More than 50 riders took to the roads of the Blue Mountains on Saturday, May 19 to celebrate the memory of a fellow cyclist who died to suicide one year ago.
The Springwood Cycling Club (SCC), a community of cyclists from the Blue Mountains who share a passion for riding and comradeship over a cup of good coffee, decided to link Zac Suito’s three Cassiopeia coffee shops by riding from the Katoomba shop in Lurline Street, down the Hawkesbury Bends to Cassiopeia in Windsor via the Richmond lowlands before finishing at Springwood Cassiopeia. Riders were given the opportunity to join the ride in various locations, to cater for everyone’s fitness levels.
“Over the past year, members of the cycling group have been dealing with the loss of their much-loved friend in different ways and have been learning how to become better listeners, asking others how they feel and what they are going through in a supportive, non-judgemental way,” said organiser Daniel Zanardo.
Following the wishes of their friend’s widow and family, the SCC looked for a local non-for profit organisation that would run a prevention and support project for men in their 40s in the Blue Mountains. After some research, the Western Sydney Suicide Prevention and Support Network became the obvious charity for the club to get behind.
Everything fell into place when Zac Suito sponsored cycling tops to start fundraising and the Springwood Cycling Club fundraising site was set up to allow each rider to have their own page and receive sponsorships for the organisation.
Saturday’s 121km ride was only part of the challenge for these hardy riders. They wish to ride far and wide over the next six months to raise money for the cause. The SCC riders would like to see members of the wider community get behind them in their endeavour of starting this prevention and support project.
Donations and sponsorships gladly received online at https://springwoodcyclingchallenge.raisely.com/ or in any Cassiopeia Cafe.
If you need help, call Lifeline: 13 11 44