Amy’s Gran Fondo rolls out this weekend

LORNE and Apollo Bay will again host Australia’s most scenic cycling event Amy’s Gran Fondo this weekend in an effort to raise awareness and funds for improving cycling safety.

Now in its eighth year, Amy’s Gran Fondo is the premier annual event for The Amy Gillett Foundation, established in 2006 to reduce death and injury of cyclists following the tragic death of Australian women’s team cyclist, Amy Gillett.

More than 4,000 cyclists of all abilities and ages are expected to roll along the Great Ocean Road at the event, united with a goal to make cycling safer via driver education and cycling infrastructure.

Beginning in Lorne and Apollo Bay, with rides covering 14km, 45km, 65km and 120km, including family-friendly courses, Amy’s Gran Fondo is the only mass participation cycling event in Australia with full road closures, staggered starts and a compulsory safety briefing for all riders.

Amy Gillett Foundation patron Simon Gillett said that support of the event was integral to promote safer cycling in Australia.

“Everyone has the right to ride in safety for work, sport and play.

“Each year, the foundation works towards a zero cyclist fatality target, which will only be achieved by mass awareness, compelling people to call for change.

“We are excited to see the event grow with more and more participants and spectators each year, and in 2018 we welcome seven tandem teams of vision impaired riders to Wiggle Amy’s Gran Fondo. We believe cycling should be a safe and inclusive experience for all.”

Regardless of length, all rides culminate in post-race celebrations at the event village on Lorne’s beachfront. Open all weekend, the village will feature industry exhibitors, food vendors, music, children’s entertainment and bars, all surrounding a big screen.

While all participants enter for an important cause, the event is also a Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Gran Fondo World Championships qualifier, attracting high calibre cyclists from around Australia and beyond.

Family Fondo riders can enter online or in person at the Mantra in Lorne on Saturday, September 15 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, September 16 from 6.30am-8am.

Head to amysgranfondo.org.au.