Singles in the Midwest will have a new and exciting way to find love with next week’s first ever 10-speed dating event to be held in Geraldton.

Organised as part of the Cycle Instead Midwest Bike Festival for 2009, the event puts a new spin on speed dating.  As the name suggests, adults are given a few minutes to chat to someone of the opposite gender, before changing partners.  The catch is, they’re riding a bike at the same time.

Isabel Ross, Health Promotion Officer with Midwest Population Health, says that this event perfectly highlights how enjoyable and social riding a bike can be.

“Cycling is a great way to get outside, be active and have fun, but having someone to ride with just adds to the enjoyment”.

The 10-speed dating event will take place on the evening of Tuesday 25 March and is open to single adults aged over 18.  Following a slow easy bike ride, the cyclists will be given extra time to get to know each other over a coffee, cake or meal at one of the local cafés.

Ms Ross emphasises that the event is open to anyone with an interest in cycling.

“Whether you’re a serious cyclist or ride for leisure, the fact that you both enjoy cycling means that you already have something in common with the other people there”.

This event kicks off the final week of the Cycle Instead Midwest Bike Festival for 2009, which was supported by Bikewest, in the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.  The annual Ride 2 School Day is on Wednesday 25 March, with some schools offering breakfast to students and teachers that ride.

A Tandem Cycling workshop for the vision impaired will be run on Saturday March 28 at Glendinning Park, and will provide an opportunity for blind and sighted community members to experience cycling from a different perspective.

The Cycle Instead Midwest Bike Festival 2009 will finish on Sunday 29 March with the Surf 2 Turf Family Fun Ride, which is expected to be bigger than ever.  Families, beginners and experienced riders will flock to St George’s beach for a leisurely 4km, or more challenging 20km ride along the foreshore.  The ride will end at Town Beach with lots of prizes and giveaways, as well as a chance to check out the City of Geraldton-Greenough’s Bicycle Transit System.

Isabel Ross is convinced that the events in 2009 will just be the start of a love affair with bikes, particularly those at the 10-speed dating.

“There’s nothing more inspiring than a sunset ride along the beach”

You can register for 10-speed dating by contacting Isabel on 9956 2213 or emailing Isabel.Ross@health.wa.gov.au, but be quick, as numbers are limited.

The timetable for other Midwest Bike Festival 2009 events is located around Geraldton, or for more information you can contact Isabel using the details above.  Bikeweek 2009 events around the state can also be viewed at the Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s cycling web address: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/bikeweek.