Riverina Highlands Rail Trails Inc.

Riverina Highlands Rail Trails Inc.

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Riverina Highlands Rail Trails is the peak body for the proposed Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba rail trail.

As part of an overall plan to develop a world class tourism facility in the Riverina highlands it is intended to create a rail trail between Wagga Wagga and Tumbarumba. This development will occur in stages with the first stage being Tumbarumba to Rosewood. It is anticipated the second stage would be from Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith.

16/08/2026

81 and still riding: Meet the Wagga retirees pedalling their way around the city
16 August 2026

Five old guys
Graham Gillette, Phil Barton, Phil Davidge, Dougall McKellar and Dave Pearce cycle around Wagga every week with Neil Cole (missing).

Each week, six retired gentlemen can be seen quietly making their way around the extensive cycle network that winds through Wagga Wagga.

They are not training for races or chasing records. Instead, they are enjoying something far more valuable — friendship, good health and the simple pleasure of being active.

Their ages range from 69 to 81 years, and together they average around 100 kilometres of cycling each week.

The kilometres are important, but they are only part of the story. The greatest rewards are the conversations shared along the way, the laughter over coffee and the knowledge that they are doing something positive for their physical and mental wellbeing.

One member of the group has a particularly remarkable story.

David Pearce has been cycling around Wagga Wagga for the past 18 years. His current bicycle has travelled an extraordinary 105,000 kilometres.

Even more remarkable is that during all those kilometres, he has only replaced the chain twice — a testament to his smooth riding style and meticulous maintenance routine after every ride.

Dave’s story is even more interesting when you consider his background.

During his working life as a motor mechanic, he owned no fewer than 72 motorcars.

Then, in 1995, he had what he describes as an awakening. He realised that owning a car was no longer a priority in his life. He sold it and embraced cycling as his primary means of transport.

Today, he owns no motor vehicle at all.

Since retiring in 2019, Dave has experienced reduced mobility, yet his e-assist bicycle has given him continued independence.

It allows him to shop, visit friends, meet the cycling group and remain an active participant in the community.

The weekly rides take them across Wagga Wagga’s outstanding network of shared pathways, regularly visiting coffee shops throughout the city, supporting local businesses while enjoying the social side of cycling.

Those cafe stops are every bit as important as the rides themselves.

They are where friendships are strengthened, stories are shared and plenty of good-natured banter takes place.

The benefits of regular cycling at any age simply cannot be overstated.

old guy with bike
Dave Pearce has ridden the bike in the photo 105,000 km around Wagga. Photo: Supplied.

His story demonstrates how modern e-bikes can be life-changing, particularly for older Australians wishing to remain mobile and independent.

The weekly rides take them across Wagga Wagga’s outstanding network of shared pathways, regularly visiting coffee shops throughout the city, supporting local businesses while enjoying the social side of cycling.

Those cafe stops are every bit as important as the rides themselves.

They are where friendships are strengthened, stories are shared and plenty of good-natured banter takes place.

01/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1XpuiHgg7X/

A perfect winter’s day out on the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail - fresh temperatures, blue sky, green grass and snow views. Lots of walkers out today with just a few riders.
These fabulous snow views are from just off the trail along the Glenroy Hills Road.

Photos from Riverina Highlands Rail Trails Inc.'s post 04/07/2026

Some things don't change a lot. This bike was built in Russia in 1914. The display is in the impressive automotive musuem, Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻.

22/06/2026

I told you riding a bike isn't easy.

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101 Tompson Street
Wagga Wagga, NSW
2650