Bayside cycling at a snail’s pace!

A TRIO of Miners Rest cyclists are about to set out on their longest riding challenge.

On 8 October, Kerryn Morcombe, Rodney Henwood and their daughter Grace Henwood are taking part in the United Energy Around the Bay bike ride for a second time.

Setting off from the Geelong Waterfront, the trio will head to Albert Park via Sorrento as part of the 135-kilometre event under the team name Schneckentempo, which is German for snail pace.

“In 2022 we rode the 100 kilometres which had West Gate Bridge as the highlight,” Mr Henwood said. “In 2023, the highlight should be the ferry ride from Queenscliff to Sorrento.

“The best thing about United Energy Around the Bay is to get the chance to ride where you normally would not, and 135 kilometres will be a challenge for all of us as we have never ridden that far before.”

Ms Morcombe said the family started cycling together during the pandemic and have kept up the hobby as a way of keeping fit and seeing the countryside.

“It’s all about challenging ourselves and having fun,” she said. “We love the freedom of it, stopping to take photos, and riding at our own pace, although I’m always the snail at the back.

“It’s a ride for us, it’s not a race.”

Around the Bay’s official 2023 charity partner is Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision which funds research into bone marrow failure syndrome, and supports patients and their families.

The Henwood-Morcombe family said they enjoy the opportunity to support a cause while they’re on their bikes, and have taken part in other events including Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo for cyclist safety, and the Ballarat Cycle Classic for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.