Helimann gears up for new challenge

By Tania Martin
GERRY Helimann, 82, of Kallista is living proof that exercise keeps the body, mind and spirit young.
He is getting ready to take part in his 7th Great Victorian Bike Ride next week when he will ride 521 kilometres from Wangaratta to Whittlesea.
Helimann has also been a volunteer at the bike ride three times directing riders where to go with a giant foam finger.
He has competed in the Tasmanian Great Bike Ride thrice, done seven Around the Bay in a Day rides, three Queensland rides and one in Western Australia.
Helimann, not only a keen rider, has Victorian records in high jump, long jump and triple jump and on his 80th birthday decided to try his hand at skydiving.
He first started riding after he purchased a bicycle in 1997 and hasn’t look back since.
Helimann uses each bike ride as training for his next big challenge.
Riding his bike is not only a way for Helimann to stay young but is keeping his heart healthy.
Despite having a triple bypass in 1990 and a valve replacement operation in 1992, Helimann can still ride the great bike rides with the best of the field.
“My cardiologist actually recommends riding to keep my heart healthy,” he said.
“I’m just head over heals about life and if I can stay healthy I will continue riding as long as I can.”