Novelty awards to bike riders

Two senior bicycle riders have been presented with novelty awards at the Senior Bike Riders awards night held on Monday, January 17, in Woy Woy.

Pearl Beach resident John Greenway received the Finger Award in recognition of his car-driver communication skills, while Mr Colin Bean was awarded the Bone Award.

The award was presented to Mr Bean by last year's recipient Mr Greg Linnert, for his "ability to regularly find uncharted trails and lead others astray".

"Colin was surprised at the result, stating that this award was the most important of his biking career and that he will make an effort to convince his wife that it should take pride of place in the family trophy cabinet," said organiser Mr Colin Dennis.

According to Mr Greenway the Bone Award, a dog chewing bone from a local pet shop, was born about three years ago when National Parks rangers were laying baits for foxes.

"As part of the process they posted signs throughout the park warning that baits were laid for wild dogs.

"We as a male group constantly roaming the area adopted that name Wild Dogs."

The Bone Award flowed from that, "to acknowledge any extraordinary behaviour or feat that needed an award," he said.

The ceremony was attended by seven of the riders and their wives.

The riders are all older men who have been roaming National Park fire trails every Monday for several years.

"Obviously, it's a fitness thing which seems to be paying dividends and as far as I know, not one of us is on any type of supporting health medication," said Mr Dennis.

Email, 18 Jan 2011 Colin Dennis, Senior Bike Riders