Joondalup deputy mayor Mike Norman cycling through Paris.
Camera IconJoondalup deputy mayor Mike Norman cycling through Paris. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

On the coast

Staff ReporterWanneroo Times

‘We’re a one-car family, so if my wife has the car, I’m on the bike and that happens about three or four times a week,’ Mike said.

‘I’m really looking forward to the ride. I’m only doing the 10km leg this time, but actually double that because I will ride to the start.

‘I’m used to riding long distances. There have been times when I’ve had a meal in Fremantle with friends, and then ridden back home to Sorrento in the dark.

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‘I also occasionally ride from home to council meetings in Joondalup.

‘I spent seven weeks in France and didn’t use a car once. I went with our oldest daughter and two friends.

‘Our self-planned 3500km ride was called the ‘Tour des Patisseries’ and because towns are about 10km apart, we rode from one town to the next, and fuelled up on pastries and baguettes.’

Mike has also ridden around parts of Canada, NSW and Queensland, and while this year is his first Ocean Ride for MS, he doesn’t think it will be his last.

As well as being a keen rider, Mike is a part-time Austcycle accredited coach and teaches people of all ages safe cycling techniques, as well as basic bike maintenance and repairs.

‘With a bit of knowledge, cycling can be safe and convenient,’ he said.

‘I think it’s important that people know how to ride safely, whether on the road or a shared path.

‘The leg of the Ocean Ride for MS that I’m taking part in, is on the coastal shared path, so I won’t be riding too fast because this path is often crowded with pedestrians, and cyclists should not endanger or frighten them.’

For the second consecutive year, the City of Joondalup is a sponsor of the Ocean Ride for MS and as the council’s representative, Mike will be presenting awards at the end of the event.

Money raised from the event will help the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA fund research, and provide support, services and accommodation for people with MS and other neurological conditions, and their families.

Fact box

WHAT: Ocean Ride for MSWHEN: Sunday, October 20STARTS: From Scarborough (10kmcourse) and South Beach, Fremantle.ENDS: Hillarys Beach Park (WhitfordsNodes)