The launch | Cyclingnews

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Lorian Graham at the launch(Image credit: Pete Forbes)

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Fortunately, Ben Brooks (Jelly Belly) was on hand in his home town to re-map the route for organisers, Pete Forbes and Nick Gallo, so that the group of around thirty riders from the local clubs of Muswellbrook and Singleton could still make their way to the Wyndham Estate Winery. Muswellbrook Cycling Club showed their presence with four father and son teams. Amongst our riders was a keen cyclist getting back on the bike after a knee replacement and a pacemaker that was not two months old. Our local riders were joined by the core group that will be making the adventure to Brisbane (Nick Gallo - Maitland, Pete Forbes - Brisbane, Craig Sorensen - Maitland, Terry Peters - Brisbane, Dave Thomson - Brisbane and Pete's brother Michael - Melbourne). Our special guest Matthew White together with Ben Brooks led the riders through the more scenic regions of the Hunter Valley to rejoin the New England highway at Branxton.

Amy was truly with us today, providing us with a ride in fair weather and a tailwind. With a massive tailwind blowing at their backs, the riders made good pace to complete the ride and gather at the picturesque Wyndham Estate Winery (at least the finish location was appropriate for a few wine buffs!). A well deserved BBQ lunch was provided for the riders, well sponsored by Bakers Delight and Muffin Break, as well as the Cravin' Coffee Cruiser. The uniquely pimped Landcruiser able to produce superb coffee will be travelling with the team through to Ballina. Our riders do travel with a touch of class!

At this gathering, supporters were able to contribute to the Foundation through the daily raffle as well as purchase tickets in the progressive raffle to be promoted at each of the venues along the 900 kilometre course. The major prize draw for the progressive raffle is a Cannondale Six13 bike kitted with Shimano Dura-Ace components. A tidy sum of $1500 was raised today which included a contribution of $100 from the Singleton Council.

A progressive silent auction for various memorabilia including signed cycling jerseys was also initiated. Our jerseys include a signed world championship long sleeve track jersey donated by Anna Meares, signed by the Australian Track Team that recently returned from Moscow; those same signatures also find themselves on another AIS jersey with the all-too-familiar world champion bands on the colour and sleeves; Amy's surviving team-mates donated a skinsuit and road jersey with all of their signatures; Stuart O'Grady from his overseas base has donated a signed Cofidis jersey; our two-time World Cup champion Oenone Wood has donated one of her Nürnberger jerseys. Lorian was also invited to address a group assembled at the winery and they took the opportunity make donations to the cause. She was overwhelmed with the support shown.

Our riders will be staying with Best Western Motels at each town in a sponsorship arrangement. Corporate sponsors Australian Financial Solutions, Insurance Australia Group and Rio Tinto Coal Australia have helped kick the foundation ride along with healthy financial contributions. Riders will be supported on the road by Lorian Graham in control of the support vehicle provided to us by Safe Drive Training.

Organised by 2005 Australian road champion Lorian Graham, the 10-day Amy Gillett Foundation Charity Ride is aimed at raising awareness among motorists and cyclists to promote road safety. Kicking off in Maitland on Saturday, December 3 and finishing almost 1000 kilometres later in Brisbane on December 12, the group wishes to demonstrate that prevention of needless injuries and deaths on the roads, such as the one that killed Amy Gillett and seriously injured five of her team-mates in Germany this year, can be done with patience and respect. "It's not such a big ask for everyone to be more considerate," said Lorian. "Cyclists should obey the rules and drivers should be aware of cyclists and exercise caution. What's more important - a couple minutes of your time or someone's life?" Funds raised by the ride will go towards the Amy Gillett Foundation.