ONCE again, Dungog Pedalfest went to extremes this year, with the Penny Farthing State Championships in stark contrast to mountain bike races, along with exciting new events adding to the fast and furious action.
The 2026 event was a huge success with around 600 riders taking part.
The weekend kicked off with the Hunter Schools Funduro Flow track and Pump track races at the Dungog Common with around 300 school kids taking part.
Next, the Kids and Cobwebs classic ride with around 70 young and young-at-heart riders dressed up as Princesses, Fairies, Witches from Harry Potter, Monks, and Sophie Foster from Keepers of the Lost City.
Then Friday night took Dungog locals by surprise at the Dungog Showground, where bikes with bent handlebars, sandpaper pedals and no brakes raced around the track at lightning speed.
“It was quite a spectacle with 30 riders coming over from South Australia to compete against NSW in the First Cycle Speedway State Of Origin,” spokesperson Nikki Brown said.
“NSW won, despite some of their riders never having ridden speedway before.
“Mind you, South Australia did put their World Champion riders on the bench to give us a chance.”
Dungog Pony Club put on delicious country grub, with one rider declaring his the “best steak sandwich I’ve ever had”.
Saturday featured the classic Fosterton Loop, which has been part of Pedalfest for over 30 years.
Around 70 riders from 10 years to 70 got to enjoy the great scenery, the hills, delicious treats from Fosterton Farm Bakery, with some taking a refreshing dip in the Williams River.
This was followed by some brave souls having a go on the Penny Farthing come-and-try session where some had a go for the first time.
Some of the smarter ones opted to sit and pose while having their photo taken.
Spectators got to enjoy the thrills of the NSW State Penny Farthing and Footbike Championships racing up Dowling Street. Kids from as young as four got to be part of the National Dandy Horse Championships.
One Penny Farthing rider, Simon Weir from the ACT, took his guitar to the Open Mic night at the Royal Hotel where he joined forces with young local musicians, Sophie Watkins and Ada Brown. Others enjoyed the movie Holy Days held at the James Theatre.
Sunday was delicious with the Scones Jam and Cream, Rocky Road and Brewers Bash Rides for Gravel, Electric and Mountain bikes.
“I look forward to Pedalfest every year,” Nikki Brown added.
“It is such a great event to help people get more confident at cycling and to share our cycling paradise.”
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