Sally Fletcher never imagined that when she rode to raise awareness for mental health in 2002 that she would start an annual cycling event, now a popular staple in the Northern calendar.
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Ms Fletcher said the first ride was tough, but important to spread the word about mental health in the state's youth.
"People often don't talk about mental health," she said.
"The ride was absolutely grueling. The only thing that kept me going was that it was going to help the young people."
After continuing to do the ride annually until 2009, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Central Launceston, the event was expanded to create The Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge.
This year's event was held on Saturday at Royal Park and attracted hundreds of registrations across the five different rides - 100, 70, 45, 25, and 10 kilometres.
Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge committee chairman Chris Griffin said though the event had received more than 300 registrations before the day, more people turned up on the day to register.
"They were realising the weather this morning wasn't as dire as the forecast suggested," he said.
"We had a lot of people turning up, chipping in and of course riding for a good cause."
Mr Griffin said the money raised for this year's event had not yet been totaled, but he expected it to sit between $18,000 and $20,000.
However, he guessed that during the 13 years the club had been involved they had raised more than $250,000 and was "knocking towards $300,000".
"It's money for youth suicide prevention through The Mish at City Mission," he said.
"Rotary is here to serve the community first and foremost."
The event not only included five different rides, but the 10-kilometre event was also a family-friendly ride, held on an off-street route through parks, flood levy, and Heritage Forest.
Mr Griffin said it was great to see so many families taking part in the event together.
Jo Cowie, of Newnham, said she had wanted to register for the challenge for several years, but schedules had not lined up.
"It's just an enjoyable ride and a good event," she said.
Ms Cowie's friend's children also wanted to ride, so they went along.
"I'd say definitely give it a go. It was so much fun. The kids loved it, we loved it," she said.
The rain held out for the group during the ride, but it did catch up to them while having a celebratory lunch post-ride.
Events Minister Sarah Courtney not only attended the event, but hopped on a bike for the 45-kilometre ride.
"The Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge is a wonderful event that brings people of all ages and abilities together for fun and fitness," she said.
"Not only does the TVCC bring the community together, importantly, it raises funds to promote awareness of mental health and I'm really pleased to see The Mish will be this year's worthy recipient."
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More than 100 riders signed up for the 100-kilometre ride, more affectionately known as Sally's Ride.
Sam Pratt, of Launceston, is a regular rider and was one of the people focused on completing the 100-kilometre event.
"I like to support and the group [I was with] does things for charity as well," he said.
"We had a good bunch of people together which helps motivate as the weather was fairly average."
Ms Fletcher said she expected the event to grow in the future as interstate travellers were allowed back in the state.
"I think the message [to others wanting to take part] is, like I did when I started, start to get fit before you do it, make sure you can ride, have a comfortable bike, and come along and register," she said.
For those wanting more information on the event, visit sallysride.com.au.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
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