With the spring cycling season rearing upon us all, its timely to advise that Bicycle SA was not successful in our government tender to event manage the 2011 Mutual Community Challenge Tour. It was a competitive process and clearly our package was not what the team at the Tour Down Under were looking for. 

While we did not tender in 2010, for reasons previously publicised, we saw an opportunity to re-engage with the South Australian Tourism Commission for the 2011 People's Ride on the basis of seeking to develop a broader partnership between our two organisations. To us it should be more than just delivering the one-day Mutual Community Challenge Tour - we believe that there is an opportunity for the MCCT to have a longer 'shelf' life within the community beyond 'that Friday' of the Tour and to leverage the significant investment already made by the State for better and broader cycling outcomes for us all. As always, rider safety and comfort are priorities in how we deliver our suite of rides throughout the year and we are developing a number of online tools that will further ensure a safe and healthy experience for all who ride with Bicycle SA. 

So while we won't be managing the 2011 MCCT, we are progressing well in developing these online E-Learning tools that will better equip participants of our Gear Up Girl and Amy's Ride (and other events) to experience a safer, better resourced ride and as always, good value for money. Our dedicated volunteers work hard to ensure that riders have a rewarding experience on the day and our efforts at the moment are to ensure that the front-end "before the day" resources are also there to ensure an enjoyable ride. 

Bicycle SA is dedicated to getting more South Australians riding for better health, transport, environmental, economic, tourism and recreation outcomes. As our members often say..."it's the challenge and sheer enjoyment that makes the ride". For us, our extensive range of adult and child bicycle education programs and single and multi-day events are the primary drivers to achieve this mission. So while we are disappointed at not being involved in next years' Tour we look forward to it being a cracker.

Christian Haag
Bicycle SA CEO