Long hard ride

By Lia Bichel
NARRE Warren training partners put a creative spin on raising money for a bushfire victim at the Casey Arc last Wednesday.
Jarrod Bailey, 27, and Sam De Riter, 20, had an intense 16 hours of exercise to fundraise for their gym instructor who lost her Labertouche house to the infernos on Black Saturday.
The duo participated in triathlons and marathons in the past, but said this was the most they have exercised at one time.
They started peddling at 5.30am and finished at 9.30pm. They ate pasta and fruit while on the bike, drank plenty of water, and stopped only for toilet breaks.
“We wanted to do something crazy to get people’s attention and get more funds,” Mr Bailey said.
“She (gym instructor) is a good friend so we wanted to help,” Ms De Riter said.
“We thought the shock factor of riding a bike for such a long time would get people’s attention.”
The duo raised $2800, contributing more than half of the $4000 total raised by Casey Arc Gym. The foyer was decorated with signs, fans, donation tins, and supporters who were amazed by their efforts.
“I took a spinning class, I nearly died after 60 minutes,” Berwick resident Belinda told the News. “Here they are doing it all day, that’s a pretty big effort. It’s amazing.”
Mr Bailey said his legs were turning to jelly during the last hour of the ride, but the supporters kept him spinning.
“The last hour and a half was pretty tough,” he said, “but my mum and girlfriend came to support us, and there were people counting us down in the foyer.”
The fitness instructor was unaware the duo had planned to raise money for her, and when she learnt of their efforts, she was overwhelmed with emotion.
“She couldn’t speak,” Ms De Riter said. “She was so happy.”