This June saw a team of very special Aussies heading overseas to
compete for their country. Looking at them in their team uniforms and
hearing them talk about their training, you might not guess that all
of them have had organ or tissue transplants.

The World Transplant Games are a fantastic event for everyone who has
had a transplant, giving them an opportunity to compete, meet others
around the world and come together to share their second chance at
life. I have had a kidney transplant, and was so excited to head to
Göteborg, Sweden with my team.

My main event in the transplant games is the 20km cycling road race.
Me and my cycling team mates had the opportunity to race around a
beautiful park, Slottsskogen, in the Swedish summer. The park hosted
both the road race and the time trial, and provided a fantastic
challenge for us all. Two big hills kept us on our toes (and off the
saddle!) I witnessed one of my best friends’ sprint finish and saw him
seize the gold; as well as watching an Aussie team mate cross the line
arm in arm with a competitor. In my race, I raced in the adult
category for the first time against competitors from Britan, France,
and many others. The race was such a blast that coming in second and
claiming a silver medal was just icing on the cake.

The spirit of the World Transplant Games is fantastic. The competition
is hard and everyone pulls out their best, but at the finish line, we
all come back together again. A hand shake of congratulations is more
than just a courtesy in these games- it’s a recognition of where we
have all come from, and what we have just achieved.

I usually cannot pick a favourite moment when I have been to the
transplant games, but this year it is quite easy. On my sixth and
final lap of the road race, my team mates met me up the final hill and
ran alongside me as I fought the slope. Their incredible support
helped me up that hill, and that memory of them running with me is
something I will hold forever! Overall in the games I won two medals,
both silver, in both the cycle road race and the cycle time trial.

The games give us the opportunity to celebrate our second chance at
life. We can put on our cycle gear, power up a hill and show the world
how far we’ve come. Transplants save lives- we’re living proof of
that! This is a joyous event, a fantastic experience that we all get
to share together.

We looked pretty flash in our Transplant Team cycle uniforms as well-
Thanks Body Torque! It was so easy to spot each other in the crowd!

Almost three quarters of Australians (72%) want to see revenue from a Carbon Tax, if it is introduced, invested in improving public transport, walking and cycling according to polling conducted by Auspoll and released today.

The poll, of 1500 Australians covering all age and income brackets, was commissioned by a coalition of transport, environment, health and Local Government groups.

The results were released at a Summit held in Canberra today to identify transport based solutions to the issues of climate change, congestion, physical inactivity and population growth in major cities.

“This poll demonstrates an overwhelming majority of Australians identify compensation under a carbon scheme as not just handouts from the Government, but also investment in measures like public transport that will make their lives better and reduce carbon emissions at the same time,”said Bus Industry Confederation Executive Director Michael Apps.

“The money raised through the carbon price should primarily be spent on solutions, not on compensating industries that are part of the problem,” said Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Don Henry.

“That means building a low carbon economy and supporting the growth of clean energy and public transport.”

82 per cent of respondents to the poll supported an increase in Federal Government funding for public transport and 87 per cent of respondents supported Federal Government investment in public transport to address the issue of traffic congestion in major cities.

“Congestion costs the Australian economy almost $15 billion annually and Australians are telling us this that traffic congestion is more than a dollar figure; it is a problem that hurts everyone who lives in our cities by lowering their quality of life and affecting them financially,” said Professor John Stanley of the Institute of Transport and Logistics at the University of Sydney.

“This poll indicates very strongly that Australians identify public transport as a solution to congestion and they want the Federal Government to invest in making it more accessible and convenient for them to use.”

“The poll results reflect the fact our cities and urban communities require transformational change in the way we live, travel and consume if we are to have a quality of life that comes even close to what we are experiencing today, tinkering at the edges will not even maintain the status quo,” said Executive Director of the International Public Transport Association, Peter Moore.

“Our major cities are choking on congestion and social isolation through lack of access to services is becoming all too evident.”

“We are devoting a proportion of disposable income to travel that is impacting too heavily on the amenity of our lives,” said Moore.

Mayor Felicity-Ann Lewis, Deputy President of the Australian Local Government Association and the representative of Local Governments at the Summit welcomed engagement with the coalition on the issue of transport provision in urban areas.

“Local Government as the provider of the most extensive urban transport infrastructure is ready to work with industry and the other levels of government to address congestion and the emerging transport issues.”

Respondents who did not use public transport for work trips identified the coverage, capacity and efficiency of public transport as the major obstacles to using it, 70 per cent of all respondents supported the Federal Government becoming more involved in the planning of public transport in cities to address congestion.

“In the major cities such as Melbourne and Brisbane, we have seen significant growth in public transport patronage on our bus and rail networks. In regional areas, we have also seen considerable growth, last year patronage for non-urban rail services grew by almost 15 per cent,” said Australasian Railway Association, CEO Bryan Nye.

“In cities with lower levels of patronage growth like Sydney, we are already operating at capacity, particularly during peaks. Unlocking capacity constraints in our systems will help place public transport as a key solution to road congestion, reducing carbon emissions, and our dependence on imported oils.”

“The Federal Government must take the lead role in capacity building and planning for public transport across Australia. It needs to increase infrastructure funding and assisting State Governments to deliver more services where they are needed,” said Nye.

“While cardiovascular disease kills an Australian every 11 minutes, physical inactivity is a major health problem in its own right, said Dr Lyn Roberts, National CEO Heart Foundation.

“More than half of Australian adults (54%) are not sufficiently physically active to gain health benefits. Physical inactivity kills 16000 Australians a year and costs our health budget $1.5billion annually.

“This poll tells us Australians want to be more active, use public transport that is frequent, reliable and accessible and they want the infrastructure in place to encourage walking and cycling. Increased investment will encourage public transport patronage in our cities and unblock two kinds of arteries – ours and traffic,” said Dr Roberts

“The poll identified that 85% of Australians want the Federal Government to spend money on better planning to make walking and cycling for transport simple and convenient options,” said Government Relations Manager for the Cycling Promotion Fund Stephen Hodge. “Better planning will provide a more efficient transport network for all users.”’

The poll was initiated by a Coalition of seven key bodies; the Australasian Railway Association, Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Local Government Association, Bus Industry Confederation, Cycling Promotion Fund, Heart Foundation, and International Public Transport Association.
________________________________________

To organise interviews and photo opportunities with any speakers in the release, please call
Emma Woods, 0438 209 588
Isuru Neelagama, 0451 005 661
Monique Blunden, 0414 789 849
Download Joint Media Release
Joint Media Release: Australians want carbon cash spent on public transport: Poll
Background Information

The full polling report from Auspoll is available on request by calling Isuru Neelagama on 0451 005 661. A backgrounder for journalists including maps of seats where voters are most affected by increases in fuel prices is available by calling Isuru Neelagama on 0451 005 661.

At first it seemed to belong to the realm of fairy tales. When New Zealand’s first professional cycling outfit was launched last year, the men behind Pure Black Racing talked of a vision of one day competing in the Tour de France.

While there have been a number of Kiwi individuals who have performed with distinction in the legendary race, the idea of a fully fledged team from this part of the world hurtling down the Champs-Elysees seemed hard to imagine. There is still a long way to go but Pure Black Racing have had an impressive start to their life, meeting most of their key milestones, and their success has been predicated on some good ol’ fashioned New Zealand virtues.

Last week on the Tour de Beauce in Quebec, the team took their first international road stage win at a UCI event – the achievement heightened by the fact that there were three Pro-Continental teams in the field.

That followed a series of top 10 finishes and stage wins all around the United States, highlighted by a sixth place in the prestigious Philadelphia Classic in June.

Like many sports, there is a clear and defined hierarchy in professional cycling.

At the top of the tree there are the 18 UCI professional teams, including Astana, Saxo Bank-SunGard (Alberto Contador) Team RadioShack (Lance Armstrong’s former team now featuring Saw Bewley and Jesse Sergent), Garmin Cerevelo (Julian Dean), HTC Highroad (Mark Cavendish) and Rabobank. They race on the UCI Pro Tour events, almost all in Europe and centred around the classic events in France, Spain and Italy.

The next tier down is the Pro-Continental tour, which has four teams based in the US and 19 others spread across Europe, who compete in events in Europe, Asia and the US (but mainly in Europe). These operations employ at least 14 riders, plus a myriad support staff, on a full-time basis for the entire year. Pure Black Racing sits at the next stage down, competing on the UCI continental tour. It is run on a regional basis, with separate tours based across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Central and South America, and Oceania.

At this level are over 60 teams out of Europe and 10 based in the US, as well as South American teams, Asian teams (including seven from China and four from Iran) and seven from Oceania. These teams vary from professional to semi-professional to essentially amateur; some will compete in only a few events and exclusively in their region and many riders are employed on a seasonal basis.

Pure Black race against mostly American teams across the US – it’s highly competitive, well funded – and a step above the standard in Australasia. But what they achieved in Quebec, by holding their own and indeed winning a stage against Pro-Continental teams, is the equivalent of an NPC rugby team knocking over a Super rugby side, or a team from English football’s Championship taking down a Premier League outfit.

Pure Black Racing was the brainchild of former Olympic and America’s Cup sailor Carl Williams. He had spent long periods on the bike for cross-training during his yachting career, and time spent in Valencia between 2006 and 2007 saw him catch the cycling bug. “I realised just how big the sport was in Europe,” says Williams, who was a Star class yachting world champion.

“I started to wonder if we could achieve something from New Zealand.” Back in New Zealand, Williams dived full-time into meeting potential backers and selling his dream to investors and sponsors.

Wellington-based technology entrepreneur Greg Cross became a business partner and Avanti has since come on board as a principal sponsor. The team was launched in July 2010 and their first event was the tour of Southland at the end of last year.

From humble beginnings, there are now 12 riders in the professional squad, including Olympians Tim Gudsell and Glen Chadwick. This number will grow to 16 next year and underneath the top level they have a development squad of nine under-23 riders.

As the goals get bigger and the climbs get tougher, Williams will recruit some international riders – though he stresses they will have to fit in with the culture and that there will always be a Kiwi spine to Pure Black Racing.

The team has been based in Boulder, Colorado, since March and will return home for the Australasian season in September. Williams reports that the team’s uniqueness, as well as some renowned Kiwi touches, has seen them make quite an impact on their first year away from home. “We have become crowd favourites over here,” says Williams, partly due to New Zealand’s popularity as a country but also because of their aggressive style of racing.

“The guys are very popular – they don’t hold back and people like them because they punch above their weight. “I will never forget racing in Alabama – where it is probably not a great idea to be called Pure Black Racing’ – and watching the crowds line the streets and wildly cheer us on.” Showing some New Zealand initiative, the team has also avoided hotel meals and the temptations of fast food by installing a large barbecue on to their race trailer, where they have barbecue meals at the end of each race day. Cross says that while the financial barriers remain formidable, they are far from insurmountable.

He estimates they need an annual budget of $12 million-$14 million to compete at the Tour de France and other events of that level – big money in New Zealand terms but a fraction of the cost of an America’s Cup team, an endeavour they are often compared to. “We hope that companies will see us as a great marketing platform on the world stage,” says Cross. “Everybody realises how big cycling is in Europe and the States but it is also growing in Asia and will only get bigger.”

Williams, who is based in the US as team operations manager and sporting director, says the logistics behind the squad have been one of the bigger challenges. “We have 20 riders, 50 racing bikes, over 100 sets of spare wheels – and then there is all the other equipment and supplies. It is a never-ending challenge.” Williams and Cross talk about reaching Tour de France level by 2015 and having a Pro-Continental team based in Europe in 2013.

They are convinced New Zealand has the depth of talent, and the greatest challenge is getting the infrastructure together. “It is very achievable and we think we have broken it down into bite-size pieces,” says Williams. “Just like rowing, cycling seems to suit the physiology of New Zealanders. We are providing another pathway which can only encourage more youngsters to stay in the sport and lead to long-term benefits for us as well.” Eventually, the dream will be to entice established professionals like Hayden Roulston, Greg Henderson and Julian Dean into the Pure Black jersey. At the moment this is a long way off – they would be reluctant to leave their well-paid job at some of Europe’s biggest teams to race one or two tiers below – but Williams is not one to dwell on negatives.

“They may join us, they may not – but I hope that the next wave of riders of their calibre will see us as the best option for their career.”

By Michael Burgess | Email Michael

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Amy’s Gran Fondo Official Launch
20th June 2011

Australia’s first ever Gran Fondo cycling event along the Great Ocean Road today received a $50,000 funding boost from the Victorian Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program.

Making the announcement at Brunetti’s City Square, the Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty was joined by Amy Gillett Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tracey Gaudry to launch the countdown to the event – start time Sunday 18 September 2011.

Mr Delahunty said the foundation and the race was established in honour of Amy Gillett who was tragically killed in a training accident in Germany in 2005. The race course is based on one of her favourite places to ride; along the Great Ocean Road.

“Events like the Amy’s Gran Fondo are a great opportunity to promote Victoria’s fantastic regional areas and natural beauty as well as providing a significant boost to local sports, tourism, investment and community spirit,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The event also encourages people of all abilities to get involved, and that’s why the Victorian Government is delighted to provide $50,000 from its Significant Sporting Events Program towards the Gran Fondo.

“This European-inspired race gives cyclists of all ages and abilities the chance to don their cycling gear and test their mettle on a 120km circuit featuring iconic Great Ocean Road, the Surf Coast and Colac Otway regions. Best of all, it’s all for a great cause.

“Funds raised go towards initiatives that take the message of safe cycling and driver awareness of cyclists on our roads to schools throughout Australia. Competitors will be treated to family-friendly food and entertainment activities with cyclists and fans also able to take in a two-day cycling expo at Lorne during the event weekend.

“There is also over $20,000 in prize money up for grabs, but be quick to register because there’s only a limited 3,000 spots available in the event. I encourage cyclists of all abilities to sign up for this fantastic event which promises to be a once in a life time experience,” he said.

Highlights of the launch can be viewed courtesy of SBS;

http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/video/484446/Amy-Gillett-Foundation-ride

Since 2004 James Hodgkinson and Ross Ellice-Flint have organised an event called the 20/Twenty Challenge that raises money for the Spastic Centre. They proposed a different event to support Giant Steps. Peter Beaumont who is a keen cyclist suggested a bike ride from sea level to the highest point in Australia. Neil Schafer, David Moffatt and Tony Abbott joined the brains trust and came up with the idea to ride from Bermagui on the South Coast to Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains. In 2005 there were 17 riders who did the inaugural ride and raised $145,672 to pay for two new playgrounds for the school.

In 2006 and 2007 the Surf to Summit ride started at Tathra and went through Cooma to avoid a section of gravel road between Nimmitabel and Beloka. The ride was just over 300 km and involved over 5,000 metres of climbing.
22 riders rode the course in 2006 and 27 in 2007 raising $156,340 and $242,068 respectively. This money paid for the conversion of a disused and dilapidated workshop into a wonderful Library/Resource Centre.
In 2008 we moved the ride to the Victorian Alps. Based in Bright the course went out and back each day to Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Mt Buffalo respectively. Again the total distance was just over 300 km with nearly 5,000 metres ascending.
In 2009 39 riders rode from Bright over the same course as in 2008 and raised $275,000 in spite of the Global Financial Crisis. The money raised helped Giant Steps establish a post school program for young adults with autism. It is the first of its kind in Australia.
Last year the 3 Day Bike Ride was held in South Australia. It was based in McLaren Vale and involved rides up into the Adelaide Hills, down to Port Elliot and around the Willunga Hill circuit that features in the Tour Down Under. $295,550 was raised bringing the total since inception to over $1.4 million
This year the ride will again be based in McLaren Vale and will follow a similar route.
The rise will cover 340 km climbing over 4000 metres and will include a 7.3 km time trial up Norton Summit and Willunga Hill made famous by the Tour Down Under
Sponsoring a rider…
You can support Giant Steps by sponsoring a rider through a tax deductible donation. Go to www.giantsteps.net.au/events/threedaybikeride
Nominate a rider and Hit the Donate button providing the required information. You can use PayPal or your Credit Card. All donations are tax deductible. DGR32778
No administration fee will be charged other than a small service fee for PayPal and your credit card provider.
For large donations you can avoid the service fee by making a payment by cheque or direct debit. Contact Michelle Jocum (02) 9879 4971 for details.
Cornerstone

MEDIA RELEASE

12 August 2010

Active transport could save 16 000 lives.

Major political parties have been urged to embrace active transport as part of the policy cure for the challenges of chronic disease, climate change, congestion and pollution.

The call was made today by a unique partnership of organisations from the health, transport and local government sectors.

The five groups – The Australian Local Government Association, Bus Industry Confederation, Cycling Promotion Fund, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the International Association of Public Transport – today launched a policy framework,

An Australian Vision for Active Transport, which sets out a nine point plan for a national approach to boosting participation in walking, cycling and public transport. Initiatives include support for infrastructure, social marketing campaigns, embedding Healthy Spaces and Places planning principles into practice and enhancing safety for walkers and cyclists.

“Encouraging Australians to use more active forms of transport rather than cars or taxis has a very wide range of benefits, Vice President of the Australian Local Government Association, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said.

“Once adopted, our vision for active transport in Australia has potential to impact at least five major areas of government policy:
1. local economy – towns with high levels of public transport use are wealthier, happier and more sustainable
2. climate change and pollution fewer cars reduces greenhouse gases and improves air quality
3. congestion more cycle ways and footpaths reduces cars on the road
4. prevention physical activity reduces chronic disease and social isolation
5. savings for government – by easing the economic burden of chronic disease caused by inactivity.

“At an individual level, Australians will reap the benefits of improved physical and mental health from being more active in the community as well as the cost savings associated with active transport,” Mayor Lewis said.

“The broader community benefits from lower emissions and reduced traffic congestion and there are huge economic benefits associated with the reduced direct and indirect healthcare costs of a more active Australia estimated at more than $1.5 billion a year.” Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO National, Heart Foundation said, “We need to make these healthier transport choices the easier choices by re-fitting our communities to promote physical activity – not obesity.”

“Physical inactivity is a major health problem in its own right. Disturbingly, about half of Australian adults (54%) are not sufficiently physically active to gain health benefits and this could lead to an estimated 16 000 premature deaths every year, robbing families of their loved ones,” Dr Roberts said.

“Active transport is one of the largest opportunities we have to address the major issues facing society and changing people s travel habits to forms other than the private car can significantly improve Australia s quality of life,” International Association of Public Transport Executive Director, Peter Moore said.

“Public transport can make a major contribution, but it needs expanded capacity and we need incentives for Australians to take public transport through enhanced infrastructure and quality, cost effective, high performance systems,” he said.

“Cycling and walking infrastructure is cheap, provides significant benefits for all communities and is ideal for getting to our local public transport trip” said Cycling Promotion Fund spokesman, Stephen Hodge.

“The Bus Industry Confederation supports broad public transport reform,” Executive Director of Bus Industry Confederation, Michael Apps said.

“We are not interested in arguments about which form of transport is “best’ , because each has their role to play. We do know that people who use public transport get five times more physical activity than those who drive, so we need greater synergy of public transport in Australia. By highlighting our mutual resolve to work together, we hope this sheds light on this issue for policy makers across the country,” Mr. Apps said.

It’s in the national interest for the Commonwealth to be involved in the provision of public and active transport to address congestion, climate change, social isolation and inactivity levels. And this initiative provides the clear direction and actions needed for a healthier, happier, cleaner and greener Australia.
• Download: An Australian Vision for Active Transport (PDF, 4M)

For more information please contact:

Australian Local Government Association: Amanda Lynch 0419 123 862

Bus Industry Confederation: Michael Apps 0418 487 930

Cycling Promotion Fund: Stephen Hodge 0411 149 910

Heart Foundation: Kirsten Andrews 0413 777 404

International Association of Public Transport: Peter Moore 0404 052 635

Photos available of Canberra event now available

MEDIA RELEASE

12 August 2010

Active transport could save 16 000 lives.

Major political parties have been urged to embrace active transport as part of the policy cure for the challenges of chronic disease, climate change, congestion and pollution.

The call was made today by a unique partnership of organisations from the health, transport and local government sectors.

The five groups – The Australian Local Government Association, Bus Industry Confederation, Cycling Promotion Fund, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the International Association of Public Transport – today launched a policy framework,

An Australian Vision for Active Transport, which sets out a nine point plan for a national approach to boosting participation in walking, cycling and public transport. Initiatives include support for infrastructure, social marketing campaigns, embedding Healthy Spaces and Places planning principles into practice and enhancing safety for walkers and cyclists.

“Encouraging Australians to use more active forms of transport rather than cars or taxis has a very wide range of benefits, Vice President of the Australian Local Government Association, Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said.

“Once adopted, our vision for active transport in Australia has potential to impact at least five major areas of government policy:
1. local economy – towns with high levels of public transport use are wealthier, happier and more sustainable
2. climate change and pollution fewer cars reduces greenhouse gases and improves air quality
3. congestion more cycle ways and footpaths reduces cars on the road
4. prevention physical activity reduces chronic disease and social isolation
5. savings for government – by easing the economic burden of chronic disease caused by inactivity.

“At an individual level, Australians will reap the benefits of improved physical and mental health from being more active in the community as well as the cost savings associated with active transport,” Mayor Lewis said.

“The broader community benefits from lower emissions and reduced traffic congestion and there are huge economic benefits associated with the reduced direct and indirect healthcare costs of a more active Australia estimated at more than $1.5 billion a year.” Dr Lyn Roberts, CEO National, Heart Foundation said, “We need to make these healthier transport choices the easier choices by re-fitting our communities to promote physical activity – not obesity.”

“Physical inactivity is a major health problem in its own right. Disturbingly, about half of Australian adults (54%) are not sufficiently physically active to gain health benefits and this could lead to an estimated 16 000 premature deaths every year, robbing families of their loved ones,” Dr Roberts said.

“Active transport is one of the largest opportunities we have to address the major issues facing society and changing people s travel habits to forms other than the private car can significantly improve Australia s quality of life,” International Association of Public Transport Executive Director, Peter Moore said.

“Public transport can make a major contribution, but it needs expanded capacity and we need incentives for Australians to take public transport through enhanced infrastructure and quality, cost effective, high performance systems,” he said.

“Cycling and walking infrastructure is cheap, provides significant benefits for all communities and is ideal for getting to our local public transport trip” said Cycling Promotion Fund spokesman, Stephen Hodge.

“The Bus Industry Confederation supports broad public transport reform,” Executive Director of Bus Industry Confederation, Michael Apps said.

“We are not interested in arguments about which form of transport is “best’ , because each has their role to play. We do know that people who use public transport get five times more physical activity than those who drive, so we need greater synergy of public transport in Australia. By highlighting our mutual resolve to work together, we hope this sheds light on this issue for policy makers across the country,” Mr. Apps said.

It’s in the national interest for the Commonwealth to be involved in the provision of public and active transport to address congestion, climate change, social isolation and inactivity levels. And this initiative provides the clear direction and actions needed for a healthier, happier, cleaner and greener Australia.
• Download: An Australian Vision for Active Transport (PDF, 4M)

Food, mountain bike riding, pampering. Can any girl think of a better way to spend a weekend? Eight girls joined us in Daylesford in July to try it out.

Tasma House was our base for the weekend. I was running late having misplaced my MTB shoes. So instead of cooking a relaxed dinner, we sat down to hastily prepared pasta, salad and vino – and all relaxed anyway.

Day 1 – Hepburn Springs circuit, Cidery, massage, Indian

After breakfast we rode from home base to the course in Hepburn Springs. The country side is truly spectacular and we had the optimum conditions of sunny, crisp days and no wind. A five-hour ride of undulations and some technical aspects brought us to lunch which was waiting at a picnic table beside the river ready for us to inhale.

Enough riding for day one. Off we went to the Cidery for a quick tour and explanation of producing cider – and taste test of course. A massage back at Tasma House and we were ready for dinner.

Chauffeur Steve took us to the spectacular Dhaba At the Mill  http://www.dhabaatthemill.com/ in Kyneton. They don’t usually take bookings, but Steve the magician waved his wand and a fantastic table was ready for the 11 of us when we arrived. For $25 each, we were treated to everything on the menu. Ravenous as we were, I still came home with four tubs of leftovers and ate Indian for the rest of the week!

Back home, some of the camp continued the riding theme and sat up watching MTB DVDs.

Day 2 – Skills training, chocolate and facials

Next day riders, van and trailer headed to Jubberland, a private property near Castlemaine. On an 8 km loop Jake from Castlemaine Cycles and Steve from Body Torque Bike Shop hosted a skills training session.

Back in the van and off to the chocolate factory. Mmm – hot choclolate with chilli and selected chocs from the display cabinet. Back to Tasma House for facial before having to return to normal life in Melbourne.

Getting dirty again

Having now tested the theory, we can confidently say a girls dirty weekend is a lot of fun. If you’d like to try it, let m. We’ll be running more weekends in the future and will advise dates once they’re organised.

Got my Birthday Present early!

Eliza Ahearn & Charlie Baker were the lucky winners from Pt Lonsdale Primary School. Both Eliza & Charlie entered the Body Torque Bike Shop Colouring competition and were preseneted a Scooter each for being the winners of the competition at their end of term Assembly. Charlie had a Scooter on his Wish List for his birthday in July – and much to his Mums delight and himself, he won a Scooter!

Enjoy the School Holidays!