East Side Ride a Sunny Success!

Wow! What an absolutely stunning day Sydney turned on for the inaugural East Side Ride. Despite Mother Nature’s best efforts, all the torrential rain the day before did nothing to deter the crowds or dampen the ground as we all woke to a sunny Sunday morning and fun filled day of cycling, green living and live music.

Following the Welcome to Country from Aunty Doreen Campbell from the La Perouse Aboriginal Community of Botany Bay over 20 people ventured down with their yoga mats to limber up with some esoteric live music from Jake Meadows and his electrified harp. Looking around at all the stall holders, cycling facilities and food opportunities we felt immensely proud that the East Side Ride had finally arrived.

Councillor Linda Scott from the City of Sydney officially welcomed the live music component of the day and the growing crowd was treated to some of the best sounds from local bands dig (Directions in Groove), King Tide and the beautiful Lily Dior. Big ups to all the Eastside DJs too for setting the tone and continuing the groove in between (healthy) drinks!

If you missed out on the day then you also missed out on the amazing Try 2 Wheels generously provided by the City of Sydney (our Major Event Sponsor) and managed by Bike Wise or the very handy valet parking again supported by the City of Sydney and run on the day by Bike Sydney.

We must also make special mention of our other event sponsors Centennial Parklands as well as the Fruit & Veg Guys, Eat Thai and Brasilwear Biz. Without their financial assistance the East Side Ride would never have happened. Let’s hope more and more people come on board next year for judging by the thousand or so people who turned out to the inaugural event this is just the beginning of the East Side Ride.

Start pedalling for 2014’s East Side Ride!

Photos by Nick La Rosa (of Unknown Pleasures)