Bike trek to help battle strokes- Ryan Ford will be riding his bike from Narre Warren to Sale

By Lia Bichel
AFTER his friend suffered a stroke last year at the age of 38, Ryan Ford decided to get a move on and help others in the same situation.
The 36-year-old Berwick resident will be riding his bike from Narre Warren to Sale on 16 October in hopes of raising awareness, and about $10,000, for the Stroke Association of Victoria.
His friend, stroke-survivor Phil Gallagher, will accompany him on part of the ‘Ride-FAST’ bike ride.
“In January I decided I wanted to do something for the community, and my friend Phil came to mind,” Mr Ford said.
“I don’t think strokes are widely publicised, so I wanted to raise awareness. I have cycled almost all my life, and Phil was an avid cyclist and owns his own bike business.”
Mr Ford said the two have been friends for almost 25 years, living on the same street as youngsters and attending the same school.
When news hit that Mr Gallagher had a stroke Mr Ford said he was shocked, but was pleased his friend has made a great recovery.
“He is one of the luckier ones,” Mr Ford said.
“And he is happy that somebody has put their hand up to support the organisation that he is involved in and relies on for support.” Mr Ford has been training since January, and has increased his distance to about 250km a week.
The week before the ride, Mr Ford plans on cycling about 350km in preparation.
He anticipates the trek will take about six hours of cycling time, but longer if it is windy.
He will be refuelling with Gatorade, energy bars, and bananas.
Mr Ford also hoped to have a crowd for support when he leaves the Casey Council offices at Narre Warren.
Accompanied by a support vehicle, Mr Ford plans to start his journey at 8am, travel through Berwick, Pakenham, stop in Mr Gallagher’s home town of Warragul, stop in Traralgon and arrive at his destination at about 3.30pm.
“Casey mayor Geoff Ablett will be waving me off, Casey councillors will be there, as well as Phil’s surgeon from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the president of the Stroke Association.”
Mr Ford also gathered support from the community and gained major sponsorship from Retravision Gippsland and Autobarn in Narre Warren.
Stroke is Australia’s second single greatest killer after coronary heart disease and is the leading cause of disability. For more information, visit www.strokeassociation .com.au.