Simone Grounds is one of Dubbo's most credentialed and successful cyclists, but there's some roads even she hasn't hit yet.
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She'll get the chance to 'experience' one of them through the power of technology, with Grounds signing up to be part of the charitable Fulgaz French Tour online this year.
The charity ride is aiming to raise funds for Lifeline Australia and even though it only began at the start of the month and still has a few days left, the organisers have already smashed through their donation goal.
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"Initially, I think we were targeting $40,000 and we've already hit $70,000, that's almost a doubling of the initial target, so it's pretty awesome," Grounds said.
Grounds is contesting the event solo, with hundreds of other cyclists joining her in teams and solo pelotons that are cycling hard across 21 virtual stages that recreate parts of the iconic Tour de France.
"It's a really great opportunity to support a really worthwhile charity, but at the same time, I'm getting to see some other parts of the world too," Grounds said.
"I've been riding through some pretty spectacular scenery virtually, which is nice."
Grounds is one of many athletes who has felt the sting of COVID and getting the chance to stretch her legs for a good cause has been a welcome reprieve.
"Normally, I'd be competing to get into racing form, but now with COVID stopping a lot of races and my job becoming busier thanks to it, it's given me this chance to do some things that I otherwise wouldn't be able to," Grounds said.
"The 21 days of riding aren't that different from a stage race, I did wonder when I signed up how I'd cope after riding all those hilly stages and I finished the last stage this morning and it's definitely been tough."
"You get pretty stiff and sore riding in place, but that's all part of the challenge and it's been really good to see - we've got a facebook group at the moment - and there's people all over the world egging each other on and supporting each other, which is fantastic."
Grounds said the Lifeline cause was near and dear to her heart, and that she believes depression and anxiety carry a stigma she's hoping to help combat.
"I think they're a lot more common than we realise, there's still quite a bit of stigma and people are reluctant to speak up," Grounds said.
"I've had my battles with depression and anxiety and having someone who can help you or direct you in your time of need is huge."
"Lifeline are always there and they can help you 24 hours of the day through phone or text."
You can donate to the effort online at the charity's website.