Brendan Smith has been taking part in Australia’s largest one day bike ride since 2017.
Usually cycling alongside his friends from an old workplace, this year’s ride is a little different for Brendan as he hits the road with his seven-year-old son Elijah.
Australia’s biggest bike ride, United Energy Around the Bay, takes place on Sunday, October 8. The day is set to be a game-changer for riders of all ages and cycling levels from the 17km family ride to the iconic 220km classic and the exclusive 300km club.
The Caroline Springs duo, Brendan and his son Elijah will be taking part in the 17km family ride. Brendan said his first ride in 2017, was a tiresome 100km ride, made easier with the company of his friends.
“I thought it’d be more ambitious than it was, but we cruised along and averaged about 25kms an hour. Catching up with friends that I used to work with was the highlight of the day and I guess was why I kept coming back each year,” he said.
After cheering on his dad in previous years, this year will be Elijah’s first time taking part in the event.
“When I rode last year, my wife brought him down. He met me at the finish line, and I could just see the excitement on his face. I saw some other little kids with their bikes and I thought next year I’d get Elijah down with me,” Brendan said.
Brendan said he encourages everyone to get involved and give the ride a go, describing the feeling of reaching the finishing line as ‘rewarding’.
“It’s not as hard as it sounds, and with everyone riding around you it inspires you to go that little bit further and push yourself a little more,” he said.
Hannah Hammoud
