THERE was one significant ‘missing in action’ report when more than 40 federal politicians headed by Prime Minister Tony Abbott rode into Lithgow on the charity bike ride, the Pollie Pedal, at the weekend.
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Member for Calare John Cobb had organised the reception at Lithgow but ran out of time when the ride was way behind schedule.
Mayor Maree Statham said Mr Cobb had been waiting at the Civic Ballroom to welcome his colleagues but due to the delayed arrival was forced to leave to meet other commitments.
The Mudgee to Lithgow section of the ride had been advertised to end at Queen Elizabeth Park around 1 pm Saturday with a public afternoon tea.
But with widespread rain moving across the state organisers wisely decided to move to the supper room at the Civic Ballroom which proved to be an ideal venue.
And with the increasingly cold weather and occasional rain taking its toll the ride was almost three hours late into Lithgow.
More than 40 cyclists had left Moree early in the week on a fund raising marathon for Carers Australia.
They were joined by the Prime Minister literally hours after flying back in from duties overseas.
The PM was in a pre planned second batch of riders about 20 minutes behind the first group.
Even Prime Ministers can not sidestep bans on such bicycle groups on Victoria Pass — no doubt appreciated by the riders — and the politicians continued by bus to Katoomba for an overnight stay before tackling the final leg on Saturday to Penrith.
