Warren ride on again

AUSTRALIAN football legend Johnny Warren and a peloton of over 200 cyclists?
Yes that’s right ... not two things that are mentioned together often but for the past four years a core group of cyclists led by SBS cycling commentator Mike Tomalaris, have made the 96km trek from Loftus to Jamberoo their own.
“The event is getting bigger and better every year and is all about raising as much money as we can for the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation (SCCF),” said Mr Tomalaris.
“This year’s event raised $5,000 and was thanks largely to a core group of committed riders and support from the Kiama Independent, as a major sponsor.
“Our thanks also go to Ben Kersten, Frank Fortuna and Kyle Patterson who continue to support the event,” he added.
The 2008 ride will be held on Sunday January 6, starting at Waratah Park in Loftus at 7.30am.
The race will head through the Royal National Park, over the Sea Cliff Bridge, to Stuart Park, Shellharbour and finally the Jamberoo Pub.
Riders are certainly in for some fun along the way, according to Johnny’s nephew Jamie Warren – who co-organises the event.
“This year we thought of incorporating a bit of football along the way and there will be a juggling contest at Stuart Park and we are looking at a cycling and football quiz back at the pub that should keep everyone entertained,” Jamie said.
Much of Jamie’s time is now devoted to raising funds for the Johnny Warren Football Foundation and the Sydney Cancer Centre Foundation and he too was surprised by a cycling event being named in his uncle’s honour.
“It is a great sign of respect that Mike, as a colleague and a friend to Johnny, continues to honour his memory,” he said.
“Johnny was vice patron of the SCCF when he unfortunately lost his own personal battle to cancer in 2004.”
The cost of the ride is $25 for adults, $15 for children, and $70 for a family of two adults and two children.
Riders can e-mail organisers at jwjc2008@gmail.com to register their interest.