RETRO RIDE CHANGING LIVES

BY REBECCA THOMPSON

 

It’s 6am on a weekday morning. Sun begins to peek through the trees surrounding My Sweetopia in Southbank shining on Lycra-clad cyclists gathering for coffee and cupcakes. Among these cyclists is 20 year-old Holly Greenwood. She sits up straight in her chair, slowly making her way through the chocolate on top of her cappuccino in between saying hi to the cyclists around her.

 

“The cycling community’s really tight-knit. It’s a lot of fun and because I’ve ridden for so long I’ve grown up with the cycling gang and we’re more than just riding buddies or training partners, we are good mates who socialise on and off the bike."

 

This tight-knit cycling community that Holly speaks of made it possible for her to organise her second-annual Brisbane Retro Ride which raises money for World Bicycle Relief. Friday the 21st of March saw the regular cycling river loop transformed into a blast from the past. The easy morning ride took the form of 60 cyclists wearing their daggiest, most cringe-worthy cycling gear all in the name of a special organisation called World Bicycle Relief.

 

World Bicycle Relief was founded in 2005 in response to the Indian Ocean Tsunami. The organisation partnered with aid organisations in Sri Lanka and distributed over 24,000 bikes to victims of the tragedy as a means of empowering them. This effort during the tragedy was a great success so they didn’t stop there –they kept extending their reach and now they distribute bikes to 13 countries around the world and continue to empower those in need.

 

When asked about why she chose World Bicycle Relief as a charity, Holly’s eyes widened with the enthusiasm that is only seen in the most passionate of people. “I chose to raise money for World Bicycle Relief as I really believe in their cause. As a public health student at university I understand the link between transportation, health, and education.

 

”“People have really gotten behind this”, Holly says. “Ultimately, from a realist point of view, it’s all very well and good to raise money for things but this won’t always stop the problem forever. But I do believe that whoever is lucky enough to be given a bike, this will change their lives. It’s not every day that you can say you’ve changed a life.

 

”So how, when there are so many other fundraising events and charities always coming up with new initiatives to raise money, did she believe that her Retro Ride would have the potential for success? “Brisbane has such a vibrant cycling community and a passion for bikes that I thought this would be an appropriate charity to raise money for. We all connect to our bikes and understand the value of it in our lives – whether it be a form of transportation or as a tool for training."

 

“It’s a bit embarrassing but I’m known in the cycling community as the ‘Kangaroo girl’. I dress up in a kangaroo suit and hop along the side of the road at various cycling events to cheer on my fellow riders.”This explains why hopping Holly chose such a fun theme for her ride. “I wanted to do something to get the whole cycling community to come together but I didn’t want it to be an ordinary ride which is why I made the retro theme, so people could come dressed in their best old school cycling gear. It makes things interesting and makes us stand out and have passers-by wonder what we’re on about.

 

”In the final year of her public health degree at QUT, Holly has managed to balance her work commitments at River City Cycles and Diabetes Queensland along with her cycling and study commitments. Holly pauses for bit “to be honest I leave a lot of things to the last minute”, she laughs. “But somehow I manage to get it all done. I get up at 5 most mornings to go for a ride so at least I’ve got that out of the way. Then I just do as best as I can to get things done and of course have a little bit of fun along the way.”

 

The success of the second annual Retro Ride has reminded Holly that the 5am starts and 100-kilometre rides are all worth it. “We raised 58% more than we did last year and about sixty people came along which was amazing! I felt so much support and it really reminded me of why I do this.” People have dug deep as well, “even people I hardly know and who are not part of the cycling community donated and I think that’s pretty special. It just goes to show how generous people can be."

 

Holly’s boss at River City Cycles, Craig Saunders, is proud of Holly’s efforts. “Holly’s a really driven and hardworking girl,” he says, “she’s done a lot for the shop and manages to pour her heart and soul into her work here as well as all of her other endeavours. She is a very positive influence on the cycling community and her hard work and good attitude doesn’t go unnoticed.

 

”Holly wanted to raise $800 this year to improve on last year’s $670. This year, she has raised $1146 to date. Comments from donators on her fundraising page such as “you’re a star, Holly” and “great work, Holly. You’ve donated to a great cause” are further motivation to organise next year’s ride.

 

“So far with the money raised, eight bikes will be distributed across Africa. This won’t just change eight lives, it will change the lives of the families of these people. They will no longer have to walk to get to school or get food or access health care. These bikes will be great motivation for them to get moving and experience a greater quality of life.

 

Bikes are great. They take a bit of time to master and you always have to exercise caution but it’s so worth it.Holly is now looking forward to hearing how the lives of people have been changed by these bikes. “World Bicycle Relief will send me some testimonials about how the bikes have helped the recipients and I can’t wait for that.”