THIS October, the Redlands Cycling & Multisport Club (RCMC) rode hard for a cause close to members’ hearts – fighting childhood cancer – during the club’s third consecutive year in the Great Cycle Challenge.
The Bayside club, known for its strong community of recreational and racing cyclists, set a massive goal for the month-long challenge: 31,000km in 31 days.
The challenge, dedicated to the memory of former club members Darren Timms and John Smallwood, raised funds for the Children’s Medical Research Institute to aid in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of childhood cancer.
“Out of respect for John, who pioneered this initiative, we ensured the targets we set for the team members, would ‘put us in the Cycling Hurt Locker,’ as John’s always did when he participated in the Challenge,” team leader Case Scholtes said.
The team’s goal for 2024 was to raise $15,000, but through the incredible efforts of 44 participants ranging in age from 21 to 79, they exceeded expectations, raising a record $29,162.
RCMC members cycled mostly in the picturesque Bayside region, beginning their early-morning rides under breathtaking sunrises.
“It is never hard to get out of bed when you get a buzz seeing the spectacular sunrises in the east each morning,” Case said.
Despite the physical challenges, the team’s camaraderie and commitment drove them to achieve remarkable results.
The total distance cycled by the 44 participants was 45,426km, surpassing the Earth’s equatorial circumference of 40,075km.
Top fundraisers for the challenge included Steven Bartley ($6620), Julie Rappo ($4370), and Case Scholtes ($3432).
Individual riders also excelled, with Simon Phuah leading the male category at 2974km and Ann O’Brian topping the female category with 1660 km.
Two members and their support crew even took their challenge to the unforgiving Australian Outback, competing in the Simpson Desert Bike Challenge, a 500km mountain bike event through rugged terrain.
As RCMC prepares for the 2025 challenge, membeers express deep gratitude to the donors who made this achievement possible.
“With your support, we hope to reach $100,000 raised over four years to continue funding vital cancer research,” Case said.
“We pray that all the families and children suffering from this terrible disease, will very soon see breakthroughs in research that will bring a cure for children’s cancer.”
