20130327 Enduro provides boost for Tathra in 2013

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Showing their support for the Tathra MTB Enduro riders are (back, from left) Cosmo O?Leary, Ken Garner, Belinda Collins, Jenny O?Leary, Kristy Ellis, (front) Mischa Korvin, Charlotte Forrest, Poppy Collins and Ruby O?Leary.

THE Tathra MTB Enduro is not just about what happens on the mountain bike track.

The event is a collaboration between the Tathra Mountain Bike Club and Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE). It aims to raise money for clean energy projects in Tathra and build, maintain and promote local MTB trails.

In 2011 and 2012, the Enduro raised over $30,000 to be spent on solar panels for the Bega Local Aboriginal Lands Council, The Uniting Church, Star of the Sea Church and Tathra Pre-school. There has also been an upgrade of the clean energy system at the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club.

One of the event’s organisers, Stacey George, said a final money tally wouldn’t be available until next week. “It’s too early to call, but I’m tentatively guessing that we have raised over $15,000,” Ms George said.

The 2013 Tathra Enduro attracted a great number of riders and visitors to the seaside town. Ms George said more than 400 people rode in the event and many brought family and friends to the local area. She said the Enduro was held during April because it wasn’t peak season for Tathra.

“One reason we hold it at this time of the year because it’s a quiet time for the town,” Ms George said. “Traditionally, it’s a quietening down time, so there is lots of accommodation available and not overloading the town. Every caravan park seemed to have a lot of cars. We were really happy with how the weekend went.”

In the lead-up, CEFE founder Matthew Nott invited spectators to make some noise at the Enduro. “Bring flags, costumes, a vuvuzela, or anything else you can think of that will make a bit of noise,” Mr Nott said (BDN, 22/3). Ms George said spectators rose to the challenge, with cowbells and drums heard on the outskirts of the town.

She said the event was well supported by the Nott family of Tathra, with Matthew and his wife Kylie Dummer volunteering to help out on Saturday and Sunday. Their sons Lewis, Henry and Finlay Nott all took part in the Goat?s Knob 50km race. Ms George said it was “really nice” to see so many families attend the Enduro.

Meanwhile, Tathra Chamber of Commerce president Kerry McKee said the event was fantastic for the town. Ms McKee said many visitors had travelled to Tathra from Canberra, Albury, Nowra and Wagga Wagga.

“The Enduro is great for the town and so good for the economy,” she said