ANYONE who has ever completed an RPM or spin class can attest just how taxing they can be.
Imagine then, willingly subjecting yourself to the torture of 12 classes in succession.
That’s exactly what seven of Coota’s most dedicated fitness fanatics will endeavour to do as part of this year’s Ride For Light community fundraiser.
Now in its third year, the 2009 Ride for Light challenge will be held on Saturday, November 21 at the Come Alive Fitness Centre.
Once again Mark Elia and his team at Come Alive will be staging 12
consecutive RPM classes to which all members of the community, not just gym members, are invited to join in.
It will be bright and early that morning when Mark Loiterton, Paul Frilay, Michelle Gainsford, Kathy Lonergan, Casey Annetts, Cathy Jones and Adam Lynch will strap themselves in for the first of what is sure to be an exhausting sequence of puffing, panting and pedaling.
Twelve hours later, they will drag their weary bodies out of the saddle not only with a great sense of self satisfaction, but also the realization they have played a
leading role in raising funds for awareness of depression and mental health within their community.
To earn the ‘luxury’ of riding in all 12 classes on the day, the seven endurance
enthusiasts must raise at least $600,
however all six are hoping to top the $1000 mark.
Having completed four sessions in last year’s ride, Casey is predicting the 6am timeslot to be the hardest as she attempts the daring dozen.
“Simply because it’s so early in the morning,” the Cootamundra High School 2010 girls captain said.
“I’m keen to become involved with the local cycle club and ride
competitively, so I see this as a great way to help me prepare.”
Paul, who teaches at Coota High, has more profound reasons for
accepting the challenge.
As only he could, Paul quoted Welsh poet Dylan Thomas when asked for his reasoning behind the marathon attempt.
With his 50th birthday on the
horizon, Paul said “I will not go
quietly into that good night,” and he will ‘rage, rage against the dying of the light,”.
Both Casey and Paul will be hitting up the staff and students of the school for donations and word of their attempt has spread like wildfire in the school grounds.
Kathy and Michelle have been working out together for years now and have enjoyed being a part of the previous two Ride for Light days.
Seeing the 12 classes as a personal challenge, Kathy said the main reason for competing is to raise awareness of depression and mental health and that it is her way of ‘helping someone out there’.
Michelle is also looking forward to the challenge of completing all 12 classes, stating she will continue to work hard in the lead up to the event.
“It’s going to be tough, but I’m up for it,” Michelle said.
Kathy will be taking donations at IGA, while Michelle’s workplaces Beddies Pharmacy and the Foxes Elbow at the Country Club are happy for her to collect donations as well.
Of the seven, Mark should have the least trouble in terms of endurance.
As president of the local Cycle Club and an active rider for many years, Mark said he was motivated by the efforts of 2008 guest instructor Meg Chalker who completed all 12 classes.
“It was a brilliant day last year,” Mark said.
“To see so many people from within our community involved, many of who had never stepped foot into the gym let alone been on a bike was a real buzz.
“It proved yet again what the people of Cootamundra are willing to do for a common cause.
“When challenged people in this town put their shoulder to the wheel so to speak and do their best.
“Sam (Doidge, an instructor at Come Alive) threw down the
challenge to me to ride all 12 and after watching Meg push herself through all 12 last year I thought why not.”
Local residents wanting to be part of the unique fundraising event can book themselves a seat by contacting the gym on 6942 3084.
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