80th Birthdays Celebrated on the Rail Trail

Three much-loved members of the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail recently celebrated turning 80 in the best way they know how — on their bikes.

Judy McLaren, Lindsay Clay and Mal Ward all reached this special milestone in recent months. To mark the occasion, the trio joined fellow Friends members on a 40km social ride from Bendigo to Axedale and return along the popular O’Keefe Rail Trail.

It’s coffee time, with riding Friends members gathered to celebrate

Far from slowing down, Judy, Lindsay and Mal continue to play active roles in the Friends group, contributing their time and energy across different teams, activities and projects that support the trail and the wider community.

Still smiling and cycling at 80. Mal Ward, Judy McLaren and Lindsay Clay (L-R)

The celebrations kicked off at the ride’s mid-point destination. At the Tavern, riders were welcomed with hot scones and coffee, sharing plenty of conversation, laughter, and good cheer. It was a memorable day that perfectly captured the friendship, community spirit and love of cycling that brings the group together.