Whittlesea Review article on the Local Cycling Hero Charity Dinner

Celebrating the Cycle

CYCLING fever hit Whittlesea last week with a charity dinner to

celebrate the sport ahead of the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.

South Morang's Bike n Bean hosted the "Celebrating Local Cycling Heroes"

dinner last Monday night at Cellaroom with UCI Cycling Masters World

finalist, Shannon Johnson; Melbourne to Sydney charity ride and

Scholarship Winner, Lauchlan Denny; and Specialized and Bike n Bean

Female Cycling Ambassador, Simone Evans.

Charity Cycle Dinner (from left): Whittlesea Mayor, Rex Griffin; former pro
cyclist, Bradley McGee; Bike n Bean co-owner, Paul Davis; Melbourne to
Sydney charity rider, Lauchlan Denny; Female Ambassador, Simone Evans;
UCI Cycling Masters World Championships finalist, Shannon Johnson and
Bike n Bean co-owner, Nicola Davis

More than 80 people turned up on the night, raising $1700 which will go

towards the World Bicycle Relief Fund and Helping Hand, the chosen

charity of Mayor, Rex Griffin.

Bike n Bean co-owner, Nicola Davis, said the highlight of the night was

guest speaker, Bradley McGee, a former pro cyclist, Olympian and

Director Sportif for Team Saxo Bank, sharing his experiences and

providing inspiration.

"The ultimate aim (of the night) was to celebrate cycling in Whittlesea

in the community," Ms Davis said."They were only local cyclists but 

obviously he (McGee) started out in a similar situation; smaller, minor races 

and working his way up."

Ms Davis said cycling was definitely popular but needed more avenues

throughout the municipality. "I think more people would come out on their 

bikes if there was better cycling infrastructure in Whittlesea and everywhere 

else," she said. "That's why we also invited the Mayor; so he could get an 

understanding of the cycling community."

She said it was hoped Bike n Bean could continue with the excitement

surrounding Jayco by hosting a bike ride next year.