The 2026 BMA River 2 reef Ride Festival rolled through Mackay this weekend, with riders turning out in force to celebrate the region’s biggest community cycling event, delivering an atmosphere organisers are calling the best in the festival’s history.

Mackay is preparing to welcome its biggest BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival yet this weekend, with registrations up 20% on last year and the 25km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash already sold out.

After a record-breaking public voting period, Year 12 St Catherine's Catholic College student Evelyn Flynn has been officially crowned the winner of the 2026 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Youth Jersey Design Competition.

The 2026 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is celebrating a massive milestone today, announcing the event’s 13 official local community partners while issuing a final call for the public to vote in this year’s Youth Jersey Design Competition.

The artistic talent of high school students across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions is being celebrated this week following the overwhelming response to the annual BMA River 2 Reef Ride Youth Jersey Design Competition.

Following participant feedback, organisers have confirmed a new event date and a massive “Community Partnership Program” designed to inject over $30,000 directly back into local sporting clubs and community groups.

The Mackay community will once again come together in a powerful show of unity at this year’s BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival, with every pedal stroke helping to support two vital local organisations – BMA CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.

The 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival is set to roll into Mackay on 6 and 7 September, bringing a weekend of cycling excitement, community spirit, and fundraising success. Cyclists at this year’s event can purchase youth artist Abigail Preston’s winning cycling jersey design when registering.

The 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Youth Art Competition is set to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent of high school students across the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Isaac regions. With last year’s winning design worn by over 500 cyclists, anticipation is building to see which school will take out the top prize this year. 

Calling all youth artists in our Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac Regional Council areas, it’s time to get your creative juices flowing. You are invited to design our iconic 2025 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Jersey. Kickstart your art portfolio now. Prize money awaits! Full details can be found on our website.

The 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival, held last weekend in Mackay, demonstrated its continued growth and success, attracting hundreds of cyclists and their families for a weekend filled with community spirit, fun, and fitness.

The highly anticipated 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival returns this weekend for two thrilling days on 31 August and 1 September, promising a vibrant mix of cycling, community spirit, and Paris 2024 Paralympics LIVE screen.

The BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival proudly announces that it has raised over $50,000 in 2023 for its two local beneficiaries, RACQ CQ Rescue and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay.

The annual cycling festival, which took place on 7 and 8 October 2023, attracted participants from across the region, all pedalling for a cause. The funds raised will be directly contributed to support the critical services provided by RACQ CQ Rescue, a vital aeromedical rescue service, and Disabled Sport & Rec Mackay, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through sports and recreational activities.

Moranbah State High School artist Naiya Luczynski has emerged as the winner of the highly anticipated 2024 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Youth Art Competition, capturing the hearts of event followers and the community with her breathtaking design.

High school artists in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac Regional Council postcodes are invited to participate in the 2024 Youth Art Competition where the winning design will feature on up to 1,000 jerseys at this year's BMA River 2 Reef Ride in Mackay and the winning artist will win $500 cash.

The annual Golding Kids Colour Ride, held at the picturesque Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, witnessed a triumphant day of family fun and community spirit on Saturday, 8 October 2023.

BMA River 2 Reef Ride 2023 has once again united the Mackay Community in Support of Local Not-for-Profits.

More than 500 riders and teams took to the Mackay streets at this year’s BMA River 2 Reef Ride on Sunday 8 October, an annual community event known for its ability to bring people together.

MARIO Kart fans will be happy to hear that an actual Rainbow Road came to life in Mackay Botanic Gardens when kids aged 3 to 12 years gathered for a charity ride.

The 2022 BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival was held on 3rd and 4th September raising much needed funds for local charities CQ Rescue and Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association

Almost 1,000 riders showed up with friends and family in tow to ride in either the Golding Kids Colour Ride on Saturday 3rd September or BMA River 2 Reef Ride on Sunday 4th September.