Students lap up bike fun

Strathalbyn Christian College’s annual bike-a-thon produced some impressive results at an expanded event in Strathalbyn recently.

For the first time in the event’s 29-year history, a 3km course through Strathalbyn was added so secondary students could participate, while primary school students rode laps of a 750m course around Muir Park.

The college’s marketing and community relations officer, Anna Hollander, said more than 90 students from kindergarten to Year 12, and volunteers and spectators, gathered for the long-held tradition.

Although the school raised funds for numerous charities and worthy causes, Mrs Hollander said the bike-a-thon was the only major fundraising event that directly benefited the college and the money raised would help purchase playground equipment. She said riders, which included parents and staff, sought sponsorship and rode as many laps as they could, making it an enjoyable family event for riders and spectators.

“It was a wonderful community atmosphere as parents gathered to cheer on the students as they completed laps around the park,” Mrs Hollander said.

Mackinnley Orr rode 43 laps, the equivalent of 32km, in two hours, which was the most of any rider in the primary school. Other outstanding riders included Phoebe Bootham (28 laps) and Camryn McKoy (23 laps) who completed the most laps in their year groups.

Pre-primary student Connor Harvey completed an impressive six laps of the course around Muir Park and Year 2 student, Riley Carter, completed an impressive 37 laps, also the most in his year group. And Theo Hollander completed 27 laps.

In the secondary school, Pieter Grobler completed the greatest distance, riding 12 laps, the equivalent of 36km, in two hours. Isaac Boase, who rode 10 laps, closely followed him.

Students who return their fundraising money by the date are eligible to win a bike donated by Member for Geraldton, Ian Blayney.