Sallys Ride started in 2002, when Sally Fletcher rode solo around Tasmania raising funds for mental health in Tasmania.

In 2009 Sally, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Central Launceston made a decision to expand the event and create a community bike ride through the Tamar Valley, thus the Sallys Ride "Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge" was created.

This new event consists of 4 rides of varying lengths starting in Launceston and travelling through the Tamar Valley.

There is also a Corporate Team challenge with the winner taking home the Community Assist Corporate Challenge Shield.

This event will be targeted towards professional and recreational bike riders, as well as corporate businesses that are able to put together a small group to ride in the event.

Allowing us to not only market the event but also bring to the forefront the importance of mental health issues within our community.

About the Rides

There will be 5 rides of different challenge levels with riding distances of 25km, 45km, 70km, 95km and the pinnacle event is the 140km ride with participants cycling down the Western side of the Tamar to Clarence Point, then boarding a Ferry to take them to the other side, and cycle back to Launceston. The 70km ride returns via ferry along the whole length of the Tamar River.

Participants will enjoy stunning views of the Tamar River on the Western journey and cycle through historic townships such as Beaconsfield and Beauty Point. On the way back from George Town the ride leaves the River and journeys through picturesque rural settings before re-entering the Northern suburbs of Launceston and rejoining the River again.

The rides will start at varying times with the goal that everyone will finish at a similar time.

Participants must be 16 years of age or older unless a member of a cycling club.