By John Trevorrow
Last January's inaugural Amy's Ride was a huge success with over 3000 cyclists joining the stars of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic for a ride around the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula in Australia
The ride helped raise more than 50,000 AU$ for the Amy Gillett Foundation and showed what the power of common good can achieve. It wasn't just to commemorate the life of a world champion rower and an elite level cyclist; it was also to acknowledge the need to do something to improve the relationship between cyclists and motorists.
This is why the Amy Gillett Foundation (AGF) has been established, to reduce the incidence of death and injury caused by the interaction of cyclists and motorists. The AGF hopes to engender a harmonious relationship of shared respect between the two groups. And that's why the response to last January's event was so heart warming. It showed a community coming together in a positive response to a tragedy which, sadly, is often repeated on Australian roads.
January 6, 2007, organisers are planning for an even bigger turn out and another wonderful and memorable day on the bike around the magnificent Bellarine Peninsula. It's a unique opportunity to ride alongside some of the world's best cyclists - Robbie McEwen, Cadel Evans, Katie Mactier, Kate Bates or any of the 280 riders of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic.
As well as having a sensational day on the bike, you will be raising money for the Amy Gillett Foundation. Entry is $55 of which approximately 80% goes to the AGF. Then stay and party afterwards in Geelong's beautiful Eastern Gardens and watch stage four of the Jayco Bay Cycling Classic in a carnival atmosphere.
There are plenty of ride options. For the very keen there's a 120 km of loop of the Bellarine Peninsula with stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and Bass Straight. There are also shorter rides including a couple of options for the off-roadies on the sensational Bellarine Rail Trail. Not to forget the kiddies, there is a fun family ride.
Go to www.amysride.com for more information and to enter on-line, or click the Amy's Ride logo on Cyclingnews.
