By
FSGT Chris Ryan
AS
WE watched our bikes, covered in “fragile” stickers, being thrown
into the cargo bay of a Qantas jet at Adelaide airport, I wondered
would the coming week on the seat of my bike be as rough.
As a group of 10 riders and a support driver we headed off on
the Tour De Cure, a ride from Sydney to Surfers to raise awareness
and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
A crazy idea to head off on bikes for a week with a few mates
quickly became an opportunity to help some kids we had met who
suffer with the often tragic effects of severe diabetes.
The crew consisted of blokes from various corporate, police and
Defence backgrounds who had a wide level of riding experience
and fitness. After an evening of bike adjustments and a few motivational
drinks at the Manly hotel in Sydney, we headed off in bright sunshine
on our way along some of the most expensive Australian coast to
Surfers Paradise.
Arriving on the Gold Coast in belting rain 1100km later was a
less than an ideal way to end our tour. But as the soreness subsides
and the memories of mateship, welcoming locals and the odd ale
on a beach come flooding back I am left with a great sense of
achievement.
To complete a week of demanding cycling is something to be pleased
about, to form friendships and enjoy more of life’s experiences
is something to cherish, but to contribute to the welfare of kids
less free to enjoy life than us is something my fellow riders
and I are proud of.
As a group we raised more than $16,000 for JDRF.
