Pittwater Life March 2017 Issue

Spokes-people for worthy causes
More than 2,500 cyclists
– including a mix of
enthusiasts and recreational
cyclists – are expected to
hit the streets in this year’s
Bobbin Head Cycle Classic on
Sunday March 26, with the aim
of raising a record $250,000
for charities.
The classic, the premier cycling
event in Sydney’s north
which was established in 2012
and is organized by the Rotary
Clubs of Ku-Ring-Gai, St Ives,
Turramurra and Wahroonga,
sees cyclists enter one of four
circuits, from a leisurely 27km
social ride from Turramurra to
Bobbin Head and back; a 57km
ride to Terrey Hills and back,
an extended 80km ride (minus
the Akuna Bay hills), or the
“serious’ 104km ride to West
Head and back.
Rotary Club spokesman
Doug Reid said the Classic
raised important funds for
charity partner Lifeline, and
charity beneficiaries, KYDS
Youth Development Service,
Eagle RAPS, Hornsby Women’s
Shelter, The Cromehurst
Foundation, and a Rotary
project to operate a Children’s
Hospital in Bo, Sierra Leone.
“Additionally, the event
is an opportunity to involve
the community in a healthy
and enjoyable recreational
activity, whilst highlighting
important aspects of bike and
road safety,” he said.
Newport resident Glenn
Rowe, 56 (pictured top left,
centre) urged locals to get
involved.
“The Bobbo is fun, scenic
and for a good cause! It’s a
great opportunity to get to
know friends and colleagues
in a situation that can be physically
demanding,” he said.
“Suicide is the leading cause
of death for Aussies aged 15
to 44… sadly every day eight
people will end their lives –
this is twice as many people
who die on our roads.
“Last year, Lifeline was
able to answer 85% of the one
million calls received from
people in crisis. The goal is to
be able to answer all calls and
the money we raise will help
meet this goal.”
Glenn will again team up
with workmates from IT
services company Datacom:
“We’re hoping for at least eight
riders this year… last year our
Datacom team was amongst
the leading fundraisers, we
raised $7,000 for Lifeline – this
year we are aiming at $10,000.”
He said the 104km ride
included amazing scenic sections
at Bobbin Head, North
Head and Akuna Bay.
“Cadel Evans was quoted
recently saying the only place
he would ride in Sydney is
Akuna Bay and West Head,”
Glenn said. “Most motorists
on this route on a Sunday are
considerate to cyclists, something
I’m very grateful for, but
to ride through the National
Park with next to no traffic is
a huge privilege.
“The downhill sections of
Bobbin Head and Akuna Bay
are the most enjoyable – they
take me back to my childhood.
The uphill sections
bring me back to reality and
don’t get any easier, but there
is a great feeling of satisfaction
on getting to the top of
the hills.”
He said last year the team
had varied capability so didn’t
stick together for the entire
ride. “It took our riders between
three and five hours to
complete the 104km course,”
he said.
More info bobbinheadcycleclassic.com.au
– Nigel Wall
News
MARCH 2017 13