The Great Alfred Bike Ride - A chance to ride with cycling legend, Phil Anderson

THE GREAT ALFRED BIKE RIDE: CYCLING TO SAVE LIVES

A rare opportunity to ride alongside one of Australia’s pre-eminent cyclists, Phil Anderson, will be a reality for 25 lucky cyclists. The world-class, challenging route, which has been specially-designed by Phil Anderson himself, will cover 800km in just seven days, taking riders from Bairnsdale to Melbourne. The event will run from 18-24 November 2012.

Those cycling in The Great Alfred Bike Ride will be raising money for The Alfred’s critical care and trauma centre. More than 54,750 people were treated in The Alfred’s Emergency and Trauma Centre in the last 12 months. In the same period, more than 20,500 surgeries were performed and in excess of 400,000 people entrusted their medical care to The Alfred.
Phil Anderson is well known for being the first Australian (and the first non-European) to win the prestigious yellow jersey in the Tour de France. He won the yellow jersey 11 times and rose to number one in the world. He has won multiple gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and had a career spanning 16 years.

"I am really excited at the prospect of all this ride can achieve,” Phil said. “I remain absolutely passionate about cycling and I am grateful that I can lend my expertise to a wonderful cause. Through this ride, cycling continues to provide flow on benefits for not only the riders involved but the wider community.

"This will be a challenging course for some and it will be a privilege to be able to share the road in the beautiful Victorian countryside with all the participants,” Phil added.

Alfred Health’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Stripp is also looking forward to participating in the ride.

“This challenge is a great way to mix a passion of mine while giving back to the community.

“The Alfred is important to a lot of groups in our community, including cyclists. The incidence of serious bicycling injury has risen over recent years with an average of 5,200 emergency presentations a year for bicycle injuries; that’s a lot,” Andrew said.

“Working at The Alfred has allowed me to see first hand the amazing work that goes on day to day here, so I am proud to be able to ride to support an organisation that takes care of our city as a whole.”

Places are strictly limited. To register your interest please visit www.greatalfredbikeride.org.au or phone Cath on 9076 2770.

Take the challenge. Pedal for life. Sign up today and help save lives.