2016 Camino to be Historic Cycling Event
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The Camino San Francisco 2016 is on again!
This year’s Camino will be a historic bicycling event to celebrate the heritage of Monsignor Hawes. It is a group cycle and not a race.
The two-day cycling event has been planned for height of Geraldton’s wildflower season on the weekend of 27 -28 August.
Fr Robert Cross (Director of Heritage, Diocese of Geraldton) said ‘As it was last year, the Camino San Francisco would have a broad appeal. Some might like to do it as a spiritual pilgrimage, others as history enthusiasts, lovers of flora or people who just enjoy a relaxing cycle along the back roads’.
He said, “People will have their own motivation for participating; it is part of a worldwide trend where people are embracing Caminos and walking (or in this case cycling) for self-discovery.”
The renowned Catholic Priest and architect Monsignor John Hawes built over 20 buildings in the Mid West and the Camino participants will have the opportunity to cycle to several of his buildings and imbibe their architectural beauty and history.
Cyclists will commence the Camino 2016 from St James’ Kojarena Catholic Church and ride along the back roads to the historic property of Tibradden and then onto Ellendale Pool for lunch and a short break.
Participants will then cycle to Walkaway where dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided.
On Sunday morning, pilgrims will ride to the Greenough Hamlet for a hearty breakfast before cycling along coastal tracks to The Hermitage via Cape Burney with our final destination being St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral where participants will be welcomed by Bishop Justin Bianchini.
The Camino San Francisco 2016 will build on the existing Monsignor Hawes Drive Trail and provide a deeper experience of the priest/architect and his works.
It is a great opportunity to improve your fitness, learn about Geraldton’s local history, enjoy the wildflowers along the route and the company of like-minded and motivated people.
Fr Robert extends an invitation to anyone interested in participating, saying it was not a religious event per se but an encounter with the spirit of what motivated Hawes in his life and works.
Participants will pay a fee to cover costs. To book your place in the 2016 Camino San Francisco event visit: http://www.geraldtondiocese.org.au/camino-home
Pics from last year
Pics from last year
