Last year’s bike ride was followed by a big celebration. Photo: Prathamesh Deshpande.
Esperance police are calling on the community to support this year’s Outback 2 Ocean Bike ride for WA Police Legacy.
On Friday, 30 riders will be rolling down Norseman Road and into town along the Esplanade to complete their 400km ride from Kalgoorlie to Esperance.
Esperance senior constable Matthew Lee said it would be great to see the community welcome the riders into town with the wave of a hand or the toot of a horn to see them to the finish.
Snr Con. Lee said the encouragement would mean a lot for the riders who would have started the ride the night before.
“We all depart from Kalgoorlie police station together at 7 o’clock on Thursday night,” he said.
“Once we get out onto the outskirts we break up into two teams.
“Fifteen riders will continue, the other 15, with the support of the Rotary Club of Esperance, get on the bus and overtake the ride and set up so that group of riders come in and we are ready to go on our bikes.
“Each leg of the ride is roughly between 30 and 50km.
This year will mark the third annual “Outback 2 Ocean” bike ride.
Snr Con. Lee participated for the first time last year and said though the ride was challenging, he was motivated by the comradery, the satisfaction of finishing and the support for WA Police Legacy.
“I go to work every day, and I get to go home to my family,” he said.
“Sadly, there’s some officers who haven’t been able to do that, and WA Police Legacy is supporting those families today and onwards.”
Last year, the ride raised $57,000 for WA Police Legacy.
Snr Con. Lee said after multiple successful fundraisers this year, he was hopeful they would exceed last year’s fundraising efforts.
He said people were still able to donate to the cause via the link on the Goldfields Outback 2 Ocean Bike Ride Facebook page.
He also invited people to make contributions in person by coming to see him or Detective Sgt Wayne Davies at the Esperance Police Station.
The riders plan to arrive in Esperance between 10am and 12pm on Friday, February 28.
Snr Con. Lee said he was looking forward to the big finish and the customary celebrations that included jumping off the jetty.
“Hopefully we won’t cramp up in the cold water,” he laughed.
The funds raised will go to WA Police Legacy, a charitable organisation that provides support for families of deceased police officers, as well as working and retired officers in need.
