9 February 2007
With only days until the 11th Great Tasmanian Bike Ride, riders
of all ages are warming up to take part in this inaugral event. On
Saturday 10 February 2007 over 1,200 participants including 960
cyclists, 170 volunteers and 80 support staff will race down the
east coast of Tasmanian, one hundred kilometres at a time.
The 445 km cycling holiday starts at the Launceston Festival and
has overnight stops in Pipers Brook (10 February), Branxholm (11),
St Helens (12), Bicheno (13), Swansea (14 & 15), Triabunna (16)
and Richmond (17) before ending in Hobart on Sunday 18
February.
Riders range from under ten to over 80 years of age. Over half
the riders are over 50.
Cyclists have come from all over Australia and overseas
including England, USA and New Zealand.
Sarah Greenwood-Smith, Bicycle Victoria's Event Director, says:
"This will be a fantastic ride along one of the world's great cycle
touring routes. It is sure to be a week that people will never
forget".
On Thursday night, over 100 cyclists and bikes will board the
Spirit of Tasmania II at Port Melbourne and enjoy one
final relaxing night before their Tasmanian riding adventure
begins.
Melindy Green, Spirit of Tasmania, Passenger Sales,
Marketing & Communications Director, says: "This is the fourth
year we have worked with Bicycle Victoria to assist with the
transportation of cyclist, bikes, volunteers, support staff and
equipment.
"We are pleased to be associated with promoting the health and
social positives associated with bike riding - it really is a fun
sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
"The Great Tasmanian Bike Ride
creates a fantastic opportunity to increase tourism in Tasmania
which is something we are strongly committed to and constantly
strive towards," she said.
Media inquiries - Before / After the ride:
John Myers on 03 9818 6339 or 0409 215 120
Sarah Greenwood-Smith on 0409 707 162.
-ends-
Released by:
Carolyn Neill
Corporate Communications Coordinator
cjn@spiritoftasmania.com.au
