Claudio Cusati, left, and Remi Blaszczak will ride 210 kilometres next month for charity. 86788 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By LAURA WAKELY
TWO friends from the West are getting on their bikes for a good cause next month.
Kealba’s Claudio Cusati and Footscray West’s Remi Blaszczak will ride 210 kilometres next month for the 20th Bupa Around the Bay.
The ride has become a key event on the calendar for keen cyclists and this year will celebrate 10 legends who have not missed a single year since the event’s conception in 1992.
But the ride isn’t all hard work.
The event also raises money for the Smith Family, with $1 million raised for the charity by more than 1500 riders last year.
The money goes towards the Learning for Life programs, which help young people in need complete their education to create a better future for themselves and break cycles of disadvantage.
No stranger to the tough ride around Port Phillip Bay, Claudio is taking part in the ride for the third time.
“I like a challenge and I like to keep fit,” he said.
“You have fun, it’s a challenge and it’s good for socialising as well. It’s good for everything I suppose.”
This year he’s challenged his mate Remi to ride with him.
The duo has been cycling each weekend down to Mornington or up to Gisborne or Mt Macedon.
“That’s the best way to prepare,” Claudio said.
“You’ve got to get those kilometres into your legs, to make the distance.”
Bicycle Network General Manager Jason Robilliard said there was still time for people to sign up and get involved in the ride.
“This together with the popularity of the Tour de France, a desire to be fit and healthy and the social side of bike riding has made the ride one of the hottest tickets in town,” he said.
The Bupa Around the Bay ride takes place on Sunday 21 October.
For more information visit www.bupaaroundthebay.com.au
