Cycling Without Age Gippsland is back on the road after its winter break, with a busy first week of rides at Lake Guthridge in Sale.
The volunteer-run charity welcomed passengers from Central Gippsland Health before hosting 16 visitors from the Australian Floral Art Association Convention for free trishaw rides around the lake.
The rides marked a strong return for the service, which provides free outings for older Gippslanders and people with limited mobility, helping them stay connected with their community and enjoy the outdoors.
Gippsland Art Gallery hosted the Association’s 50th anniversary convention, Flowers in the Middle of Everywhere, bringing floral art enthusiasts to Sale to celebrate the milestone event.
Cycling Without Age Gippsland was delighted to play a small part in the celebrations, giving convention guests the opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy the surrounds of Lake Guthridge and experience a ride aboard one of the charity’s specially designed electric trishaws.
The weather provided perfect conditions, with passengers and volunteer pilots enjoying plenty of smiles, conversation and fresh air along the way.
Cycling Without Age Gippsland honorary chair Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said it was wonderful to have the trishaws back on the road following the winter break.
“Our volunteer pilots have loved welcoming passengers back aboard, and with the warmer weather starting to roll in, we’re looking forward to plenty more rides in the weeks and months ahead,” Mr Chester said.
“Our rides are about much more than cycling. They provide an opportunity for connection, conversation and time outdoors for people who may no longer be able to ride a bike for themselves.
“Whether it’s a regular ride, an aged care group or visitors to our region, we love being able to give people the opportunity to experience the simple joy of feeling the wind in their hair.
“We’re grateful to everyone who joined us last week and, of course, to our wonderful volunteers who make every ride possible.”
Upcoming ride sessions are now open for bookings, with free rides available through Cycling Without Age Gippsland’s online booking system: https://bookwhen.com/cwagippsland
Each booking can accommodate up to two passengers.
Cycling Without Age Gippsland is also keen to hear from people interested in joining its growing team of volunteers, including those interested in becoming trained trishaw pilots.
Anyone who wants to learn more about volunteering or arrange a group ride can email cwagippsland@gmail.com.
