Highton resident Joanne Lad will participate in her fourth TAC People’s Ride next January as part of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race festival of cycling.
The People’s Ride offers both long and short course options, and the chance to ride with Australia’s only Tour de France winner Cadel Evans.
Ms Lad, 55, stepped it up a notch this year, riding in the long course option for the first time, and the very next day registered for the 2024 People’s Ride.
Though she had participated in triathlons in her 20s, Ms Lad had not cycled much for 20 years when she decided to do her first People’s Ride.
“That first year, I did the shorter (60km) course, and at that stage I had only been riding a maximum of 40 kilometres, so I was a bit nervous,” she said.
“But I didn’t even notice the 60kms, I just got caught up with different groups of people; catching up, chatting, having a laugh.”
She said taking on the longer course last year was another big step, but the camaraderie among riders had again kept her going.
“I kept running into this girl from Columbia, and we ended up riding the last two hours together,” she said.
“We lost each other on the way to Challambra (Climb), but we found each other back at the compound and spent a couple of hours hanging out, cooling down, enjoying the food and entertainment and just chilling.”
With the early bird discount for the People’s Ride expiring at the end of August, Ms Lad encouraged anyone who was considering taking part to take the plunge and register.
“Just do it; there are always people around you that will encourage you,” she said.
“The shorter course is quite doable, you can take your time, stop for a coffee or lunch in Barwon Heads before you turn around and come back.”
Visit www.cadelevansgreatoceanroadrace.com.au to register or for more information.
