Australia's National Local Government Newspaper Online

The Flying Pelicans cycle around Port Phillip Bay

Onlookers saw a flock of bright yellow Flying Pelicans circle Port Phillip Bay in October and no one raised an eyebrow. The Flying Pelicans are staff members at Hobsons Bay City Council who entered a team in this year’s Around the Bay in a Day challenge. The Flying Pelicans team of 20, including 14 staff members, met every Sunday since June to prepare for the epic 12 hour ride.

The ride on 17 October involved a 210 kilometre circumnavigation of Port Phillip Bay. It began at the Docklands with half the riders travelling east to Sorrento while the remaining half rode west to Queenscliff. Participants take the ferry between Queenscliff and Sorrento before completing the course back to the City. Some team members opted to do half the course, which is still an impressive 100 kilometres.

Hobsons Bay City Council CEO and Flying Pelicans team member, Bill Jaboor, said the Council’s entry was a way to celebrate and promote the municipality’s extensive bike path network.

“Cycling is a great way to enjoy Hobsons Bay’s natural environment and with the recently completed Bay Trail meandering alongside Cherry Lake, parks, beaches, creeks and wetlands we are in an excellent position to do that,” he said.

As part of the Flying Pelicans entry, team members raised $500 for the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.

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