By Benjamin Millar
When Elwyn Davies braves the cold mornings on his bike, he does so with some wheely strong motivation – raising funds for children in need.
The Footscray nurse has been training for next month’s Around the Bay challenge, when he will join more than 10,000 cyclists from all over the country in Australia’s biggest bike ride.
The October 6 event aims to raise more than $600,000 for children’s education charity The Smith Family to assist with its learning support and mentoring programs.
Mr Davies, 62, said he last took on the gruelling 210-kilometre ride about a decade ago and was looking forward to giving it another go.
“It’s a good motivation knowing that The Smith Family is a very good, practical charity,” he said.
“At the moment I’m doing about 200 kilometres a week in training, it’s a good motivation for staying fit through winter.”
Anton Leschen, The Smith Family’s Victorian general manager, said Mr Davies has already raised more than $1200, making him one of the ride’s leading fundraisers.
“The Smith Family would like to thank Elwyn, as well as all his friends and family who have supported his ride, for their generous commitment to help Australian children overcoming disadvantage,” he said.
“Every dollar Elwyn has raised during his training will help us reach even more young people in need with practical support for their education.”
Around the Bay began in 1993 and more than 240,000 riders have since participated.
Details and donations: www.aroundthebayfundraising.com.au
