Hundreds of motorbike riders stop in Charleville on Long Ride
Hundreds of motorbike riders stopped in Charleville as they make their way on the Long Ride, to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer in Australia. SEE THE PHOTOS.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Hundreds of motorbike riders stopped in Charleville on Tuesday night, as they make their way on the Long Ride.
Riders from all over Australia are making the pilgrimage to Port Douglas, raising money and awareness for prostate cancer as they go.
Murweh Shire mayor Shaun Radnedge said the Long Ride stopping in Charleville was “fantastic”.
“Events like this provide a significant boost to tourism in the Murweh Shire, with local motels being booked out months in advance,” Mr Radnedge said.
“Visitors don’t just stay in our accommodations; they also dine in our restaurants and shop at our local businesses, contributing greatly to our local economy.
“Furthermore, this event is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about prostate cancer within our community. It’s not just about the economic benefits; it’s also about supporting important causes and bringing people together.”
Murweh councillors met Long Ride founders Gail and Christopher Dunne, before all the riders had dinner at the RSL.
Left to right: Michelle Ebsworth, Robert Eckel, Shaun ‘Zoro’ Radnedge, Gail Dunne, Christopher Dunne, Peter Alexander.
Christopher and Gail Dunne started the Long Ride in 2007. Since that time, they have led 11 Long Rides in Australia.
As well as raising money for prostate cancer, the Long Ride aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer and men’s health.
“Every dollar raised goes to the PCFA to fund lifesaving research and support services offered to men affected by prostate cancer,” Mr Dunne said.
“While many of us may know how to ride a motorcycle, few of us know the feeling of travelling for days with a group of other motorcyclists, where the whole atmosphere is different.
“When one motorcyclist pulls into a new town, people might stop momentarily, but when 200 or more riders thunder into town, all attention within half a mile focus on the riders.
“Communities are also inspired by the freedom represented in the Riders. Locals come from all over just to look at the bikes and to have a chat.
“If each Rider can encourage just one man to have a prostate exam, which is as simple as a blood test, then the Ride is a success.”
The riders started their journeys from all corners of the country, and will all meet in Port Douglas on June 1, stopping and staying in various towns all the way.
“Each night we will stay in a different town and each day we will see different sights in magnificent locations,” Mr Dunne said.
The ride is also a great opportunity to foster friendship and relationships between the riders on their long journeys.
“Riders are able to save the lives of people they don’t even know while making lifelong friends along the way,” Mr Dunne said.
“Previous participants will tell you that the Ride has changed them in many ways. You quickly come to realise that whatever is troubling you, others may have the same problem and you are not alone.”
“This long-distance group Ride is all about bringing bike enthusiasts together, who share a common love of riding to enjoy the freedom of open road riding, without the risk solo riders face.”
A Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia spokesman said prostate cancer was Australia’s most commonly detected cancer.
“Tragically more than 10 men die each day from the disease, with one in five likely to be diagnosed by the age of 85,” the spokesman said.
If you’d like to donate to the cause, or learn more about prostate cancer, you can do that here.
More Coverage
$15m blow for Outback business as festival takes year off
The cancellation of the 2025 Big Red Bash is expected to significantly impact the economy of outback Queensland, as locals brace for the loss of millions in tourism revenue.
Revealed: Southwest Qld’s worst behaved state school students
After analysing dozens of southwest Queensland state schools and their annual student behaviour data, we can reveal who has the worst behaved. SEARCH THE FULL LIST.