By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
PEDAL power and teamwork will carry six Sassafras students around Victoria later this month.
The Sherbooke Community School students will ride 500 kilometres from Albury to Lilydale in the annual Great Victorian Bike Ride.
Teacher Denise Dempsey has accompanied students on the bike ride since 2009 and says that the trip is a highlight each year.
“This year we have six students and two teachers from Sherbooke Community School, which is great for a school of only 140 students from Prep to Year 12.”
Ms Dempsey believes the main benefit of the ride is that the students learn to support each other.
“We see students working as a team and looking out for each other, as well as taking responsibility for themselves and other students.
“They also gain self-confidence. The challenges are great but they discover that just trying brings a lot of satisfaction and pride.”
The team will join students from 50 other schools taking part in the nine-day ride, and will camp each night in Victorian country towns. Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards said it was particularly encouraging to see students participating in the ride.
“It’s a great way to get students physically active and having the time of their lives.
“The RACV Great Vic is an unforgettable experience for everyone and can lead to lifelong healthy habits.”
For more information on the Great Victorian Bike ride visit www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/racv-great-victorian-bike-ride.
