Health promotion charity Steer North stopped at the Community Baptist Church on Saturday and Sunday, September 9–10 during their 1000 km ride from Melbourne to Sydney.
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It was the organisation’s second annual ride, consisting of nine cyclists, to raise funds for health initiatives and to inspire people to live healthy and active lives.
So far, the cyclists have raised nearly $40,000.
Sarah Jaber, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, said it was her first time riding 1000 km.
“I got involved because I know the founders through some personal connections and when I heard about their first ride last year, I got excited,” she said.
“I decided it was something I wanted to do because it’s a physical challenge that serves a great cause [to support cancer research].”
In December 2016, the charity stopped in Yass for their inaugural Melbourne to Cairns ride.
I got involved because I know the founders through some personal connections and when I heard about their first ride last year, I got excited.
- Sarah Jaber, cyclist
Rita Nehme and James Helal, founders of the organisation, rode and organised the logistics in 2016.
In 2017, they decided to focus only on supporting the cyclists.
“Last year when we were on the bike and did the logistics, it was pretty exhausting. Now it’s just focusing on one thing,” Mr Helal said.
Mr Helal said the reception, not only in Yass but also across the various communities they have visited, has been stronger in 2017.
“Last year, we were establishing relationships from scratch.
“This year, having had those initial contacts, the best part of coming back on this trip is seeing all the friends we’ve made,” he said.
“That initial barrier is broken because of our first ride last year. Now, it’s just about reconnecting.”
On Sunday, the group rode to Canberra and then Goulburn before finishing in Sydney on September 13.
For more information more about the organisation and how you can help: