By Mikayla van Loon
For long distance bike rider Mark Hansen, taking on the 300km Around the Bay challenge seemed like an easy decision when he signed on earlier this year.
But when the Croydon North man came off his bike and broke an ankle, it became a personal endeavour to be ready to ride again by 9 October.
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it at all but as I was doing the rehab, I thought I will do it and then I thought, well, I’ll give the ankle a real test and do the 300km. So it’s more of a challenge on the ankle,” he said.
Around the Bay will see riders venture through Point Nepean National Park, cross on the ferry from Sorrento to Queenscliff, through Geelong, Albert Park, Frankston and up Arthur’s Seat.
This will be the second time Mr Hansen has taken on the 300km ride and said the scenery of the route makes for an enjoyable experience, aside from the hills every now and then.
“I enjoy riding long distances. 300km itself, once you do a bit of cycling regularly, it’s just more cycling on that day.
“It’s not hugely challenging but the addition of going up Arthur’s Seat and around that area, there were quite a few hills so it’s a little bit tiring…as long as you’re not pushing yourself too hard it’s not a problem once you’re used to it.”
Riding sometimes up to 500km in a week to and from work, Mr Hansen said his body is fairly used to riding extreme distances.
Looking forward to having “a nice day out on the bike [and] chatting to a few people along the way”, Mr Hansen said it will be blissful to get away from the suburbs for a bit and experience a different part of nature.
“It’s enjoyable when you get away from the suburbs. Riding through the suburbs, sometimes it’s a little bit of a drag with all the lights,” he said.
“But once you get out past Geelong or on the Mornington Peninsula towards the end of it and coming towards Queenscliff, it’s a lot quieter, it’s enjoyable, the scenery is nice.”
Although grateful to live in an area where he can easily ride up hills in the Dandenong Ranges or out to Kinglake, Mr Hansen said the experience of riding for nearly 12 hours is something else entirely.
Around the Bay has partnered with charity The Smith Family since 1993, something Mr Hansen said is an added bonus of completing the ride.
“If it can help the charity along and help a few kids get an education, I think it’s worthwhile.”
Mr Hansen has already notched over his $1000 target but donations can still be made to help support his ride and The Smith Family by visiting www.aroundthebayfundraising.com.au/fundraisers/markhansen/2022
For more information about Around the Bay or to see the route, visit aroundthebay.com.au
