By Kyra Gillespie
For its second consecutive year, the Beacy Bike Club is embarking on a community charity ride to help a vulnerable young family.
Aptly titled ‘Around the Other Bay’, around 70 riders will tackle a 178km journey on Sunday 28 October to raise vital funds for local mum Antonella, who has four children – including two twin girls with disabilities.
One of the girls, Indi, suffers from cerebral palsy, is wheelchair-bound and unable to communicate.
Event organiser Joe Terlato said the money raised will go towards getting Indi a communication device.
“Our money will enable her to get her first communication aid device which will give her the gift of her own (electronic) voice for the first time in her life,” Mr Terlato said.
“She will be able to communicate with her mum and siblings for the very first time.”
The device is estimated to cost around $7500.
After leaving Holm Park Reserve in Beaconsfield, the riders will stop breakfast at Stony Point Caravan Park, after which they will board the ferry to Cowes and ride to Glenn Forbes for a drink stop.
The third and final stop will be at Bayles, and then back to Holm Park.
Last year’s fundraising efforts inspired Mr Terlato to take on the ride for the second year.
“When we gifted the funding to our recipient family last year there wasn’t a dry eye in the room,” he said.
“It just seems to bring out the best in everybody and is such a fantastic way to give back to those in need.
“This year we are so pleased to again be proudly sponsored by Berwick Jaguar Landrover, thanks to James Bonnett.”
Cyclists can opt for a 50, 80, 120 or 178km ride.
Registrations are open until 26 October: https://www.trybooking.com/367749
