SEMI-RETIRED local cinema photographer Ron Ekkel with a 38-year history with the ABC is swapping the camera for a set of wheels for his fourth Great Victorian Bike Ride which includes a rest day in Mansfield this week.
A relatively newcomer to Mansfield three years ago, Ron has embraced community life with great enthusiasm.
Describing himself as a “keen cyclist” he discovered six months ago the Mansfield Social Cyclists Group as a way to keep fit and socialise.
When the Courier caught up with Ron last week he was one of 10 other group members involved in a working bee on the rail trail near Mansfield.
“The Mansfield Social Cyclists is a wonderful group of delightful people,” said Ron.
Latest Stories
He said it was a great way to get to know your community and everyone had been so welcoming.
“The group got my wife Sue involved too who now rides with us,” he said.
It started in 2017 when newcomer to Mansfield Judy Flanders decided to post on the noticeboard in the centre of town asking for any expressions of interest to meet up for social bike rides.
Having moved from Bright where cycling was a regular part of her life, there was no group in Mansfield for social bike rides with others.
From humble beginnings the rides began with Judy and another newcomer Richard Plum riding the local rail trial.
Gradually the group grew from a handful of riders along the rail trail to a regular 10 riders venturing beyond Mansfield.
Morning tea at some of the rider’s homes out of town became common and an opportunity to take in some of the beautiful scenery the district offers.
“The group has now grown from 10 to over 30 regular riders with 40 members in our Signal group,” said Judy.
“We now have two rides per week, on Tuesday and Friday, and several away rides which have included Bright and Gippsland."
The Mansfield Social Cyclists earlier this year designed and purchased cycling tops for the group adding a sense of belonging.
“We have picked up a lot of people new to town, mostly working part time or retired,” she said.
“The big attraction of the group is cycling with likeminded people.
“A lot of really good friendships have been formed, and we are able to support each other.
“Coffee after a ride is mandatory."
Judy believed the group was a great way to “stay active and connected”.
As some members have struggled with the challenges of the traditional push bike they have graduated to E-bikes and are able to continue to ride with the group.
New members are always welcome to join and can contact Judy on 0424 608 221.
Meanwhile, Ron will be ready for the comfort of his own bed as the Great Victorian Bike Ride rolls into Mansfield on day five of the ride on Wednesday November 27.
For Ron the attraction of the big ride is the “camaraderie and the countryside” and about “doing something with a lot of other people”.
“Usually, the idea of camping with more than 3000 other people is not my thing but you get to meet lots of new and interesting people,” he said.
Following the rest day in Mansfield riders including Ron will depart to ride to Alexandra, then Marysville and finish in Healesville this Sunday.
