Electric dream reality for bicycles in big race
A CHARITY bike ride held annually in the Far North will allow a whole pack of electric bicycles for the first time this year.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has introduced a new category for e-bike riders for the long distance charity fundraiser, which takes participants on a gruelling 330km route from Cairns to Cooktown.
The event, being held from September 21-23, is in its 13th year.
While there has been at least two e-bikes used in the event in previous years, Cairns cyclist Noel Rumble and Pumps n’ Pedals owner Jackie Shannon will be leading an entire pack of up to 30 e-bike riders.
Mr Rumble, who has ridden the Cardiac Challenge 10 times, said it would be his first time using an e-bike for the fundraiser.
“It displays the range of bikes people ride, from road bikes to mountain bikes to hybrids, and now we have ebikes,” he said.
He said he was looking forward to being able to “climb” steep hills between Cairns and Cooktown.
“I would like to climb the ranges and enjoy it,” he said.
“The battery charge lasts about four hours when using full power.
“The challenge for all the ebike riders will be to conserve the battery so that on the longest days, there is some charge left to get us through the day.”
Mrs Shannon said having an e-bike would allow her to ride more kilometres in less time, while still having fun in the challenge.
“This is a new opportunity for people to go out on these bikes,” she said. “A lot of people don’t like going up the hills.”
Funds from this year’s Cardiac Challenge will be used by the hospital foundation to purchase a paediatric cardiac ultrasound machine, and a respiratory ultrasound.
Foundation fundraising manager Glenys Duncombe said the e-bike pack was already proving popular among those interested in participating in the event.
“We’ve got a few registrations already before we announced this special pack,” she said.