We're helping to go the distance

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24 January 2008 - 7:52AM

We're helping to go the distance

By MICHELLE COOK

ORANGE'S Omrod is preparing for the ride of his life and the

Orange Cycle and Triathlon Club will help him out on Sunday.

Omrod will be riding from Tamworth to Canberra in April to raise

awareness of autism in country NSW.

The 27-year-old has Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form of

autism, and wants to help people have a better understanding of those

with the condition as well as raise money for better services in the

country.

He needs financial support to do the 1100km ride and this is where

the Orange Cycle and Triathlon Club (OCTC) have come on board.

The club will hold the Omrod Asperger's Syndrome Challenge

triathlon this Sunday.

All entry fees paid on the day will be donated to Omrod's expedition.

OCTC triathlon coordinator Steve said the club had no

hesitation in helping Omrod's cause.

" We thought we could promote it through the club, " said.

" For us it's more about getting community awareness rather than

financial assistance. We won't be able to raise heaps of money. It

might only be $100 in entry fees. "

Omrod has been planning the ride for some years but originally

laughed off the suggestion.

" In 2004 a friend from work said casually that I should do a long

distance ride, " Omrod said.

" I thought 'Yeah right. As if I'm going to do that.' That idea seemed

so far fetched. I kept it in my mind still and since then have

gradually thought it could be a reality. In 2006 I started to think

that it was something I wanted to do. "

Omrod said he hopes the ride will also show what people with autism

are able to achieve with the right support.

He has been doing some training rides to prepare and said his strong

Christian faith has been a strong support.

He will leave Tamworth on April 26 and is expected to arrive on the

steps of Parliament House in Canberra on May 12.

Money raised leading up to the event will go towards the ride but

money donated during the ride will go towards the Autism Association.

Sunday's triathlon will be held at Lake Canobolas with registrations

being taken at 8am.

All those interested are welcome to attend with events catering for

juniors and all levels of seniors.

The junior event will start at 8.30am and the senior races kick off

at around 8.50am.

To offer assistance for Omrod's ride please contact Bob Omrod

on 6361 9929 or omrod@....