Why this mum is cycling 900 kilometres for people she’s never met

A CENTRAL Coast mum is setting off on a 900-kilometre cycling journey to Byron Bay this week, aiming to raise funds for a new well in a village in Zimbabwe.

Lara Creber will depart Avoca on Saturday 22 November, riding around seven hours a day and arriving at Crystalbrook Byron resort at about 2pm on Thursday 27 November.

Along the way, she’ll stay with friends and in holiday rentals in Shoal Bay, Forster, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour and Yamba.

A personal trainer and former AFL player, the mum of two has been on a bike for as long as she can remember.

“I didn’t like waiting for public transport when I was younger, then I got into triathlons after my AFL career and did a 70.3 ironman before getting pregnant,” she said.

 

“I love the freedom, the endorphins and adventure it brings.”

Creber had originally hoped to mark her 40th birthday with a major ride in New Zealand, but border closures during COVID forced her to cancel.

A pivot to Tasmania fell through as well when the border closed the day before she was due to leave.

“Then, life happened and I had a baby, so things got waylaid,” she said.

 

With her youngest child, Tyler, now two, Creber decided the time was right to take on a new challenge — one with a purpose.

She’s riding to raise funds for the well through the Tsitsi Foundation, a charity founded by her neighbour, Anastasia Uglow, who has spent a lot of time working in Zimbabwe.

The Tsitsi Foundation focuses on empowering women to build sustainable livelihoods and improve their quality of life.

“The women walk an average of six kilometres a day, with the fear of being attacked by men and wild animals,” Creber said.

“The well I am raising money for will not only give them time back to be able to work, by making baskets to sell so they can send their children to school, but will also improve the health of the village.

“I wanted to support this charity as it was very tangible.

“I know 100 per cent of the donations will go to building the well. It will quickly and directly help a village of 500 people to live a much better life.”

Follow Creber’s journey on Instagram or to donate visit https://gofund.me/05225781f