Dedicated cyclist and local businessman Mark Cull entered Queensland’s three-day bike ride for Spirit to Cure late last year, run by Tour De Cure to raise money to support cancer.
Organised by Suncorp, the event included riding through stunning scenery from Toowoomba to Brisbane via Warwick and Ipswich.
Attracting 60 riders and an entourage of safety specialists the entire team were transported from Brisbane to Toowoomba ahead of day one of the tour.
The riders covered from 315km to 400km each with 2900m of elevation raising $175,000 with Mark raising $4800 thanks to his generous supporters.
Mark said there was stringent testing of each rider’s health and fitness in the months prior to the ride, with entrants required to complete a 16-week training program in the lead up.
Each rider was tested to ensure they had the necessary fitness, skills, and ability to complete the course safely with an emphasis on hydration, nutrition, training, and skill to complete the grueling ride.
“I have done a lot of racing, but this is by far the most organised event I have been in, and we had so much support,” he said.
“They tracked our training, and we did assessments before the event and it’s very controlled to ensure safety to us and others.
“There were 25 riders in each group with a support car in front and behind with three medics and radio operators to hold traffic, so they made it immensely safe for us and we were able to just concentrate on our riding.
“Our group took the longer route which is for more experienced and faster riders who completed the challenge rides and rode up to 140 km a day.“
Mark said they had a big compliance list including new tyres and a pre mechanical before the event and had a mechanic on the support team.
“We had early starts, with some of the crew and a minivan going ahead to set up morning tea and visits along the way to promote the ride and we even had a coffee van.
“Each night there were speakers and we donated money in each town including a $10k donation to the Toowoomba pediatric hospital and donations to the Warwick and Ipswich hospitals.“
He said on the final day they rode from Ipswich to Brisbane’s Southbank where an event and roadshow had been organised for the riders and back up team.
“I was bit tired, but it was exhilarating being with like-minded people from all walks of life and it makes you realise how widespread cancer is.
“Everyone on the ride had a personal story to tell. A lot of sad stories but some great stories too.”
Tour de Cure raises vital funds to support the researchers, surgeons and clinicians who dedicate their lives to finding a cure for cancer.
According to Tour de Cure, to date they have raised $75 million, funded 563 cancer projects, educated 175,000 school children on how to prevent cancer and contributed to fifty scientific cancer breakthroughs.
If you wish to help or be involved the website is Spirit to Cure website spirit-to-cure.com.au/
