Ready to ride...Neil Lendrum

Get on your bike

By Kerri Carr

More riders are sought for the Public Education Team to be entered in two bike rides in November.

The idea to enter a team in the MS Sydney to the 'Gong bicycle ride on Sunday November 7 and in the RTA Cycle Sydney event, supporting the Heart Foundation, on November 28 from North Sydney to Parramatta, came from Oak Flats Public School Federation Representative Neil Lendrum.

"Both events attract thousands of entrants. I believe that a Public Education Team of teachers, their spouses, siblings, friends and parents could raise our profile by participating in these worthy events."

He said hopefully team jerseys would be available for participants to purchase. Mr Lendrum said he has ridden in about 10 Sydney to the 'Gong rides with other school teachers, who are regular recreational cyclists, as a private team.

"I know there are lots of teachers who cycle. I'd like to see hundreds take part.

Mr Lendrum said that following a letter about the rides being published in Education several people had contacted him via email and all are "very keen" and "enthusiastic".

"I already have people who are committed to doing it," he said.

Mr Lendrum said to participate in the 90 kilometre ride from Sydney to Wollongong, people need to be fit and experienced cyclists," otherwise their bum gives out before their muscles do", but there are shorter rides within the event.

He said the RTA Cycle Sydney event was mostly alongside the Parramatta River on flat ground, so most people would be capable of competing in the 52, 28 or 10 kilometre ride.

Contact Neil Lendrum at nlendrum@australia.edu, via Oak Flats Public School or Assistant General Secretary (Schools) John Irving at Federation.

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September 2004 contents