Once a year, Maree runs a ride in memory of Ted Wilson, an extraordinary man and one of instigators of the Geelong Bike Plan in the 1970s. Before Ted died some years ago, his huge contribution was honoured by in the naming of the Ring Road shared path. This was exactly the sort of safe, separated infrastructure that Ted had advocated over many years.
Seventeen riders, including leader Maree, honoured Ted on this morning’s ride. It was good to see a few regular Saturday riders among them – some completing a Sunday ride for the first time. Riders were Maree and Bill, Kevin, Dianne and Paul, Rosemary, Stella, Tricia and Shane, Kelly, Allan, Ric, Rod, Neville, Roger, Helen and Karen (who joined the ride at Broderick Road). Before the ride, Maree continued the tradition of giving riders a sprig of rosemary for remembrance of Ted.
Conditions were cool, traffic light, and the north westerly led to a comfortable ride along the trail from Broderick Road to Church Street, before a detour to Soft Cafe in Minerva Road for refreshments. The riders then cycled the old Cement Works Railway path to the Cement Works before a swift descent to the river, completing a circuit back to Rippleside along Swanston Street and the waterfront.
At the Church Street end of the trail, Rod reminded the group of Ted Wilson’s accomplishments.
Cycling Geelong 