THE pedals begin turning this Saturday as Anthony Mann begins his 30,000 km solo journey around Australia. By bike.
The 18-month expedition, entitled OzByBike, will take him from the southernmost point of Australia to the easternmost, northernmost, westernmost, central, highest and lowest points of the country. Anthony expects to battle everything from freezing temperatures and blizzard conditions to hot dry deserts and days without access to water, plus the odd crocodile or two.
The aim of OzByBike is to promote cycling as a regular form of transport, and to encourage people to ‘get on their bikes’. “There are so many benefits from cycling to work or school as opposed to driving a car”, says 26 year-old Mr Mann. “For starters, it’s so much cheaper. Buying a bike costs about 1% that of a car, and costs nothing to run. The average car driver spends $600 a year in fuel alone just getting to and from work – not to mention the money spent on maintenance and parking!”
There are also huge benefits for the environment and your health. “Cycling is a clean, sustainable form of transport. By riding to work every day instead of driving, one person can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 1.2 tonnes! Your body will thank you for riding a bike: cycling regularly makes you a lot healthier, and reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and stress,” explains Mr. Mann. You just have to take one look at Shroomie to see how healthy and happy cycling makes you.
Shroomie, a 1-foot garden gnome, is accompanying Anthony on the expedition. “He’s always enjoyed getting out of the garden and exploring; so I figured I’d take him to see Australia with me. He’s a bit of a gnome-ad,” laughs Mr. Mann.
OzByBike departs from Cockle Creek, tomorrow, Saturday the 11th February. You can follow the expedition by keeping an eye on the OzByBike website: www.ozbybike.com, which will be updated regularly with photos and journal entries.
Mr. Mann invites people of all ages to join in the expedition when OzByBike leaves Hobart on the 19th February, with a 5km bike ride from the Cenotaph along the Intercity Cycleway. Meet at the Cenotaph at 9:30am for a 10am departure on the 19th February. For more information, contact Anthony on 0439 037 248 or refer to the website.
OzByBike would like to acknowledge several businesses that have offered support and sponsorship, including Icebreaker nature clothing, Snowgum, Island Cycle Tours and Cyclingo.
Oz by Bike leaves Hobart on the 19th February and will be celebrating with a 5km farewell ride from the Cenotaph, along the Hobart City Cycleway. Bring your friends and family, and come and join in as the 30,000 km journey begins!
What: 5 km farewell ride (½ an hour)
Where: Meet at the Hobart Cenotaph
When: Sunday 19th February 2006
Time: 9:30am for a 10am departure
For more info: www.ozbybike.com
or phone Anthony: 0439 037 248
