If you ever happen to be near Meadowbank Wharf on a Friday morning, you can be guaranteed to see a group of chatty cyclists quieten as they gather around a wiry gentleman who captures their attention for some minutes. That gentleman is our new Volunteer Awardee, Roger Pottie!
For more than four years now, Roger Pottie has regularly led Bike North rides on Fridays, mostly starting from Meadowbank, and stretching out to all corners of Sydney.
Roger Pottie joined Bike North in June 2016 and enjoyed cycling on a variety of rides including Gerritt Hagan’s Friday rides.
When Gerritt advised of his imminent relocation to the Central Coast, with little hesitation, Roger willingly took up the mantle, undertaking training to be accredited as a Ride Leader in May 2021 to enable the Friday riders to continue to have the opportunity to ride.
And that commitment is what has earned Roger the Volunteer Award this year.
Read what the nominators’ have stated:
The key to Roger’s contribution has been consistency, listing rides ever Friday - holidays, health and weather permitting, covering slightly longer distances but at an easily achievable pace for most riders. The fact that his rides fill up so quickly is testimony not only to his choice of rides, but also to his approachable and friendly nature. (Brian Lynne)
Roger Pottie is a great bloke and one of those ride leaders who makes you look forward to his rides knowing that everything will run like clockwork and the group will stick together and have a great time, and if you are feeling energetic it's always worth riding to the head of the group to have a chat and sample some of his wry sense of humour.
When Roger became a ride leader it quickly became clear that his Friday morning rides were filling a gap for a well paced ride that we retired folk, and younger riders alike, could work into our weekly schedule. Roger's rides fill up quickly, which is no doubt due to his organised yet considerate approach, and predictable pace. When you go on one of Roger's rides you know exactly what you will be in for, and you know you are in for an enjoyable morning.
Roger has an uncanny ability to sense what is happening at the rear of the group, always stopping at the right time to let stragglers catch up, but never allowing anyone to cruise along at less than their best. He leads by example, pushing where needed, but keeping a consistent pace that ensures we get to coffee and food, then back home without unnecessary delay.(Graham Allen)
He has provided slightly longer rides at an easily achievable pace for most riders. The fact that his rides fill up so quickly is testimony not only to his choice of rides, but also to his approachable and friendly nature. (Vic Buriak)
Congratulations, Roger, on your award, and thank you for your continuing contribution to Bike North!
Nominated by Brian Lynne, Rides Co-ordinator
Supported by Vic Buriak & Graham Allen