Get to know the champions riding in this year’s Melbourne Tour de PIF on Friday 14 November.
Leading the way for Team Arup is Johanna Trickett, Arup’s Australasia Education Leader. We talked to Johanna about Arup’s long history with the Foundation and her four-year involvement in The Wheel Deal – a predominantly female Melbourne Tour de PIF team.
“Whether you’re riding solo or with a group of colleagues, I can assure you this is a day of kindness and support. No one is left behind or judged based on their cycling speed or ability. The focus is on raising money for homeless youth and doing so in the spirit of fun, generosity, and collaboration.”
Johanna Trickett, Arup
What first inspired you to get involved with the Melbourne Tour de PIF?
Arup has a long history supporting the Property Industry Foundation, including the Melbourne Tour de PIF event. Together with a few Arup colleagues in 2022, I joined The Wheel Deal, a predominantly female team, founded to encourage more women to participate in the Tour de PIF event and get involved in cycling more broadly. As a keen and regular cyclist anyway, it didn't take much to convince me to support this great cause, raising funds to have a tangible impact on youth homelessness.
You’ve been part of the event for a few years now - what keeps you coming back?
This year is my fourth year participating in the Melbourne Tour de PIF and each one has been an excellent experience – both on the day and in the lead up.
Last year, for example, we had a cake sale in our Melbourne office and with the support of my colleagues we raised $1,500 within a couple of hours, which we donated to the Foundation. I’ve also very much enjoyed the odd Saturday morning training session with The Wheel Deal – they’ve been a great way to meet new people and connect outside the typical project delivery context.
What do you enjoy most about the Tour de PIF event day?
The Melbourne Tour de PIF is an incredibly well organised event - from the online registration and early morning check in, to the first fuelling station and the final lunch and fundraising activities. Every step feels seamless and is an opportunity to spend quality time with clients and collaborators. The ride itself is a great way to meet new people whilst sharing the same speed on the bike and enjoying the backdrop of beautiful Healesville – some very special countryside.
What stands out each year about the Melbourne Tour de PIF?
Every year we’re struck by the incredible sense of camaraderie and generosity across the industry. Competitors become teammates and businesses that usually compete in the market unite behind a shared mission. The atmosphere is full of energy, optimism and purpose - reminding us of the collective power we have when we come together to help vulnerable young people.
Do you have a highlight from previous rides?
My absolute highlight of last year's event was the opportunity to ride alongside Olympic gold medallist Grace Brown.
She generously supported the event by joining the ride and sharing her personal riding story at the lunch event.
I rode alongside her for about half an hour and learned so much about her journey to becoming a world stage cyclist. I even had a glimpse of hope when she mentioned that, like me, she started off with rides along Beach Road.
Any tips for first-time participants or those nervous about tackling the course?
Whether you’re riding solo or with a group of colleagues, I can assure you this is a day of kindness and support. No one is left behind or judged based on their cycling speed or ability. The focus is on raising money for homeless youth and doing so in the spirit of fun, generosity, and collaboration.
The scenery is almost too beautiful to race, and the conversations are usually too enjoyable to really worry about your riding time. If cycling is a distant memory, then I recommend slowly building up to the 30km ride option. As mentioned, some pre-rides with other participants are a great way to get back into the saddle and make use of the event’s many networking opportunities.
To support Johanna and all our amazing Melbourne Tour de PIF cyclists head to our Leaderboard and find out who’s out in front! here
