Recently two friends of ours from afar, both avid bike riders in their 80s, decided to visit the region and cycle both bike trails. They were so looking forward to a well-planned trip. After enjoying the Casino to Lismore end, they were really looking forward to the ride from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek. Starting from Murwillumbah they stopped off at the Tweed Regional Gallery for a look. To do this they locked their bikes securely on the bike path and walked the 70 or so steps up to the Gallery. When they returned they found that their bikes had been stolen despite being securely locked.
I felt nauseated and furious when I heard their news. What lowlife scum would do that? The theft would have been premeditated as I presume that breaking the locks would have meant carrying some sort of implement. Our friends’ well-planned adventure ended abruptly and painfully. They had so looked forward to their trip but left our region feeling cheated, sad, and well out of pocket. And I felt ashamed on behalf of us all who enjoy living here, that our so-called laidback, and friendly, community could cause such sadness to visitors.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
