Through their pedal power, Orange locals Carolyn Egan and Andrew Hosie are braving the elements to take part in this year’s Zoo2Zoo bike ride, and for a great cause.

From Friday March 6, to Sunday March 8, Carolyn and Andrew, along with 30 other participants will ride from Canberra to Dubbo Zoo.

The Zoo2Zoo bike ride started in 2006 and is an annual series of bike rides from Zoos to Zoos. As well as being a personal physical challenge, the group also aim to raise funds and awareness for the Black Dog Institute, a world leading organisation in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

The Zoo2Zoo raised over $150,000 for the Black Dog Institute to help fund their mental health research and education programs in 2019 – incredible!

“Traditionally I’m more into triathlons so this three-day cycle is way out of my realm of things I’ve done before,” Carolyn laughed.

“It will be a challenge. I have been cycling three days in a row since the first week of January, I’ve kept my triathlon training up. Andrew has done it quite a few times and it was through him that I found about it originally.”

“Other than sore legs,” Carolyn smiled, “I’m looking forward to a sense of achievement and a nice three days travelling through the Central West.

The ride will look a little something like this; Canberra to Young (179km), Young to Molong (173km), Molong to Dubbo (115km). “Molong to Dubbo will feel like a walk in the park if I get there,” Carolyn laughed.

“I think we all should support our charities that help with our local communities, it’s giving back where we can. Get out, get active and keep our minds active, which for me, is why I do it.”

The final 30km stretch sees the all the riders come together as one peloton for the roll into the Taronga Western Plain Zoo, where family, friends and the local community will cheer all the riders for their great achievement.

All the best and well done Andrew and Carolyn.