Around the Bay Challenge with... Reg Goodings

On 6th October 2019 Reg Goodings, our much loved Casey/Cardinia LAC member, took part in Australia’s biggest bike ride ‘Around the Bay’. At 88 years young, Reg was the oldest of the 8,000 competitors and completed the 100km ride in good time. He rode with 8 members of his regular riding club the Cardinia Bicycle User Group (BUGS) and was also in the top ten fundraisers, raising just short of $1,300 for the Smith Family with many of our members sponsoring Reg for which he was very grateful.

Reg started cycling when he was 85 years old and joined the local Bicycle User Group in Pakenham. He had serious health issues including diabetes, requiring regular doctor’s visits to manage his high blood sugar levels. After 12 months cycling and changing his eating habits, Reg’s diabetes was under control and visits to his doctor reduced to six monthly. The doctor commented that he was fitter than he had ever seen Reg in the past.

Now Reg is in better health than he has been in years and looks forward to the Saturday morning BUG bike rides around Pakenham as well as the monthly Sunday rides to places such as Phillip Island and the Warburton Rail Trail and weekends away exploring other Regional Rail Trails.

Qualifying as an instructor, Reg helps educate and mentor other people about the pleasure and safety of cycling. He also continues to participate in many of our CCLAC activities including our weekly dance program.

Reg finds that getting old is nothing, you can still have fun. You don’t have to ride a bike just do something to get out and meet people and find your passion! He is an inspiration to us all!

By Susan Brooks, Casey/Cardinia LAC