By Cameron Weston
CYCLISTS on this year’ s Around the Bay in a Day ride should not be surprised to find a flock of Flying Pelicans in their midst.
The Flying Pelicans, a team made up of staff from the Hobsons Bay City Council, will again be pulling on the Lycra and heading out with an estimated 14,000 other keen riders on the annual trek.
Team member Anne McLean said 14 staff from throughout the organisation and two “ring-ins” would be heading out this year, trying to go the distance and raise some money for the Smith Family along the way.
With a broad mix of ages, fitness and cycling skills, Ms McLean said this year’s Flying Pelicans would travel varying distances for the cause.
Riders can choose to test themselves over set distances of 42km, 100km, 210km or the full-course 250km.
“The majority of people are doing the 42 km, which goes through Hobsons Bay itself.
“The 42km distance caters for those people that don’t ride a lot.
“The plan is to all head off together … I don’t know if we’ll finish together,” Ms McLean said.
Other members will ride longer distances, Ms McLean said, including council CEO, Bill Jaboor, a seasoned rider who will be taking on the 250km challenge.
It is little coincidence that Ms McLean, who works as a Sustainable Transport Project Officer at the council, seemed happy to jump on a bike and pedal for a good cause.
“I’m all for promoting cycling. I think events like this are great for promoting cycling, not only as a form of recreation but as a legitimate form of transport.
“Also the health aspect. It’s a great event because it gets a lot of people out there cycling.”
Ms McLean said the event was also an effective fund raiser with riders gathering sponsorships from family and friends and was a great way for people to help the Smith Family, while building a team spirit and getting fit.
She said the idea – and a call to action – had originally come from another council.
“Darebin City Council set a challenge to councils to raise at least $500, and we thought ‘Yes, we will take it up’.”
