ARRCC is proud to announce that champion cyclist and riding trainer Tanya Bosch is the official Ambassador for Ride to Worship Week 2011.

Tanya Bosch - Ambassador 2011 Ride to Worship Week  (Photo: Julie Howard Photography)

2011 Ambassador: Tanya Bosch

As Ambassador, Tanya will help encourage people to leave their cars at home and cycle to religious activities during the second annual Ride to Worship Week, from 7-13 October 2011. Tanya says:

“As the official Ambassador for Ride to Worship Week I am very pleased to have the opportunity to highlight the wonderful environmental and health benefits of cycling. People of faith have a responsibility to care for creation. I want to encourage religious communities around Australia to join in this fun event with family and friends.”

Tanya’s passion for cycling was sparked in her early 20s when a Christian youth organisation invited her to lead a cycling camp. “At the time I thought it was a good opportunity to buy a bike and get fit riding to university. But I caught the cycling bug and enjoyed it so much that I just kept going,” said Bosch, now in her 50s.

Tanya commutes by bike to her Bible college classes. She won a World Championship on the velodrome in 2008, has been NSW Masters Woman Cyclist of the Year three times and won Gold and Silver at the World Masters Games. In 1995, she began her own cycle coaching business and was one of the first proficiency trainers in NSW. In addition, she is a regular contributor to Australian Cyclist magazine. “Cycling – especially commuting – gets you to do your exercise for the day without even knowing it!" she said. "My hope is that cycling to worship for just one week will encourage people to ride all through the year. It’s such a simple and practical way to contribute to positive climate action.”

National Ride to Worship Co-ordinator Miriam Pepper welcomed Tanya on board as official Ambassador for the event. She said:

“We are very proud to have such an accomplished cyclist and role model as the face of 2011 Ride to Worship Week. Last year, ARRCC successfully trialled Ride to Worship Week in 10 faith-based groups in Melbourne and Sydney, and this year aims to increase participation to 50 religious communities. With Tanya’s support we look forward to making this year’s Ride to Worship Week even bigger and better!”

Tanya’s tips for Ride to Worship

• Seek the support and advice of an experienced rider in your religious community
• Work out a safe route that does not involve main roads with multi-lanes
• Use quiet suburban streets as much as possible
• Contact your local council to see if they have produced their own cycling and walking map which often they will send for free or you can download it
• Make sure your bike is roadworthy
• Practice short commutes to the shops, and to visit friends etc.

Get involved

ARRCC provides a variety of resources to help your religious community (place of worship, religious centre, faith-based group etc) participate in Ride to Worship Week, including brochures, announcements, posters and a presentation to share with your community.

For more information and to register your involvement, visit our Ride to Worship Week page.