Mackay’s Postie Bike Safari hits the road again fundraising for Childhood Cancer Support

The first time this Bowen man got involved in a charity bike ride, he had been invited by a mate. But after going on the life changing trip, he made a promise to do it every year.

Kyle Large is participating in the Postie Bikie Safari for the second year in a row. Picture: Contributed.

The first time Kyle Large got involved in a bike ride across the state for a good cause, he had just followed a mate who invited him along.

But after going on the life changing trip and being impacted by the families he helped, he made a promise to do it every year.

The 32-year-old Bowen man is now preparing for his second Postie Bike Safari, which raises money and awareness for various charities.

Kyle said his experience last year had left a permanent mark on him.

“Just seeing all the families, they talk you through how the money we raise helps them,” he said.

“I’ve got a little girl myself and I thought, if I was ever in that position and someone could help out.”

The Postie Bike Safari has done trips since 2014 to raise funds for different organisations. Picture: Contributed.

The Postie Bike Safari celebrates its 10th anniversary and this year will raise vital funds for Childhood Cancer Support.

The ride kicks off in Mackay on July 27 when a group of 36 riders and 13 support crew will depart the Consolidated Engineering Plastics Products building for the week-long, 2200km trip to Chillagoe and back.

Since its beginning the organisation has raised more than $500,000, and this year the crew has already raised $127,000 of the annual $150,000 tally.

Kyle Large repaired his Postie bike prior to going on the trip.

Mr Large said he had started fundraising three months before the depart date and secured $15,000 on his own.

He shared on social media how he repaired his Poste bike in the lead up to the trip, reach out to community groups about the cause and printed out 100 stickers with a logo and QR code for the bike trip.

He said a many of the participants got involved in the trip after watching a family member battle cancer, and looked at the project as an opportunity to make themselves useful.

Mr Large also made up stickers with a QR code for the Poste Bikie Safari.

“They have their child going through it or a family member going through it, so they’re just trying to find their way to assist as well,” Mr Large said.

Childhood Cancer Support general manager Helen Crew said she was grateful to the riders for their ongoing dedication to the cause as they had been the beneficiary of the fundraiser for the past four years.

“The funds they raise make such an incredible impact for our regional families facing childhood cancer,” Ms Crew said.

Mr Large said the trip was also a bonding experience for the riders, the support crew and the members from the Childhood Cancer Support.

“During the week, we all just sleep in swags and we camp in all the different spots we stop at,” he said.