Cyclists' 350km journey to support homelessness efforts

WANGARATTA was the starting point for a dozen riders beginning their five day, 350km cycling journey on ANZAC Day to lift awareness of homelessness and raise funding to help build affordable homes. Cyclists from charity Stable One spent Wednesday evening at Wang Night Shelter in the Wangaratta Wesleyan Methodist Church. The Wang Night Shelter is an affiliate member of Stable One's network of Winter Shelters, with board member Ian Bunston saying the group came to Wangaratta to celebrate what the community is already doing here to support those experiencing homelessness. In preparation for the journey, he said group members had been in training for the last six months, undertaking many team rides. "These are all people with busy lives who have given up a week of their time to do this," he said. "We will make it fun but it will still be fairly taxing to ride 350km. "Everyone here has a real passion and a real interest in trying to have some impact in mitigating homelessness." KB Foliage generously donated the use of its work van to act as a support vehicle for the duration of the trip. Sara Safari is the team's doctor, Philip Perkins is the team's bike mechanic and Colin Spencer is driving the team's support vehicle. The group's youngest group member is 44 and the oldest is 82, with an average age range between 60 and 70. "In that regard, it's not a bad effort," Ian said The team chose Wangaratta as their starting point for the journey due to Stable One's connection to Wang Night Shelter. "It's also a beautiful location to ride through and it will be a challenge with the hills," Ian said. "This is not just about raising funds, it's about raising awareness of the cause. "Hopefully we can bring the name of the charity, Stable One, into the spaces we travel through. "Between the Lions club, Rotary club, churches and the community, people are coming out to support the cause. "The hospitality that has been provided for us is wonderful, but we also want to celebrate all the incredible work that's going on in the community. "A big part of this is raising awareness and creating community. "Everyone involved is willing to give and even though it's just a drop in the ocean, it makes a difference." To sponsor the team visit https://village.stableone.org/2024stableonecharityrideforhomelessness

Cyclists' 350km journey to support homelessness efforts

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