Stuart Thomas is a long‑distance cyclist, a Business Partner at Findex in Forbes, and someone who cares deeply about supporting families in rural communities. His work sees him partner with local farming and manufacturing businesses across Forbes and the surrounding areas, but it’s his voluntary efforts on the bike that have made a remarkable impact.
Last year, Stuart cycled 400 kilometres over two days from Forbes to Manly, raising an incredible $10,954 for Royal Far West. This year, he’s taking on a new challenge: joining the Ride for Country Kids for the very first time.
Stuart’s motivation is close to home.
“My daughter, Megan Fitzpatrick, works as a paediatric speech pathologist at Royal Far West. She inspired me to participate in Ride for Country Kids 2026,” he said.
For Stuart, the experience of riding into a community for Royal Far West is something special.
“There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you ride into a town for Royal Far West. There’s a sense of place and belonging, of making a difference to the community. I’m really looking forward to connecting with the schools and people during Ride for Country Kids 2026.”
What is Ride for Country Kids?
Ride for Country Kids is Royal Far West’s annual three‑day charity ride through the organisation’s heartland. In 2026, cyclists will start in Parkes and travel through Manildra, Molong, Trundle and Eugowra before finishing in Forbes. These towns hold a special place in Royal Far West’s history and future, supported by passionate local branches and community hubs, including the Royal Far West op‑shops in Forbes and Trundle.
The Ride raises vital funds to support country children with developmental, behavioural and mental health needs. Western and Far West NSW is where Royal Far West has its deepest impact, offering multidisciplinary developmental, mental health and disability support services for children up to the age of 12.
Royal Far West’s team includes speech pathologists, social workers, psychologists and occupational therapists who work in partnership with preschools and primary schools across rural and remote communities, including Forbes, Eugowra and Molong. Together, they help children receive timely support and strengthen the network of care around them.
Over FY25, Royal Far West assisted 512 children, 302 parents and carers and 496 educators across 29 primary schools and five early childhood centres in the region, delivering assessments, therapy and ongoing allied health support.
The 2026 Ride route
From Sunday 17 May, riders will cover more than 380 kilometres across regional NSW.
- Day One – Starting in Parkes, riding through Manildra and Molong, before returning to Parkes (approx. 150km)
- Day Two – Starting in Parkes and riding to Trundle, before heading to Forbes (approx. 130km)
- Day Three – Starting in Forbes, heading to Eugowra and finishing in Forbes (approx.120km)
How Stuart prepares
Stuart keeps his training simple and consistent.
“I try to keep up my general level of bike fitness and be consistent with my ride exercise. I ride three times a week – 40 kilometres on a mid‑week ride, and 70 to 100 kilometres on a weekend ride.”
The longer distances, he says, are all about pacing and preparation.
“You work your way up to it. You’re conscious of your food intake to make sure you’re using the right fuel for your body. But during the ride, you can enjoy a bit more food than normal,” he laughed.
How does it feel to cycle as part of Ride for Country Kids?
For Stuart, the Ride is about more than the kilometres.
“The biggest thing you get from riding in a group is the camaraderie and banter and enjoying a nice coffee along the way.”
Now in its twelfth year, Ride for Country Kids has raised more than $4.5 million to support country children with developmental and mental health needs. Riders like Stuart help ensure geography is never a barrier to a child’s health, development or future.