September 7, 2020
Who would have thought that simply riding a pushbike – admittedly for a gruelling five days – could eventually raise $65,000 for the fight to find a cure for cancer?
This is the fourth year that local teacher Jason Wyeth has organised the “Ride For Relay” as part of the South Burnett’s Relay For Life fundraising effort for the Queensland Cancer Council.
A global pandemic couldn’t stop 13 cyclists from pedalling out of Kingaroy last Tuesday for the annual five-day trek.
When they rolled back into the Kingaroy Showgrounds at the end of their ride on Saturday morning, their fundraising total for the 2020 ride had hit $16,323 but Jason was confident it would reach $18,000-$19,000 or more.
“We have been given two cattle which will be sold at Coolabunia Saleyards and I also have some money that we have to bank,” he said.
This will take the total “Ride For Relay” fundraising since the idea began in 2017 to close to $65,000.
The riders – who came from Brisbane and Toowoomba as well as from across the South Burnett – rode from Kingaroy to Nanango, Kumbia, Cooyar and Blackbutt before heading back to Kingaroy.
They were accompanied by a support crew of volunteers
The route covered 400km at very close to 5000m in elevation, and included a lot of hills …
The oldest rider on the trek was 76-year-old Dennis “DK” Kelly, from Brisbane, who didn’t appear to have even raised a sweat when he hopped off his pushbike at the Kingaroy Showgrounds on Saturday.
“He beats most people up the hills!” Jason confirmed.
Jason said he was very happy with the amount the riders had raised this year, considering the disruptions caused everywhere by COVID-19.
“We had raised $7000 at the start of the ride but the money just kept piling in, including a $1000 donation from Swickers,” Jason said.
“We expected to only raise between $8000-$10,000 but it’s been just crazy!”
Jason wanted to thank the various businesses which had assisted with this year’s ride.
“Bill Hull Car Centre loaned us the support vehicle for the week and Kingaroy Maccas donated the jerseys,” he said.
There was also support from Harvey Norman Kingaroy, Bunnings Kingaroy and Hertz Toowoomba.
