That’s the view of new cyclist and Rotary area foundation director Alex McHarg, who is now getting around town on his push bike whenever he can. 

He’s encouraging his fellow Rotary members in the region and the public to take part in the Lake Macquarie Loop annual bike ride.

“It promotes physical fitness for health and we’re using the event to raise money for Rotary charities,” McHarg said.

He took on the challenge in March after friendly banter about new bikes between himself and Chris Climaco at the 2013 Rotary conference in Port Macquarie – and is already preparing for next year’s ride.

So far four cyclists from Rotary are signing up for the ride but Singleton Rotary on Hunter will sponsor 15 people.

“We’re all at different levels and train early in the mornings and late afternoons around the Singleton area; some of the places we ride are Roughit and Glendon Lane,” he said. 

“It’s not competitive and new riders aren’t taken much further than the 10km mark.”

Practice rides have been set for November and February along the Hunter Expressway; one a 50km and another 85km to replicate the distances at The Loop. 

McHarg is particularly appealing to Singleton’s big cycling community, including the Soft Cogs members, to ride with them.

A meeting will take place tomorrow evening from 7pm at Singleton Heights Diggers for people who are interested in joining the cause.