Warren ride on again

AUSTRALIAN football legend Johnny Warren and a peloton of over 200 cyclists?

Yes that’s right ... not two things that are mentioned together all that often but for the past four years a core group of cyclists led by SBS cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris, have made the 96km trek from Loftus to Jamberoo their own.

“The event is getting bigger and better and is all about raising as much money as we can for the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation (SCCF),” said Mr Tomalaris.

“This year’s event raised $5,000 and was thanks largely to a core group of committed riders and support from the Kiama Independent.

“Our thanks also go to Ben Kersten, Frank Fortuna and Kyle Patterson who continue to support the event,” he added.

The 2008 ride will be held on Sunday January 6, starting at Waratah Park in Loftus at 7.30am. The race will progress from the Royal National Park to the Sea Cliff Bridge, Stuart Park, Shellharbour before ending at Jamberoo Pub.

Much of Jamie’s time is devoted to raising funds for the Johnny Warren Football Foundation and the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation and he was surprised by a cycling event being named in his uncle’s honour.

“Johnny was vice patron of the SCCF when he unfortunately lost his own personal battle to cancer in 2004,” Jamie said.

The cost of the ride is $25 for adults, $15 for children and $70 for a family of two adults and two children.

Riders can e-mail organisers at jwjc2008@gmail.com to register their interest.