all eight Dashes, said he looks forward to the event each year, “It is so fulfilling to be involved with an organisation that genuinely makes a difference and helps to change people’s lives – it is something that I would recommend for everyone to try.”

To  find out more about Variety Postie Bike Dash, visit www.variety.org.au/postiebikedash

For more information, interviews or images, please contact Christine Stani, A Little Extra on:  0433 127 245.

About the Postie Bike Dash 2022

Sunday 30 October              Armidale – Barraba – Inverell

Monday 31 October            Gum Flat – Texas – Stanthorpe

Tuesday 1 November          Applethorpe – Warwick

Wednesday 2 November    Warwick – Urbenville – Tenterfield

Thursday 3 November         Tenterfield – Ashford – Glen Innes

Friday 4 November             Glen Innes – Armidale

About First National 

First National Real Estate has over 300 offices throughout Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Independent research consistently shows First National Real Estate agents rank above other agents in every category measured, including communication and advice, problem resolution, contract handling, marketing, moving services and value for money.

About Tamex 

Tamex is an express parts specialist servicing News South Wales, Southern Queensland and parts of Victoria. They deliver and collect specialist freight for the Resources, Construction, Transport, Automotive and Agricultural Industries, as well as urgent Medical, Dental and Veterinary supplies.

Variety Postie Bike Dash is proudly supported by First National and Tamex

For more information on the Variety Postie Bike Dash  https://www.variety.org.au/postie

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