On April 19, 240 riders and 60 support crew took off on their mountain bikes and began the 220km journey to South West Rocks to raise funds for Tour de Cure. Tour de Cure is a national fundraising organisation, this year riding from Brisbane to Mission Beach to raise funds for cancer research, prevention and awareness. Through National Buildplan Group’s long association with Tour de Cure, CEO, Bill Wheeler wanted to involve the New England community in supporting this event.
Tour de Rocks began back in 2010 as a small ride of 15 people for Jonothan Wheeler and his family for his Duke of Edinburgh Award. This ride was so successful and rewarding that, in 2012, the Armidale Community combined to create the 2012 Tour de Rocks with over 300 participants.
Riders braved the cold Armidale morning to head to their first destination of Georges Junction; the second day was to Bellbrook and the third ended up on the headlands of South West Rocks.
“We think that someone was definitely looking over us on those three days, as the weather was beautiful, perfect riding conditions,” said committee member Georgina Brown.
“Thank you to Mark Bullen, our mechanic, who put so much time in before and during the ride to maintain the bikes.
“Once the riders arrived at South West Rocks, there was a very emotional presentation that made us all realise just why we were doing this and who it will help..
“We are grateful for the amount of community support we have had since we started planning this event in January.
“A special mention has to go out to the Tour de Rocks committee consisting of Kay, Amy and Graeme Endres, Terri Boulus, Tonia Wheeler, Georgina Brown, Paul Marquardt, Andrew Sozou, myself and our safety coordinator, Theron King. Without their help, this event could not be possible,” said Tour de Rocks coordinator Justine Biddle.
On Friday, April 25, the final celebrations were held at the TAS Hoskins Centre. All participants and organisers gathered to reflect on their time together, draw the raffle and of course reveal the amazing final fundraising figure of $100,000.
“When planning the ride, the committee thought it would be amazing if we raised $50,000 for this fantastic cause. We have now raised over $100,000 and are completely blown away by everybody’s efforts,” said Justine.
The annual Tour de Cure ride commenced in Brisbane on Thursday, May 3. This eleven-day ride to Mission Beach will include Armidale locals, Ross Burgess, who also took part in the Tour de Rocks and Dave Schmude at SportUNE will ride the two-day guest leg and Justine Biddle will also accompany the ride as support crew.
“On behalf of the Tour de Rocks committee, I would like to thank the New England community, our sponsors and our riders and supporters who made the event the success it was,” said Bill Wheeler.
