The inaugural Snowy Classic is bringing much needed tourism and energy back into the Snowy Mountains region. We spoke to some key ambassadors to get their take on the importance of the Snowy Classic and how much they’re all looking forward to the event.
Lachie Harrigan – Jindabyne Local
Lachie is an avid cyclist in the area and rides in the Jindabyne Cycling Club, we caught up with him to get his take on the event and are looking forward to bringing some much needed support and tourism to the area!
“Between the fires and COVID over the last 2 years, Jindabyne businesses have been battling and are looking forward to the support the Snowy Classic will provide to the region. The locals are very excited and super accomodating to riders. I couldn’t think of a better place for a cycling event!”
Lachie saids that the mountains are his favourite place to ride. “You feel on top of the world” and there are obviously spectacular views you have to see to believe! What he is most looking forward to in the event is being able to showcase his hometown to all the riders and riding up the mountains for some “serious vert”. Lachie is an avid cyclist and rides many of the Classics events, he loves the community they attract and the challenges the rides present.
Thanks to Lachie for chatting with us and we can’t wait to get to Snowy!
Erin Ferg- Victoria
Erin is seasoned cyclist and you may know her from Instagram! She’s one of Australia’s most prominent cycling influencers and we’re excited to have her on board.
“I’m looking forward to any event, as most people are, but especially now after 18 months of being really confined and acquainted with our own bubbles I think we’re all desperate to just go somewhere that’s different. Being able to attend the Snowy Classic means an opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded cyclists in a beautiful place. That makes me really really excited.”
This is what Erin had to say about her thoughts on the importance that cyclists bring to regions like the Snowy Mountains.
“I’m not too familiar with the Snowy Mountains, which makes me excited to ride it. I’m from regional Victoria and if the Snowy Region is anything like any regional part of NSW and Victoria, it is absolutely critical for these smaller regions to have an influx of tourists who are prepared to go out, spend money and have a good time. It’s important we encourage various forms of tourism that aren’t damaging to these regions and I believe cyclists do that. We are socially conscious people and understand the importance of enjoying nature whilst being environmentally conscious.”
During our interview Erin expressed just how excited she is to get back on the bike!
“The Snowy Classic is going to be a completely new experience for me. Which is probably the thing I’m looking forward to the most! I’m just excited to get back to events and to say all these people there and I think the camaraderie is going to be really nice because people are just sharing the enthusiasm and passion for cycling and events as a whole.”
Erin is a Classics rookie, she’s not been to an event before and this is what she said about her thoughts so far!
“I haven’t done one before but I’m very excited Snowy is my first! I love the idea that the day is split between a race and a ride. It gives people the opportunity to choose and for people like me to who just want to go and have the experience, enjoy the open space and make some friends, it’s the perfect ride. Then you have cyclists who want to push a little harder and compete, it’s nice to have the choice. All I’ve head about Classics events are rave reviews which gives me a lot of confidence in the event. They’re well organised and structured and I’m really looking forward to being a part of the event.”
Thank you so much to Erin for your thoughts! Keep up with her on Instagram here!
Gareth Downey – ACT
Gareth is a seasoned Classics rider and had this to say about the event!
“I’ve never ridden a road bike in the area before but after looking at the course maps, I’m really looking forward to the challenge of the big climbs. The Snowy Mountains is a fantastic part of the world and a perfect spot year round for all kinds of outdoor activities. People usually associate the Snowy Mountains as just being a place for winter sports but it’s a brilliant place in the warmer months. Fly fishing, camping, cycling.. there is so much to do.”
He said this about his favourite part about the Classics events.
“The Classics always bring the festival vibe to town! The Village is great fun before and after the race/ride. Being on the road itself feels like a two wheeled carnival!”
Thanks Gareth! We’re looking forward to catching you there!
Thank you to our awesome ambassadors and their insights.
