November 5, 2019
A group of 69 cyclists – including many faces familiar to sports fans – are passing through the South Burnett this week in a quest to raise funds for charity.
The group, headed by former cricket captain Steve Waugh, plus a support crew, spent Monday night at the Bunya Mountains.
They needed a rest after a tough 137km ride from Toowoomba, including tackling the strenuous climb up the mountains from Kaimkillenbun.
The Captain’s Ride is raising funds for the Steve Waugh Foundation which supports children and young adults affected by rare diseases, as well as publicising the need for more research into these diseases.
This is the fifth year the ride has been held but it’s the first time it’s been in Queensland.
On Day 1, the group rode from Toowoomba to the Bunya Mountains via Maclagan, enjoying afternoon tea at Poppies Cafe.
On Tuesday, they headed from the Bunya Mountains to Maidenwell and Cooyar then on to Goombungee and back to Toowoomba.
After overnighting in Toowoomba, they’ll be heading to Warwick, Boonah and Beaudesert before finishing at Tamborine Mountain after a gruelling six-day ride.
A spokesperson for the Steve Waugh Foundation said the ride was also part of a leadership program, designed to take participants out of their comfort zones.
Each night a guest speaker will share inspiring stories with the participants.
On Monday night, former Test cricketer Carl Rackemann joined Steve Waugh and former Australian off-spinner Gavin Robertson for a Q & A session with the riders at Lyrics Restaurant at Dandabah.
“Ride Ambassadors” and celebrity guests are taking part in the ride – or sections of it – and are also sharing their experiences with participants.
Familiar faces on the ride who dropped into the Bunyas included track cycling gold medallist Anna Meares, soccer star Craig Johnston, paralympic gold medallist Michael Milton, cricketer Matthew Hayden, British decathalon champion Daley Thompson, Indy car driver Will Power and Australian hockey captain Mark Knowles.
The Captain’s Ride is the highlight of the Steve Waugh Foundation’s annual fundraising campaign, an “approved application only” cycle tour.
The Foundation spokesperson told southburnett.com.au the aim was to raise $1 million.
