24 February 2017

Canberra United star gets on her bike for charity

| Anne Treasure
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ashleigh sykes

Popular Canberra United striker Ashleigh Sykes is taking on a new sporting challenge in March, participating in her first Big Canberra Bike Ride.

The Golden Boot winner regularly uses the on-road cycle lanes around Canberra, and says that highlighting safe cycling in the ACT is an important part of why she’s both participating in the 2017 Big Canberra Bike Ride, and fundraising for the Amy Gillett Foundation.

“I ride on the road a bit, mostly in the bike lanes so staying safe while sharing the road is something I’m always conscious of.”

“Thankfully the ACT is fairly bike-friendly which is great for me. I like the community around cycling and am looking forward to being a part of that.”

Sykes will be taking on the 35km route in the Big Canberra Bike Ride this year.

“It’s going to be my first group ride, which I’m excited to be involved in,” said Sykes, who is currently at the top of her game in a sport that has soared in popularity this year.

Sykes rides her bike for recreation and transport, and finds it makes a useful training aid for football.

“I occasionally use cycling as a recovery tool, something to turn the legs over on a day off. Now in the off season it’s a good way to stay fit while having some down time from football.”

“I like being outside and being active and the bike is a good way to do that. And also a convenient way to get to work.”

The 35km participants will start from Rond Terrace at 8.30am on Sunday 5 March 2017. Road closures will be in place from 6am along the event route.

Anne Treasure is the Communications Manager for Pedal Power ACT. She writes on bike riding in the ACT from the perspective of a lapsed bicycle rider who should be cycling more.

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