Activities

Due to recent COVID cases - the ride has been postponed. Stay Safe everyone!

RIDING FOR PALESTINE

While COVID-19 restricted much of our riding and associated fund-raising activities during 2020, the Sydney Muslim Cyclists having certainly been making up for lost time over the past seven or eight months.

Last November, we rode from Sydney to Wollongong, raising $10,000 for the poor of Lebanon, when Human Appeal was entrusted with delivering hundreds of food packs to those in need.

And a 14-day postponement owing to the weather and a destination change from The Entrance to Bowral (kicking off the ride, as always, from our spiritual home Lakemba Mosque) actually proved to be a blessing in disguise for our most recent fund-raiser which eventually went ahead on Sunday, April 4.

Partnering with Sadaqcare Australia, our aim was to raise $20,000 - again for the needy of Lebanon - but through God's mercy and the generosity of our wonderful community, a total of $27,000 was donated, exceeding all of our expectations and smashing the original target by $7,000!

Each and every cause that Sydney Muslim Cyclists supports is a worthy one, be they local or international, but the focus of our fund-raising efforts this coming Sunday June 27 is one which is particularly close to the hearts of all of us.

Partnering with the Gaza Childrens Fund, weather permitting, we will  ‘Ride For Palestine’, aiming to raise much needed funds to help the orphans and displaced in Palestine.

For those considering participating on Sunday, there are three different rides to choose from, based on your riding level and experience:

1. ADVANCED: This ride will be 55km in length and the average speed will be approx. 27-29km/h with hilly terrain cycling through Alfords Pt and Bangor Bypass. This ride is only for the experienced cyclist.
2. INTERMEDIATE: This ride will be 50km in length with an average speed of approx. 22-24km/h. There are also several hills going through King Georges Rd and Taren Point so this ride is also for the experienced cyclist who has ridden 50km before.
3. BEGINNERS: This ride will be 36km in length with an average speed of approx. 15-17km/h, cycling through the Cooks River Cycleway. 10 percent of this ride is on road. If 36km is too far, then we don’t recommend that you tackle this ride.

All rides will start at 6:30am and riders are asked to attend 30 minutes prior to scan their QR codes and get ready for the pre-ride briefing.

All rides will start and finish at Lakemba Mosque and upon completion, a tour of Lakemba Mosque will be given to those interested - and refreshments will be provided.

All riders must wear an approved cycling helmet, ensure that their bike is mechanically sound and follow all road rules.

Should a puncture occur or you are unable to complete the ride, you will need to make your way back to the starting point independently, so it is imperative you choose the right ride category.

Please note that this is a casual ride and strictly NOT a race, nor an event - and that sisters are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Should wet weather be forecast, this casual ride will be moved to a later date, so please keep an eye on our Facebook posts in the event of inclement weather.

Please ensure that if participating, that you abide by the following COVID-safe conditions:

• Physical distancing of 1.5 metres must be maintained at all times;
• Riders must not attend if sick, have cold or flu or flu-like symptoms, etc;
• All riders are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer;
• Scanning of QR codes upon arrival is a must for contact tracing purposes;
• Riders must bring and wear a mask when NSW Health orders require (e.g. going into a coffee shop, toilets and on public transport);

We encourage everyone reading this to make a donation as 100 percent of your donation will go towards a family in need in Palestine.

Please make donations to the following bank account:

Name: Gaza Childrens Fund

BSB: 062-032

Account number: 102-096-54

We have been tuning up for this fund-raiser with recent rides to Cronulla, Brighton and Bondi beaches and all is in readiness for a very successful day on Sunday.

As you know, with winter now upon us, the mornings have been quite chilly but the cold weather makes for enjoyable and comfortable riding - and we just can’t wait for Sunday morning! See you then.

• The Sydney Muslim Cyclists Club was formed in 2015 and if you click on the ‘Ride Portfolio’ tab, you will be able to see the names of the many organisations we have assisted and the many causes we have championed.