600km ride for charity

FOUR local riders will participate in their sixth Rotary Ride to Conference in early March.
Terry Williams, Darren Spargo and Peter and Helen Van Diemen will be part of a group of 65 riders on the charity ride covering 600km around Gippsland, starting and finishing at Phillip Island.
They will be joined by Sam La Mendoal and Alwyn Williams representing the Rotary club of Pakenham and Max Kneebone, Peter Jubb, Rudy and Joy de Jong representing KooweerupLang Lang Rotary Club.
Local teams’ spokeman Darren Spargo said the rides had raised more than $200,000 for Life Education.
Life Education is a charity which assists primary school students to better understand health, safety and drug prevention. In Victoria, 35 educators operate in 21 mobile classrooms.
Star rider for the event is Life Education mascot Harold the Giraffe.
This year, riders complete a round trip starting and finishing at Phillip Island, travelling through Warragul, Sale, Toora and Inverloch and arriving in time for the Rotary District 9820 conference.
Mr Spargo said the recent hot weather had affected training, but all riders were prepared for the challenge.
“I try to ride 250km a week, but the heat has affected the training,’’ he said.
“The Rotary exchange students who participate in the ride fundraise for Reaching Overseas Medical Aid.”
This organisation provides medical treatment for children in developing countries.
Gippsland Rotary Centenary House and Shelter Box are other charities to benefit from the ride.
To support the riders through sponsorship, contact Peter Van Diemen of the Pakenham Rotary ride team on 5941 1844 or Rudy de Jong of the KooweerupLang Lang riders on 5998 8220.