Dr Pino Giusti of Moss Vale Dental Clinic, NSW, planned to ride 150 kilometres for charity—and almost made it!
The photo for this article was supposed to show me standing in front of the Three Sisters [in the Blue Mountains, NSW], triumphantly raising my bike above my head after I had completed a 150-kilometre charity ride—but something happened on the way to Katoomba…
“I decided to challenge myself and raise money for muscular dystrophy by entering the Big Red Ride, a bike ride traversing the Sydney basin from Bondi Beach to Katoomba. The last 50 kilometres involves a gruelling 1000-metre climb.
“This was at the limit of my abilities so I upped my training regime. I would go on 100-kilometre rides that incorporated tough climbs such as Razorback (near Picton, NSW) and became confident that I would be able to claw my way up the Blue Mountains.
“On the big day, my cycling buddy, Marcello, and I were placed in a group of fairly accomplished riders. At the 95-kilometre mark, travelling at about 40 kilometres per hour, I clipped another rider’s wheel and became airborne. I fell badly and was not able to continue. And that explains the photo—my daughter, Julia, is consoling me at the finish line after I’d been driven there in our support vehicle.
“The accident was a massive disappointment, but it has made me even more determined to conquer the course again. Our cycling-mad Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, has undertaken to join the ride this year so that’s something to look forward to—subject to any political leanings you may have!
“The Big Red Ride was sensationally organised and a huge financial success with $190,000 raised for children afflicted by muscular dystrophy.
“I started cycling in 2006 as a way of keeping fit. I’ve gone from 30-kilometre rides on a Kmart bike to regular 80-kilometre journeys on a full carbon road bike adorned with most of the bells and whistles. I’ve covered just under 20,000 kilometres in that time. I like getting out on the bike and leaving everyday stresses behind for a few hours. I’m even tempted to leave my mobile phone at home but I need my wife to rescue me occasionally.
“I enjoy cycling and follow the sport as well. It keeps me fit, sane and provides a challenge; you can always improve. There are so many Australian cycling clubs out there now too that getting involved has never been easier. I hope to cycle some of the iconic rides in France and Italy one day. Anyone care to join me?”
