Local “Bikette” girls Helen van Diemen, Bev de Gooyer, Joy de Jong and Alwyn Williams take a break from riding.By Emma Sun
ROTARY District 9820 has raised $57,000 for various organisations after completing this year’s annual Ride to Conference.
Four Pakenham bike riders were part of the 50 Rotarians from around south-eastern Victoria and youth exchange students who participated in the six day 600 kilometre bike ride across north-eastern Victoria.
Pakenham Rotarian Terry Williams said the riders started and finished in Shepparton and partnered with Life Education to teach local school students about life skills. “Their emblem is a giraffe and we take a giraffe with us on the back of a tandem and ride them into the school,” Mr Williams said.
“It’s a real hoot for the kids and it attracts attention.”
The team, complete with support staff including a bike mech-anic, a motorcyclist and caterers, lived together in caravan parks and motels. “It’s like a big travelling circus,” Mr Williams said.
“We ride as a team and we might be spread out over four or five kilometres but we bunch up for meals.”
The Ride to Conference is currently in its tenth year and has raised more than $550,000.
Money this year was raised by individual riders through sponsorship from schools and rotary clubs, which will go to Life Education, Rotary Centenary Hou-se, Disaster Aid Australia and the Rotary Flood Relief Appeal.
“Given that we rode through places that had been flooded, it was fairly pertinent to contribute to the appeal,” Mr Williams said. He said everyone had a great time.
“We have a lot of fun and fellowship and everybody participated,” he said.
“You get out, get plenty of fresh air and exercise and it keeps you fit and healthy.”
Next year’s Ride to Conference will be at Ballarat.
