When you’re on your bike, it’s incredible how many people are willing to help. Whether it’s fixing a flat, teaching you a new skill or giving you the extra motivation you need to finish a hard a ride.
They may already be your mate. Or they may be a kind stranger. Either way, you’ll never forget them and it’s their spirit that makes bike riding so great.
Tell us about someone who's had your back while riding a bike and you could win one of four Bike Essentials Kits. You're welcome to take the prize yourself or gift it to the special person your nominate.
We'll be sharing the winner's story on social media and awarding the prize every Thursday for the next four weeks.
Who's had your back?Week 1 Winner: Adam
Who had your back? "One of my best friends Steve".
"Even though he says I’ve helped him out with his recovery, as he’s had a stroke, every other day he helps me even more so. As I’m a blind athlete, every other day he’s either on the front of my tandem piloting me, or where running or walking. I can’t thank him enough especially in these trying COVID times."
Week 2 Winner: Wendy Lau
Who had your back? "Vida Douglas".
"Vida led a women's-only group ride on Sundays, at a time when I was struggling to gain fitness and motivation after chemotherapy for breast cancer. She helped me discover the joy of riding on the road, in a bunch, has been inspirational to me ever since, continuing to organise and lead women's rides wherever she is working. No matter how busy she is she always has time to listen to me. And she is the handiest person to have around when you need help with a puncture or anything mechanical on the bike! She has always, and still has, my back."
Week 3 Winner: Tim Warden
Who had your back? "A nurse from the Alfred Hospital riding past".
"Riding on Beach Rd near Half Moon Bay. My heart stopped and I crashed. She was in a pack going the other way. She stopped, looked after me, called the ambulance and stayed until they took over. She introduced herself when I was in the Alfred Hospital but I was too out of it to remember. I would really like to say a huge thank you."
Week 4 Winner: Pille Heido
Who had your back? "A caring stranger on a road bike".
"A taxi bumped me on a zebra crossing enough for me to fall over and give me a proper scare. I was new to the country and new to riding on Melbourne roads and late for work in the morning. Immediately a man on a road bike stopped, helped me up, made sure I was ok, checked my bike, helped open up breaks that had slammed the wheels and as I was getting back on the bike to get to work (completely shaken, wobbly, half crying) he rode behind me to make sure I was ok. This meant the world to me. And made me feel safe and welcome despite the accident. I now own a road bike and would love to pay this forward, cyclists are the best!"
If you know these helpful strangers, please contact us at at riderservices@bicyclenetwork.com.au. We'd like to get in touch!
Thanks to everyone who submitted their bike riding heroes. We are so thankful to know that when we're out for a ride, there are so many amazing people who have our back!
