Another Bridge to Bridge conquered by BHCC

BARWON Heads Cycling Club (BHCC) is celebrating the completion of its tri-yearly ride for the third time in its history, riding hundreds of kilometres during eight days while fundraising for Geelong organisations.

The club’s 840km Bridge to Bridge 3 ride began at Barwon Heads Bridge on February 19, with 16 club cyclists travelling by Spirit of Tasmania across the Bass Strait, around Tasmania and back to the Barwon Heads Bridge via ferry again, ending the journey on February 26.

Club president Murray Joseph said the riders were all proud of their achievement, which was only made possible by the camaraderie within the group.

“It was definitely something to be proud of, it was no small achievement, and it has created countless everlasting memories.

“We had five of our female members take part in this year’s Bridge to Bridge, compared to just one last time, which created a different dynamic among the group; in a good way for sure.

“It was certainly hard work, whenever it was downhill we were facing a headwind, but the weather held up nicely, we didn’t have any troubles with drivers, and the people there were super-friendly.”

Bridge to Bridge 3 has raised more than $35,000 to date for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre and the Give Where You Live Foundation.

The group received a generous $5,000 donation from major sponsor Barwon Heads Community Bank, while each rider also fundraised for the ride.

Left to right: The ride’s female cyclists Alison McCormack (Bicycle Network CEO), Adie Currie (BHCC Club Secretary), Leanne Simondson, Judy Barnesby and Cat Haggart taking in the sights.

“Barwon Heads Community Bank on behalf of our customers and community were very proud to add to the amazing fundraising efforts of the B2B3 team with a donation at the welcome home event on Sunday,” a bank spokesperson said.

“This is in line with our mission of creating lasting and meaningful impacts for our communities.

“We admire the work of the Andrew Love Centre and Give Where You Live and we’re very happy to support the ride as sponsor and make a direct donation.”

Challenges of ride included a 21km climb on the first day riding from Devonport, the fifth day of riding from Scamander to Launceston with no stop-offs, and navigating in and out of Hobart’s heavy traffic.

Talks have already begun for Bridge to Bridge 4 in three years.

BHCC thanked sponsors Hertz Car and Truck Rental, the Barwon Heads Hotel and IGA Barwon Heads for their support on the ride.

Donations can still be made to the ride at bridge-to-bridge-3.raisely.com/donate