Josie Potter ... setting a 50km goal for 2013

June 25, 2012

Kingaroy cyclist Josie Potter and her team successfully completed their Brissie to the Bay fundraiser for MS on Sunday … raising a a remarkable $3933.

“Everyone in our team completed their various distances on Sunday,” she said.

“For myself, the 25km course was extremely challenging. It was a very hilly course and the hills were quite steep and difficult to climb. The biggest problem though was having to stop and start at traffic lights (and a train) and I had a couple of mishaps so we know that we have a lot of work to do with this if I want to do it again.

“Luckily, I didn’t clean up anyone other than myself, although there are probably a few riders in other teams who will know to give me a wide berth in future! I’ve always said I’m not good at the starting or stopping, though, so it’s not like I didn’t warn everyone.

“The guys were fantastic; they waited for me if I got behind them on hills and things and really supported me and I’m proud to say that we rode over every single hill, which can’t be said for quite a few of the riders on the course on Sunday.

“It’s going to take a few days to recover but with this rainy weather, I’m not finding it a hardship to veg out for a bit.”

Josie said the 2012 Brissie to the Bay event has raised more than $810,000 so far, which was a record for them.

“We hope to be back at it next year. I want to get a team of about 25 riders next time if anyone wants to don their lycra and join us, and I am hoping to find a team sponsor, somehow,” she said.

“I am going to train with the intention of riding the 50km next time. Going on my 25km performance, that may not be possible, but I’ve found that if you don’t start with a big goal, you don’t find out what you are really capable of. At least I know what I will have to achieve to do it and we can work on my weaknesses and hopefully my health will hold up.

“Of course, just because I want to ride a 50, doesn’t mean anyone can’t come and join us and ride the 10, the 25 or go all out and join Keith, Cathy and Courtenay and ride the 100. Last Sunday of June if you want to keep the date.”

Josie thanked her sponsors for their donations and support.

“It really helps to keep me going and helps to keep me positive,” she said.