There is nothing better than a long ride, a sunny day, and the open road from the seat of a motorcycle. Across the country, regional social rides are growing in popularity, and riders from Young, Harden, Cowra, Forbes, Orange and as far as Bathurst joined in the fun at the weekend, taking time out for a jaunt through our region, before enjoying a pub lunch and well earned bevvie at Gooloogong Pub.
Kayleen Badman of Cowra, and one of the organisers of the rides, says the unaffiliated rides are welcoming to new riders and residents alike.
"I'm a P-plater and only got into bikes last year after being anti-bike for years, now I can't get enough of it and it's been full throttle since then." she said.
Ms Badman's Honda Super 4 has 'plenty to give yet,' as the Cowra rider and her husband helped organise social rides that started with inviting their mates and neighbours, and has grown since, with about 21 riders this past weekend.
"Our original Good Friday ride was a really fine day, it's hard to pick a great time because there's winter and then really hot ones, but I just ride whenever. We also support all the other rides, we have people from all walks of life." she said.
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While motorcycling can be an individual passion, Ms Badman says the openness of the events are a great opportunity for newcomers to the region to see their extended neighborhood and make friends.
"Even for myself, I serve people in my work that I don't know from a bar of soap, and now we know each other as riders."
"As we say, if you're new either bikes or the region, you're welcome; if you're there - you're there."
Riders, both newcomers and experienced - can keep an eye on 'Cowra and Surrounds Social Riders' Facebook group to keep in touch.
