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Recreational cyclists support Benalla businesses

Pedal power: These energetic bike riders enjoy nothing more than a stop at Benalla's Main Street Café on their journeys through the north-east. Pictured are David Dolling, Col Patterson, Gary O’Brien, Deb Van Beek, Stuart Jolly, Bill Wood and Ed Bishop. Photo by Simon Ruppert

A group of local cycling enthusiasts is proving age is no barrier to keeping fit and enjoying the north-east.

Deb Van Beek is part of the social group, which has continued to enjoy riding around the north-east despite the local cycling club closing some years ago.

“We have fun. They’re a bunch of jokers,” Ms Van Beek said.

“We always stop to support the local businesses. Main Street Café is one of our favourites. They look after us extremely well.

“We’ve been riding together for about 20 years. We used to go a lot further and a bit faster.

“When I started I did not think I’d still be riding 20 years later. It’s very addictive.

Ms Van Beek said the group was for all ages.

“We have people over 80 who come riding,” she said.

“Everyone is not here today. This is a good size group but there are at least three who didn’t make it today.

“Years ago we used to have groups of up to 25 riders, so it’s fallen to the wayside a bit.

“The roads are not always great, lots of potholes. And the drivers around Benalla are mostly very good, and we see a lot of wildlife as well.”