David McMorran

Wrap up

Help me eat that carrot

In 2011, I cycled my one and only lap of the bay in Around The Bay. It was an achievement of which I was and am still proud. Cycling has remained part of my life since then and I think I have become a stronger rider since then. The carrot has been dangling in recent years to do this again, hopefully faster than before to prove I am a stronger rider though weather can be a bigger influence on times than rider strength. In any case, there is satisfaction in participating once more in this iconic event.

To say that the last few years have been difficult for my wife and me would be a massive understatement so each year the decision has been maybe next year. Earlier this year, I decided that this is the year to do it though was also aware that my life is not smooth sailing and I may have to pull the plug. The last few months have not been kind to me, health issues, physical and mental, and a few other hassles have totally messed up my training program so I’m not where I hoped to be and I have been constantly on the verge of pulling that plug. I’ve now made the call, I’m going to start, confident of reaching Queenscliff and probably Frankston but how far I get will depend on the weather and how I feel on the day.

This event is a charity fundraiser to support Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision which funds vital research that accelerates diagnosis and treatments of Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes, while supporting patients and their families with counselling, education and resources. I urge all who can to donate generously for this very worthy cause.

I’m also dedicating this ride to my wife who passed away last November after courageously fighting cancer for over two years.