THIS October, the Redlands Cycling & Multisport Club rode hard for a cause close to their hearts – fighting childhood cancer – during their 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 always did when he participated in the challenge,” said team leader Case Scholtes
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.
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 ($3432).
Simon Phuah led the male category at 2974km and Ann O’Brian topped the female category with 1660 km.
RCMC expressed deep gratitude to the donors who made this achievement possible.
