Cycling fun for a cause on the Bass Coast

RIDERS enjoyed the spectacular scenery on offer while slugging it out in the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge (BCCC) on Saturday, starting and finishing in Inverloch.

They had a choice of distance, ranging from 40 kilometres up to 121 kilometres.

The event is not a race, but rather a celebration of safe cycling in a friendly supportive environment, raising money to educate young people in road safety.

BCCC began in 2011, established by Gavin Slavin who is the ride director.

“The reason I started it is because one of our friends died in a traffic accident and I thought I’d raise funds for a driver education program called RYDA, which is Rotary Youth Driver Awareness,” Gavin said.

Money raised through the BCCC is distributed over the full year of the driver education program, which currently runs in eight secondary schools in South Gippsland and other parts of Gippsland.

“We’ve put about 3,000 kids through the program,” Gavin said, adding that the intention is to increase its reach to new locations such as Sale.

One of four BCCC ambassadors, Terry Shannon, said he demonstrates that anyone can succeed in the event, after completing his 40 kilometre ride.

“I’m in my eighties and I’ve had a heart attack and riding makes me happy and keeps me fit,” Terry said.

Being likely the only participant with panniers on his bike, he enjoyed the good-natured barbs of other riders.

“Have you got your stove and thermos in there?” he was asked.  

Inverloch’s Angus Hume has been part of the Challenge from the outset, loving the fun of the event and the support and encouragement riders offer each other.

Health challenges prompted a switch to three wheels, with Angus enjoying the ride and finishing with a smile.

However, he said it was tough going from Kongwak to Gows Corner, describing that section as “a bit of a drag”.

He was pleased to complete the course.

“It was harder than I thought after an intensive training regime of one week,” Angus said with a flourish of humour.