For the love of the ride
GEMLIFE WOODEND CYCLISTS ARE ATTRACTING A LOT OF ATTENTION AND PLENTY OF NEW MEMBERS.
When we first met avid cyclists Barry O’Connor, John Eckel and Stewart Meeks back in 2020, the trio were regularly enjoying scenic cycling around the Mount Macedon area. They’ve since become an inspiration for other homeowners with another four regulars taking part on rides several times a week.
“We’d like to encourage more of the girls to join us,” said Stewart.
“My partner Annette rides with us, and we have another girl who’s just joined us. She’s planning a cycling tour of New Zealand with some student nurse friends.”
The most enthusiastic of the cyclists ride between 50 to 55km each session but newcomers are welcome to choose their own distance and one popular destination is the town of Kyneton which is about 15km from Woodend.
“We usually stop there for a coffee and occasionally come back via Lanceford if we want to take the long way home,” said Stewart.
GemLife Woodend, located in the beautiful Macedon Ranges region is the perfect place for cycling with the area popular with bike riders who travel from as far as Melbourne for a weekend in the country.
“Some of the younger cyclists will ride all the way up Mount Macedon, but that’s not for us although a few of the blokes have been part way up,” said Stewart.
“There aren’t a lot of bike paths around here, so we mainly ride on the road. And because there are quite a few cyclists about, other road users know to keep an eye out for us.”
Stewart and the rest of the GemLife Woodend cycling group welcome new riders to join them regardless of their fitness levels.
“We have all sorts join us – some have been cycling for years, others have only ridden bikes with the grandkids. One chap used to enjoy running, but since he can’t do that anymore, he’s taken up riding and loves it.”
When not cycling locally, a few GemLife cyclists have travelled to Melbourne to take part in the Around the Bay cycling event, which is an all-ages all-abilities event around Port Philip Bay held each October.