The Heart of the Bowral Classic: Southern Highlands Volunteers

Every year, the Bowral Classic brings together thousands of cyclists from across Australia for a weekend of scenic rides, challenges, and camaraderie. But beyond the thrill of the ride and the picturesque views of the Southern Highlands, there is another essential group that makes this event possible: the local volunteers.

A Community Effort

The Bowral Classic is not just about the cyclists. It’s a community focussed event, and no one embodies that spirit more than the dedicated volunteers from the Southern Highlands.

Local volunteers, ranging from teenagers to retirees, come together every year to lend their time and skills. Whether it’s setting up rest stops, distributing food and water, directing riders on course, or cheering them through the finish line, these volunteers play a pivotal role in creating a welcoming atmosphere.

From the early hours of the morning to late afternoon, volunteers are stationed at key points along the route, ensuring the safety and well-being of riders. The rest stops are carefully manned by volunteers who not only serve food and drinks but offer encouragement to fatigued riders. Whether it’s handing out bananas, water, or energy gels, the smiles and positive energy from the local volunteers are what many riders remember long after crossing the finish line.

The Mittagong Girl Guides have volunteered at every Bowral Classic event since its inception in 2016. Girl Guides Co-ordinator, Vivienne Rae, shares why they keep coming back each year, “We love working as a team at the final rest stop, seeing a massive number of riders pull up together, chat and prepare for the finish line. It’s a great feeling to know we contributed to their experience. Plus, the scenery is fabulous!”

Mittagong Girl Guides volunteering at a Bowral Classic Rest Stop

A Lasting Impact

The Bowral Classic isn’t just a one-day event for the volunteers—it leaves a lasting impact on the Southern Highlands community. The event brings a significant boost to the local economy, with many visitors staying in local accommodations, dining at nearby restaurants, and exploring the region.

Volunteering is also a great fundraising opportunity for these groups, with the event organisers donating to the groups in return for their support and hard work.

“In the year’s the Bowral Classic has been held in and around Bowral, it has come to be known as one of our enduring local events,” says Mary Ramsay from the Bowral-Mittagong Rotary Club. “It also draws competitors from many different localities to see our beautiful townships and perhaps inspires them to return again.”

Ramsay continues, “The Bowral-Mittagong Rotary Club has been involved in the event since 2019. The money we raise by volunteering is used to help various charities and not-for-profit organisations in the need of support within the Southern Highlands community.”

Join the Team

Volunteering for the Bowral Classic is not only a great way to give back but also a chance to be a part of something bigger. For those interested in joining the volunteer team, the rewards go beyond just a day spent outdoors. Volunteers receive free merchandise, lunch in the Event Village, the satisfaction of helping a key event in the Southern Highlands; and for community groups of 4 or more volunteers, a donation is made.

The Bowral Classic is proud to work alongside the Southern Highlands community, and the event wouldn’t be the same without the volunteers who bring it to life. A special thank you goes out to the incredible community groups that help with the event year-on-year: Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong, Bowral Public School, Mittagong Girl Guides, Mittagong Scout Group, Moss Vale Lions, Moss Vale Men’s Shed, Moss Vale Evening CWA, Bundanoon Men’s Shed, Bundanoon Public School, Robertson Men’s & Women’s Shed, and various local individuals who volunteer their time.

So, as you ride through the stunning landscapes or cheer from the sidelines, take a moment to appreciate the local heroes who make it all possible.

Local volunteer directing riders on course