Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride to set off in pursuit of a cancer cure for the first time in three years

The mammoth 350km charitable effort hasn’t been held since 2019, but organisers and riders aren’t letting that slow them down.

OVER 300 cyclists and support crew will battle the elements across three days of hard riding in an attempt to raise $350,000 for the Children’s Cancer Institute.

The upcoming Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride, set to take place at the end of July, will be the first iteration of the annual event held since the Covid pandemic began.

Secretary for the Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride Kathryn Konidis said the organisation was expecting a big turnout following two years spent on the sidelines.

Riders taking off for the Townsville to Cairns charity bike ride during a past year. Picture: Wesley Monts

“For us, it’s always all about those children with cancer and raising funds and trying to help them find a cure. I think the number’s will be coming back out in hordes for this year,” Ms Konidis said.

“Last time we actually rode, we averaged around about 300 – 350 riders, and then you have the support staff on top of that.”

Ms Konidis said the organisation’s annual ride is one of the largest charitable contributions made to the Cancer Council foundation each year and every cent raised will go direct to funding research.

“We are one of the largest contributors, that’s our target again this year and it does all go straight back into the actual research,” Ms Konidis said.

First time contributor Lynden Delahunty said she was feeling some nerves about the trip, but was ready for the challenge when the ride starts off.

“Starting riding and enjoying the camaraderie, as well as the challenge, that was all a big part of it, plus getting to see the money go to such a great cause is always good,” Ms Delahunty said.
“I’ve been riding for three years now, it’s been a gradual progression, but it’s been great, I’m enjoying keeping fit.

“I’m quite nervous about the ride, but I’m ready for the challenge and we’ll do the work to get there. Everyone doing it together is a boost too. I’m looking forward to it.”

Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride President Patrick Sutton said he was confident that one day, the ride would no longer be necessary.

Patrick Sutton during preparations for the cancelled 2020 event. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

“We’re committed to fundraising until they can find a cure for childhood cancer, and we believe it’s not if, it’s when,” Mr Sutton said.

Participants in the ride will set off from the Mercure Townsville on Thursday, July 28 and spend the next three days riding over 350 kilometres to the heart of Cairns.

Anyone interested in registering to ride or volunteer as part of the event can do so instore at BNG Sports Townsville or online at www.tcbr.com.au.

Originally published as Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride to set off in pursuit of a cancer cure for the first time in three years