Everyone thought the Highland Fling was over- but on Saturday, it returned with a bit of a twist.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 2018 Casual Fling was held on a smaller version of the original course to raise funds for Save The Children.
Highland Fling event founder Huw Kingston said they retired the Highland Fling MTB Marathon event last year and had one Final Fling where all event proceeds went to Save the Children.
Following last year’s Fling, the event raised more than $60,000 for the charity of which Kingston is an ambassador.
Save the Children is one of Australia's largest aid and development agencies dedicated to helping children.
The organisation works hard to protect children from harm and help them access quality education and health services.
To continue to help the charity, a Casual Fling was held on November 10 with 45 cyclists taking part in the event.
Kingston said it was a great day of “riding, banter, beers and pizza” with perfect weather.
Cyclists met at the Bundanoon Pony Club before setting off on the 23km ride.
At the end of the day, more than $2500 was raised for Save the Children Australia.
The funds were raised specifically for its appeal following the tragedy of the recent Sulawesi Earthquake/Tsunami appeal.
There was also a special milestone celebrated on the day.
Three riders- Adam McGrath, Andrew Beddie, Trent Moore and Alf Richardson- have now done all 14 Flings since 2005.
READ MORE:
The Rolloff World Championships were also held on the day, an event that has been part of the Highland Fling weekend for some years.
The Rolloff is all about who can 'roll' the furthest on a set course without pedalling.
Former World Champions Trent Moore (2017) and Grant Johnston (2014) took part in the 2018 championships.
But neither of them was able to take out this year’s title as New Zealand rider Derrick Murray came through to take the 2018 Rolloff World Championship in a display of both power and grace.
In the final Murray had the momentum up the finishing rise to beat a hard charging Ron Van Grootel.
"For four years I've been working toward this moment,” Murray said after the race.
“I was second in 2014 so knew I had it in me to go one better and here I am, champion of the world, a rainbow jersey. An incredible and quite emotional moment for me and my little country.”
Both finalists were riding singlespeeds this year.
Kingston also thanked Highlands businesses Bundanoon Pizza&Pasta and Eden Brewery for their support which helped make the day a success.
Kingston said he would consider the possibility of holding the event again in 2019.
Donations can be made at https://savethechildrenfundraising.org.au/huwkingston
Love local news? Sign up to our weekly newsletter
