AFTER cycling 1400 kilometres from Sydney to Warrnambool, riders on the ‘Spoketacular’ charity cycle revelled in the opportunity to get off their bikes and meet some of the recipients of their fund-raising.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 22 cyclists taking part in the event yesterday presented specialist play equipment to children with special needs at Warrnambool’s MPower.
The large new Theraplay shapes are designed to help children develop their gross motor skills and improve co-ordination in a fun and imaginative way.
The presentation at MPower was one of a number that cyclists in the inaugural ride will make to children’s service organisations as the 26-day event makes its way from Sydney to Uluru.
About 200 cyclists are taking part in various stages of the charity event with 11 riding the entire 4000 kilometres.
Spoketacular founder Christopher Mapp said the ride had raised about $530,000 for the children’s charity Variety.
He said not only would the ride help a lot of children, it had also formed some great friendships between riders.
Mr Mapp, one of those riding the entire 4000 kilometres, said the ride had encountered torrential rain last week in the Australian Alps in NSW but Monday’s 211-kilometre leg from Lorne to Warrnambool had been pleasant.
He said none of the riders were professional cyclists and some had quit their jobs to take part.
Each had been required to raise a minimum amount for the Variety charity to take part. Riders delighted in connecting with the children at the service organisations which the ride supported, he said.
Variety Victoria events manager Janet Connolly said another Spoketacular event would be held next year with its route spanning at least Victoria.
After their rest day in Warrnambool yesterday, the riders head off to Mount Gambier today with further legs taking them on to Adelaide and their final destination of Uluru on April 16.
