GEMLIFE WOODEND CYCLISTS ARE SET TO MAKE THEIR WHEELS GO ROUND FOR CHARITY WHEN THEY LINE UP FOR MELBOURNE’S AROUND THE BAY 2023 CHARITY FUNDRAISER RIDE ON 8 OCTOBER AS PART OF THE GEMLIFE TEAM.
All but one of the cycling team participated in the event last year, according to GemLife cyclist Stewart Reed, who has been a member of the Bicycle Network in Victoria for over 40 years.
Stewart first took part in the event when it was launched in 1993.
“Back then I rode in the 210km category but that was when I was super fit and used to cycle 15km each way to work in Melbourne, which was something I did nearly every day of my working life from 1984 to retirement,” said Stewart.
Stewart and his partner Annette Meeks moved into Gemlife Woodend in 2019 and quickly set up two cycling groups which have since ridden together up to three times a week.
“We have two groups – Annette’s group rides about 25km and the others get together for a 40km cycle which is a bit more strenuous. We then all meet for a coffee in Woodend.”
When GemLife called for residents who wanted to support the Around the Bay charity ride this year, everyone put up their hand, according to Stewart.
“We will all be participating in the 50km category and can’t wait. Our regular cycling days here at GemLife have kept us fit and ready, so all there is to do now is line up on our bikes wearing our GemLife jerseys for a fabulous, fun day out while also raising money for charity,” he said.
The event this year will raise money for Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, an Australian charity that helps fund research for better treatments for patients with Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes.
Registrations to join the GemLife Woodend team for the Around the Bay cycling fundraising event have been extended until 20 August, 2023.