Money raised
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Where: Lightning Ridge to Tamworth
When: 11th - 18th September 2026
Distance: 700 km in 8 days
Riders: 40+ riders each day
This is your opportunity to join the fantastic team for the 2026 Ride for the Chopper MTB Ride. It's an event all about fun, reaching your goals, and supporting the vital work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
For our 2026 ride, we’re hosting an 8 day, 7 night mountain bike adventure with a full support crew, including support vehicles, an experienced and dedicated catering team, and an fantastic group of riders ready to guide and support you every kilometre of the journey.
Join us on our 24th Annual Ride as we explore the stunning North West region of New South Wales, riding through the unique outback landscapes of Lightning Ridge, the rich agricultural heartland around Narrabri, the welcoming rural community of Boggabri, and the the stunning Reflections Lake Keepit for our final night. Along the way, we'll visit a local school, enjoy themed ride days, and have plenty of activities to get everyone interested.
Registration closes on June 30th. Positions are limited, and late entries will not be accepted.
Where
North West Region
When
Friday 11th September - Friday 18th September
Distance
700 km in 8 days
Riders
40+ riders each day
Ride Overview
Friday 11th September
Coach Transport to Lightning Ridge – Departing 8.30am from Helicopter Base Tamworth. Once arrived in Lightning Ridge we'll go for an afternoon ride around the local area, before a welcome dinner that night.
Saturday 12th September
Join us on a loop day ride to the famous Grawin Opal Fields where we have access to a number of private property tracks, and stops at the Club in the Scrub, and the Glengarry Hilton. One attraction after another on this awesome outback ride.
Sunday 13th September
Loads of gravel today, we take on another loop ride east of the Ridge with more attractions visited on the way before heading back into town and the chance to soak away any aches and pains at the Bore Baths.
Monday 14th September
Undie Monday sees us leaving Lightning Ridge and head to Narrabri but not before a school visit to the wonderful Rowena Public School. The school is putting on a BBQ breakfast for us, we have the opportunity to talk with the kids about road and bike saftey and the work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. These days are highlights, and this one will be no different. From the school we ride through the town of Wee Waa, and then back on the bus and into Narrabri for a well-earned stopover.
Tuesday 15th September
An optional ride day today, but for those who choose to hit the pedals we take a loop ride to the West of Narrabri, riding through some magnificent farming country, with a highlight being a tour and lunch at the AFF Cotton Gin, before heading back into Narrabri for a well-earned break and dinner.
Wednesday 16th September
South from Narrabri we pick up the gravel again and head into the village of Baan Baa for lunch, then cross the highway and head towards Boggabri where we make home for the next two nights. On the way into town we pass the Coveo accommodation village, very impressive, before riding down the main street to our accommodation.
Thursday 17th September
Heading east this morning, we pass through more rural country, some great gravel roads, before arriving at the outskirts of Lake Keepit and then into tonight's stop at Reflections Lake Keepit where we'll have our end of Ride Presentation Dinner, acknowledging the achievements of the week and awarding special prizes to some of the crew who have stood out for one reason or another. Also a chance to recognise the wonderful sponsors of the 2026 Ride for the Chopper who through their generosity ensure the event is a major fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Friday 18th September
Our final day on the 2026 Ride for the Chopper and still a bit of work to be done. From Lake Keepit we head on our way back to Tamworth finding our way to Calala and the finish line at the Calala Inn, sensational supporters for many years of the Ride for the Chopper and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
And that's it, just on 700kms of amazing scenery, great people to ride with, an incredible support team, excellent overnight stops, and most importantly recognising that by taking part in the 2026 Ride for the Chopper we have played our part in assisting over 1600 people across Northern NSW each year.
Great effort team!
Riders fee
Each 7-day rider is asked to pay a ride fee that covers the following:
- All meals including breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners
- All accommodation at approved venues.
- Support vehicles and support team
- 1 X long sleeve RFTC cycle jersey & a polo shirt
TOTAL COST $950.00 pp + $700 fundraising minimum
Fundraising
Each rider is asked to raise a minimum of $700. Fundraising can be done via:
- Your own fundraising page
- Selling or purchasing one of the sponsorship packages
- A personal donation
- Holding your own event
- Selling raffle tickets
- Create your own polo shirt and sell logo positions to corporate companies
- Come up with your own fundraising ideas!
Weekend/Mid Ride & Fundraising Options Also Available
For more information, please contact Jeff Galbraith on 6764 9400
Thank you to our 2026 Ride for the Chopper Sponsors
