As the early sunrise produced shafts of light through the trees within the One Eye Forest, highlighting cyclists waiting on the O’Keefe Rail Trail, what were these riders waiting for? It was an exciting time for those Heathcote Primary Schools students as they arrived before the early 7.45am time, preparing to participate in the school’s official Ride2School activity for 2021.
With parents and friends watching on, Principle Kate Ballantyne introduced the Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail volunteers who were assisting with the ride, and also mentioned reminders to ensure that students were aware of their responsibilities for a safe enjoyable ride.
Smiles were all around as the students chatted while riding along the rail trail, with some challenged only by the very slight gradients of the trail through the forest. With no wallabies or kangaroos sighted, the ride group was then joined by the younger aged student riders as all the riders then cycled through the urban area of the Heathcote township.
Arriving at the school after riding 5.2kms for the grades 3-6 students, it was time for an official group photo, then off to the school’s Breakfast Club for some before classes began.
It was a successful participation activity for this small country school, which is sure to encourage more of the students to regularly ride to school.