Cycling for cause gains community momentum
I’VE been delighted to hear that our “greatness” theme for the Swisse People’s Ride is resonating with, and seemingly inspiring people to consider their own personal versions of it. As I said in last week’s column, greatness comes in so many forms, and is often much closer to home than most of us realise.
Cycling is quite unique in that it provides a fantastic vehicle for people and groups to express their support for very special causes.
These causes may be more personal in nature. They may be to raise critical funds for charities, or often it can be to raise awareness and generate attitudinal change on important societal issues.
A person who is using two wheels to generate such change is Matt Cronin who will ride with family and friends in memory of his son Pat who was the victim of a coward punch in April 2016.
Having only just made his senior debut for Lower Plenty, the circumstances surrounding Pat’s passing are terribly tragic and totally unnecessary.
The Cronins are participating in the Swisse People’s Ride to raise awareness for the Pat Cronin Foundation which aims to end the coward punch, something I am sure every parent wants to support.
I don’t know Matt Cronin personally, I only know of the Cronin family’s tragic circumstances in losing their beloved son. But I do hope our ride and our event, offers the Cronins the platform to continue their healing while continuing their mission to educate our community about the devastating and permanent consequences of coward punches.
A very good friend of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Geelong’s very own Mark Beretta, is another who has contributed so much to the community via greatness on the bike. Beretts is a board member and ambassador for the Tour de Cure, and his participation has contribut- ed significantly to the millions of dollars raised by this wonderful event over many years — all on two wheels.
Last year I was privileged to be invited to join a ride from Zurich to Monaco in support of Switzerland for the Oceans — a volunteer organisation aimed at saving the planet’s oceans and their inhabitants from the stresses they face in the modern era of population explosion.
Given the link to our very own coastline along the Great Ocean Road, and the importance of this region to not only me, but to so many families, businesses and visitors, it was an easy decision for me to support such an important cause — again, on two wheels.
I dare to think how many millions and millions of dollars are raised annually in Australia from bike rides, for the greater good of our communities.
How many societal issues have been placed at the forefront of the public consciousness through these bike rides. How many people have contributed to their healing process from challenging and tragic personal circumstances. And all the while the participants are getting healthier, and enjoying the camaraderie, connection and purpose so important for mental health. That to me, is greatness. Cadel. REGISTRATIONS FOR THE SWISSE PEOPLE’S RIDE CLOSE ON JANUARY 15. TO ENTER, VISIT CADELEVANSGREATOCEANROADRACE. COM.AU