Sally’s Ride challenges cyclists

  Richard Skinner, Tourism and Marketing officer

THE 26-member Forestry Tasmania team showed what they were made of when they took part in the Sally’s Ride – Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge on Sunday, November 15.

The team took part in several legs, with Managing Director Bob Gordon leading off the contingent in the most fiercely contested leg of the ride, the 95-kilometre Community Assist Challenge. The majority of the FT team participated in this leg and their efforts were considerably bolstered by the inclusion of celebrity cyclist, 1984 Olympic gold medallist Michael Grenda. The team scored the second highest number of kilometres for the leg.

FT’s Nigel Foss, Sam Robertson and Bob Knox led the FT team off at the start of the 140- kilometre leg, which followed the West Tamar Highway, crossed the Tamar by ferry near Bell Bay and returned to Launceston via the East Tamar Highway.

A strong contingent from Bass District and Nick Duigan and Andrew Hart from Going Bush took part in the 45-kilometre leg, supported by Marie Louise Bird as the team’s cycling medico.

Nick had the unfortunate experience of a minor mechanical failure just opposite the Rosevears Hotel and had to sit the rest of the ride out - clearly a shattered man.

The 25-kilometre leg was also supported by FT with the tireless Tony Scott riding as medico for the group.

All riders, with the exception of Nick, found their way back to Royal Park in Launceston for a quiet wind-down over a barbecue and a cool drink.

Sally’s Ride raises much needed funds for local projects working on improving the mental health of the Tasmanian community and was sponsored by the Forestry Tasmania/Southern Cross Television Community Assist program.

Thanks to those who helped in organising the day and for travelling considerable distances to support this worthwhile cause.

And just to set the record straight, Bob did not aim to complete 95 kilometres, but he did complete a commendable 25 kilomeres on a borrowed bike. We are still looking for Nick!