From paddle to pedal – career change brings success

The AGF is pleased to announce Amber Halliday as this year's winner of the AGF Sporting Scholarship and welcome her as an ambassador for the foundation. Amber, a former Olympic rower, demonstrates many parallel qualities to Amy. Not only has she switched from rowing to cycling, she is already proving to be a champion showing tenacity to win the NZCT Women's Cycle Tour of New Zealand last month after only a month in competitive cycling. Read more and watch her in action at the Monash University Wind Tunnel.

On Saturday 7th of March in superb clear conditions the first Regional Amy’s Ride was held in Albury, it was also the first NSW Amy’s Ride. The participant numbers were evenly split with 113 riders in each of the the 124 km and 40km rides. The 124km ride, commencing at 7:00am rode through the undulating NSW and Victorian border areas, including crossing the Hume Dam wall and a couple of challenging hills. The 40km ride, starting at 8:00am, stayed closer to Albury but also went through each State and included the picturesque ride across the Hume Dam wall. Read more.

If you need a reason to get on your bike, a cycling event in your local area could be the inspiration you’re looking for. The AGF is the benefiting charity of several rides around the country – check out what’s happening or visit one of the following websites:

Second Annual Ami for Amy - Sydney - April 5

On Sunday April 1st, 2007 Ami Olian was hit by a car and killed while riding his bike. Out of the darkness of the loss the Olian family have endured they have created an ongoing initiative to help other individuals and families avoid suffering the same tragedy. You can contribute to the generosity of the Olian family, who are donating all funds raised to the AGF, through donating to the Ami for Amy fund or participating in their second annual “Ami for Amy ride/walk/run” event on Sunday, 5th April, 2009 at Centennial Park in Sydney for a run, walk or ride beginning at 8am.

Goulburn to Citi Corporate Charity Ride - September 20

Help raise money for the foundation by joining the AGF team on a fundraising challenge running concurrently with New South Wales' oldest bike race, the Goulburn to Citi on 20 September, 2009. Please call the office on (03) 9863 7041or email info@amygillett.org.au to register your interest.

Ride to the Mountain - October

The ride will be hosted by V8 driver Cameron McConville along with the AGF and will involve over 750km of riding over six days in early October, prior to the Bathurst 1000. With additional activities being organised, this will be more an adventure than a ride. Interested individuals or Companies who would like to participate in this ride and help raise money for the AGF’s programs should contact Tony Fox at the AGF on 03 9863 7041or email info@amygillett.org.au

The Cycling Promotion Fund and the Amy Gillett Foundation have produced a series of video clips designed to improve road safety. The dramatic increase in bicycle rider numbers over recent years has lead to large numbers of relatively inexperienced bicycle riders. These video clips provide bicycle riders and ‘would be’riders with practical tips on how to avoid some common hazards when riding in traffic. Read more or watch the videos.

With more and more people cycling on our roads, the AGF is keen to ensure that the next generation of road users know the road rules relating to car/bicycle interactions on our roads.

Road-Right is a web-based education program which encourages learner drivers to answer a series of questions and scenarios pertaining to cyclists and motorists sharing the roads, one or more of which will be used randomly during the compulsory test all learner drivers are now required to pass to obtain their provisional licence.

If answered correctly, the entrant will be placed in a prize draw for instant, monthly prizes or the annual prize of a Volvo C30 S. Current competition runs until 30 June, 2009

This coming weekend AGF Patron, Mark Webber, competes in the 2009 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne.  Webber knows all too well how riders come off second best when involved in an accident with a vehicle. Last year, whilst competing in the Mark Webber Challenge, he was involved in an accident with a car and seriously broke his leg and shoulder. We wish him the best of luck in the race.

Recently, around the Nation, there appears to be more and more discussion about cyclists needing to display registration plates like cars and motorbikes. Tell us what you think by emailing info@amygillett.org.au