May 13, 2021
A large group of men and women in lycra cruised into Kingaroy on Thursday morning as part of a seven-day, 710km fundraising cycle ride to support young burns victims.
And the riders know all about burns … most of the group are either serving or retired firefighters, but there were also two police officers among the bunch.
The annual Bike 4 Burns ride began in Gympie on Wednesday morning.
The cyclists rolled into Murgon on Wednesday afternoon after travelling via Kilkivan and Goomeri.
They spent the night in Murgon and enjoyed dinner put on by the Murgon Mustangs rugby league club.
The group then had an early start on Thursday, heading off down the South Burnett Rail Trail to Kingaroy, stopping for morning tea at Memorial Park.
One of the organisers of this year’s event, Karen Perry, is also taking part in the ride.
She praised the Rail Trail, saying it was great to ride on.
Karen said the group were then heading off to Jandowae, where they planned to spend Thursday night.
After Jandowae, the cyclists will be heading to Dalby, Millmerran, Allora and Ipswich before finishing their ride at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.
Bike 4 Burns is an annual charity ride that raises money for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, specifically its Burns and Trauma Research Group.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach said the ride had raised more than $755,000 since it began in 2007.
The cyclists hope to push this total past $800,000 this year.
“Last year, due to COVID-19, the ride was forced to adapt and was transformed into a 12-hour One Day Classic,” Mr Leach said.
“The whole team is excited to get back on the road, travelling through Queensland communities and raising vital funds while they are at it.”
- Donations to Bike 4 Burns can be made online
