Cycling opportunities open up at Glenmore camp

WHEELCHAIR users and other people with mobility challenges will soon be able to ride the trails at the YMCA Lady Northcote Discovery Camp at Glenmore.

Two accessible hand cycle bikes are being built for the camp, funded through the State Government’s Regional All Abilities Participation Grant program.

They are expected to be available for use in the camp’s mountain biking program in about two months, opening up more participation opportunities for camp visitors and groups.

Camp manager Rob Cummins said the bikes were suitable for many people, from those with a physical disability to users with a mental disability.

He said the camp hosted as many as 30 disability groups each year, which ranged in size from 15 to 60 participants.

“We’ll be able to use these bikes with all of those groups,” he said.

The YMCA developed its Ausbike program in collaboration with AusCycling, the national cycling body, with the bikes to be supplied by Adaptive Concepts Australia.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle visited the camp last week to see a bike in action, meeting with YMCA Victoria’s head of camps Daniel Whykes and Mr Cummins to discuss how their arrival will open up the enjoyment of cycling to more people.

After the visit, Mr Whykes said the hand cycles mean no one has to sit on the sidelines.

“They give all campers the chance to now take part, enjoy the outdoors and build the confidence that comes with trying something new,” he said.

The $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund, from which the bike funding was drawn, is designed to improve access to sport and active recreation in rural and regional Victoria, helping organisations like the YMCA to break down barriers to participation.

The Lady Northcote Discovery Camp operates virtually year-round and offers a wide range of activities from challenge tasks including a giant swing, water-based activities such as canoeing, group-led activities like yabbying, to telling stories around the campfire at night.

All its programs are run by qualified program instructors and are open to school groups, community groups and families.

Its website is at camps.ymca.org.au/lady-northcote-discovery-camp.