Time to train for FECRI’s classic ride

SET for mid-February, the Ballarat Cycle Classic is approaching, set to generate thousands of dollars for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

If you’re a keen cyclist and would like to tackle the Spud 100 distance ride, then it’s time to get training.

This annual 100-mile or 160-kilometre course on Sunday, 19 February is in honour of the late Danny Frawley, travelling through areas of broader Ballarat including his hometown of Bungaree.

Louis Perriman is set to participate for a third time.

Not only is he a PhD student researching the role of the immune system in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia at FECRI, but is a national-level cyclist who’s out on his bike seven days a week.

“We’re lucky in Ballarat with the variety of grippy roads we’ve got,” he said. “We’ve got rolling hills and a few good climbs in the Spud 100 as well.

“The roads that we travel in the Cycle Classic, a lot of people might not have seen or ridden before, and they’re different to the nationals course. We get to show people more of what Ballarat has to offer.

“There are awesome, quiet roads, where you don’t have to worry about too much traffic, which can be issue with other courses. You get a good group of people generally taking part, so it’s not a complete smash fest.”

Mr Perriman said he goes into the ride with a different perspective than most participants.

“It’s not just a bike ride for me. It means the people who work at FECRI, and do what we do, can be supported to make a change.

“On the ride, I can discuss where the money is going, and how life-changing it will be for people in the future,” he said.

As an experienced athlete, Mr Perriman suggested those preparing for the Spud 100 head out for two-hour rides a few times through the working week ahead of the event.

“Go for some four-hour rides on the weekends. Pace yourself and don’t go harder than what you can maintain,” he said.

“There’s nothing worse than getting halfway around and thinking you can’t complete it.”

Alongside the distance ride, there are many events within the Ballarat Cycle Classic program for people of all ages and ability levels to take part in.

Institute director Professor George Kannourakis said he encourages the community to join them in the dirt, on the gravel and on the road on Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 February.

“Help raise important funds for cancer research,” he said. “We are excited to bring the community together and deliver the 16th Ballarat Cycle Classic.

“This is an important fundraising event for the Institute. The 2022 Ballarat Cycle Classic raised $230,000 for our cancer research program, and our 2023 goal is $240,000.

“Adding a new full day of riding in the popular growth disciplines of gravel riding and gravity enduro events is testament to the event’s longevity and delivering what participants want.”

Road rides, gravel grinds, adventure and fun family rides, a gravity enduro jam, and a pet-friendly lake walk are all part of the program. Head to ballaratcycleclassic.com.au to register.