U3A ride easy in Westbury

APRIL 2018

A COLOURFUL cycling group has recently appeared on the streets of Westbury. Cyclists are a frequent sight on our beautiful country roads but this group is different – men and women riding slowly in straggly single file, participating in a Meander Valley U3A activity led by Russ Witcombe. Russ, who recently moved from the mainland, took up cycling after retirement to join Rotary mates on long distance charity rides and enjoyed the regular exercise, friendship and coffee.

To provide an opportunity for beginner riders to share his passion, Russ started the group for casual cycling around the “flat” streets of Westbury. His invitation to “join us for fun, fitness and friendship ... stronger riders welcome but will pedal slower!” must have captured imaginations as twenty people enrolled.

On Wednesday mornings, members meet at the Village Green. Riders have been surprised that there are quite a few hills that aren’t noticed when they travel by car. The weekly ride was not enough for one beginning rider, so to improve his fitness he organised additional rides between the Wednesday rides.

Things are on a roll for MVU3A this year after sponsorship from Deloraine & Districts Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank, making it easier for U3A to share affordable courses and activities. A strong U3A group benefits the whole community – members involved with local activities remain in the district to support businesses and add to local vibrancy.

For information about MVU3A, phone 0484 758 466 or www.mvu3a.org.

Photo | Beryl Pearn