The "Mad Cycologists" are Bundy's social bicycling group. 15 or 20 cyclists, ranging in age from about 2 to about 80, get together every Sunday and ride 30 or 50km, finishing up at a coffee shop. The start and end locations are always different, and members of Bicycle Queensland* can join the Mad Cycologists email list to receive weekly updates on the "when" and "where." Bronwyn suggested people join them for a Sunday ride or two to decide if it's right for them, then (for legal reasons) they need to join BQ to participate on a regular basis. She said an experienced rider is always paired with new riders to make sure things go smoothly. The Mad Cycologists have a few bikes (including a tandem bike!) they can lend for rides too!

The Mad Cycologists also organise the annual City to Coast Bike Ride. This year, nearly 450 participants rode from Burnett Heads to the Bundaberg city centre, with all proceeds going to the RSPCA. Bronwyn tells me that next year's ride, scheduled for the 30th of March, 2008, is expected to attract over 600 participants! In addition, members of the Mad Cycologists participate in Bicycle Queensland's annual Cycle Queensland ride - last month 1000 riders spent 9 days riding 530km from Miles to Mooloolaba! Bronwyn also told me about a more "head down, ride fast" bike group called the Coral Coast Cycle Club, and said they have a good relationship with them and steer people each other's way when appropriate.

The Mad Cycologists main goals are to show the local councils that there is a desire and a need for more extensive and safer bike paths for families, to get "bums on bikes," and of course, to have fun! Any way you look at it, whether it be from the point of view of sustainability, exercise, socialising, or enjoying your town, getting involved with a bicycle group makes sense. I asked Bronwyn if it is possible to ride your bike as basic transport around Bundaberg, every day - she said absolutely, that some of their members bike to work and go to the shops on a daily basis. Obviously, riding socially with a group is good practice for that kind of practical, every day riding.

To learn more about the Mad Cycologists or to join them for a Sunday ride, contact Bronwyn Innes on 4151 3377.

*Did you know, if you ride your bicycle and don't have specific insurance for it, you're completely uninsured on your bike? Car insurance does not cover riding a bicycle! Bicycle Queensland membership is $70/year for individuals or $90/year for families and includes insurance and 12 months subscription to their magazine and newsletter - not to mention, it allows you to join the Mad Cycologists email list!