This October, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service’s (WHRS) Base to Base Challenge will conclude with a one-of-a-kind event for the Service’s mining supporters.

“Our Base to Base virtual fitness challenge was born out of the covid lock downs and throughout the month of October, participants are encouraged to walk, run or ride their chosen kilometres, while raising vital funds for the Helicopter Service,” said Danny Eather, WHRS Business & Community Partnership Manager.

“Now in our fourth year, we are introducing a signature event within our month long activity and knowing how competitive the mining community of the Hunter Valley is, the concept of a one-day Spin Bike Challenge was realised.”

The Base to Base: Spin Bike Challenge will be held on Thursday, October 31 at Singleton Civic Centre and will see teams of ten competing with the goal of completing as many kilometres as possible on a spin bike in six hour period.

The event will run relay style, with the teams sharing the cycling across the six hours on their sponsored bike. It will be a high energy, fun and team orientated event with prizes awarded to the most kilometres travelled, the highest fundraising team, the highest fundraising individual, and the best dressed team.

“We are very grateful to Belgravia Leisure who have come on board as supporters and will be providing all the spin bikes from the Singleton Gym & Swim.

“So far, we have had two teams register, Bulga Coal and Bengalla. There are still plenty more spots available as we are aiming for fifteen teams.”

The Spin Bike Challenge was launched at the NSW Mining HSEC Conference in August. Newcastle Knights players Tom Cant, Brodie Jones, Grace Kukutai and Viena Tinao were on hand to cheer on everyone who gave it a go. On October 31, there will also be an additional bike set aside for more celebrity cameos, you never know who might don the lycra and show up!

“The Base to Base is a unique fitness challenge supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service,” said Danny.

“It has three distance targets – 50, 100 or 150km or you can set your own challenge. You can do it solo, or with company. It’s all about doing it the way you choose, at your own pace.

“The Spin Bike Challenge is only going to be at one pace – fast! If you think your mine has got what it takes to take home the inaugural trophy then register a team and come on a mission with us on October 31.”