CEO Brett Gillett and Darko Bogdanovic

Every now and again we are reminded that the enjoyable group rides that many of us take for granted are rather more significant to some who share them with us.

That point was driven home at the Bike SA Annual General Meeting last week when Darko Bogdanovic rose to accept his well-deserved Grand Slam perpetual trophy after having completed all five rides of the Zen Energy Grand Slam Series in 2023.

“I was a latecomer to getting on my bike,” Darko said. “After back surgery, cycling was the only thing I could really do that didn’t hurt my back so ever since 2019 I’ve signed up for a full year of the Grand Slam series. I make sure I tell people so there is no way I can back out.

“The going hasn’t been easy but it’s always been a blast. And thanks to Bike SA because without this I’d likely still be a couch potato,” he said.

Darko was one of 11 riders this year who completed all five events of 80km, 100km, 120km, 150km and 200km in the Zen Energy Grand Slam Challenge Series. The others were Michael Blake, David Capon, John Golding, Todd Northway, Andrew Maetze, Ray Morris, Craig Morrison, Glenn Partington, Natalia Sims and Daniel Wild.

Molly Qu was awarded the trophy as the standout of those who achieved the Mini Slam, which is completing all five events of 40km, 50km, 60km, 75km and 100km in the Mini Slam series or a combination of both Mini and Grand Slams.

Molly rode the first four Grand Slam distances – 80km, 100km, 120km and 150km and finished the series with the 100km Mini Slam ride in round five.

Eighteen others shared her achievement – Richard Charlesworth, Mandy Creighton, Jennifer Cresp, Trevor Cresp, Andrew Gibbs, John Harrison, Andrew Hill, Kathryn Keen, Linda Neighbour, John Richards, Clinton Rule, James Schapel, Paquita Scott, Carol Seely, Geoffrey Tolcher, Steven Torok, Mark Wilton and David Wood.

Bicycle SA President Maureen Merrick also awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award to Elaine Davies, a ride leader and rider coordinator with Cycle Salisbury Social Rides who also finds time to help out on other Bike SA events.

“I’ve enjoyed every little bit of being a volunteer. Every aspect that I do, in terms of being a ride coordinator, seeing the progress of the ride group that we started 10 years ago with Cycle Salisbury, the friendship groups that have developed from that and the improvements in people’s health and fitness – it’s just been such an amazing time for the group,” she said.

“And then going out on the events and helping out on the tent team – we have a great time. It’s really hard work, sometimes I come home and I’m absolutely exhausted, but we keep coming back year after year because we love the company.”

The evening wrapped up with the reappointment of Keith Conlon to the role of Patron, who has held the position since 2022.

“The role of the organisation and the marvellous work it does on the ground, I’m really enjoying knowing about that,” he said.

“South Australia and Adelaide in particular are just fantastic for bike riding. We have a bit of work to do linking up our paths but they are there and there is much to do without even leaving the Park Lands.”

“I’m very happy to be your patron again, thanks very much for having me.”

The Zen Energy Grand Slam Challenge Series will return in 2024 and will be held at Gumeracha on 25 February, Willunga on 24 March, Meadows on 2 June, Strathalbyn on 25 August and concluding at Mount Pleasant on 22 September.

Read our latest free Rides Programme and consider volunteering with Bike SA.