The bike ride, which follows the route of an old mailrun along the roads in Westbrook, Glendonbrook, Mitchells Flat, Glendon and Scotts Flats, will raise funds to support Singleton Family Support Services in 2015.

For the more serious cyclists, they’ll be able to tackle a challenging 100km course.

But, there are two shorter courses of 65km and 40km for those who are keen to participate but looking for a more leisurely ride. 

Entry is open to all cyclists aged 12 years and older.

All three courses will take the riders along lightly-trafficked, tarred roads through the agricultural areas east of Singleton.

One of the instigators of the annual ride, Ken Dreaper said the route follows the mailrun his late father used to undertake – six days a week from 1958 to 1967.

Ken used to accompany his dad on Saturdays and during school holidays and said his father not only delivered mail but also newspapers, bread and meat to the residents.

“Following a stroke in 1967 my father had to give up his mail contract and, after a long illness, he died in 1977,” he told The Argus.

“In December 2008, my father would have been 100 years old.

“And, about this time, I had been riding regularly around the Singleton countryside with an enthusiastic group of cyclists and thought it might be a good idea to commemorate the occasion by riding the route of his mailrun.

“The idea was met with enthusiasm from others in the group and so the annual Mailrun Bike ride was born.

“From 2013, it has been an event to raise funds for a local charity.”

Last year, 230 cyclists participated in the ride raising $28,000 for the Singleton Sleepover Respite Cottage. 

For 2015, we have teamed up with Singleton Family Support Services to raise funds to help them provide essential services to the community, Ken said.

The ride, which starts at 7am for the 100km course, 7.30am for the 65km and 8am for the 400km, will have refreshments and toilet stops provided at two points on the course.

Lunch from Singleton Apex is included with the entry fee at the finish and all riders receive free entry to the Singleton Gym and Swim for a refreshing swim and shower after the event.

To enter the ride costs $40 for the 40km, $45 for the 60km and $50 for the 100km.

However, the entry fee is waived if you can fundraise $200 or more for Singleton Family Support Services.

“This year we are also encouraging entries from mining and corporate teams of up to 10 riders,” Ken said.

“We also have a number of sponsors on board including Theiss/Mt Owen, Quarry Mining & Construction Equipment, Momentum Cycles Singleton, Viva Energy Australia, Blackwoods, Quest Serviced Apartments, Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club, Carmen's Little Taste of Italy, Pirtek, Workpac, CREST NSW Singleton Division, Kennards, Kevin Martin Signs, Cole Air and Singleton Apex Club.

“Prizes for the raffle are: two nights’ accommodation at Quest Apartments in Newcastle and a dinner voucher (not necessarily at Quest); Orbea All-Use Sport 30 Entrance mountain bike from Momentum Cycles, Singleton; and 18 holes of golf for two people (including motorised cart) at Hunter Valley Golf & Country Club at Pokolbin.”

More information can be found on the website www.themailrun.org  or Facebook @The Mailrun – Charity Bike Ride. Entries can be made on the day.