Bike it to Ballidu was humbly conceived as a school fundraiser in 1999 by Matt Osborne, the former principal of Ballidu Primary School. Excitement for the ride soon spread throughout the community. Soon enough the whole Wongan-Ballidu Shire was involved from local businesses offering sponsorship, to friends and family volunteering to help out. The local police and ambulance came on board to ensure everyone’s safety. With fun and community spirit at its core Bike it to Ballidu – and the after party – quickly became a much loved and highly anticipated annual event on the local calendar.

27 years later, the event has survived the closure of the local school in 2016 when the baton was handed to the Ballidu Progress Group. The Group has continued to embrace the tiny town’s commitment and passion for the event by introducing new categories, bigger prize money and the development of local community projects.

And now of course – the move from asphalt to gravel.