Cyclists unite for mate
TOOMOO will start in Toowoomba
WHEN Ken Altoft was hit and killed by a car while working on the Bruce Highway, close friend and fellow cyclist, Dave Fellows struggled to come to terms with the tragedy.
The death had a profound effect on him. Infinite grief ensued. The two men shared similar beliefs, lifestyles and family environments.
“He was one of those guys who everyone liked. He was positive. You’d struggle to find anyone who had something negative to say about Ken,” Dave said.
“A lot of self-assessment has gone on by a lot of people because of his passing. With that has come a lot of goodwill which has risen and emerged, and wrapped itself around everybody.”
Ken, Dave and a handful of others regularly traversed the Sunshine Coast on bikes. That has since stopped. Dave now rides solo a lot more and uses that time to reflect.
A pragmatic man, Dave wanted something positive to come from the heartache. He established The Good Wheel Foundation.
Five years ago, Dave established a 220km bike ride from Toowoomba to Mooloolaba known as TOOMOO. Next Saturday, 120 cycling enthusiasts will rise, fuel their bodies, pull on some lycra and spend 10 or so hours in the saddle testing their fortitude in the name of charity. That charity is The Good Wheel.
Ken was involved in the first-ever TOOMOO and Dave expects he’ll be with him during this year’s ride.
He says while this instalment of TOOMOO won’t necessarily be dedicated to Ken, it’ll have a Ken component. Sponsors have even come on board because of their interaction with him.
“By having a charitable banner to ride under, it gives us a way to point to the sign and show others we are doing good work in the name of all cyclists – that’s the ambition and the feedback has been overwhelming,” Dave said.
Riders’ entry fees will go to The Good Wheel. It’s expected next week’s trek will include 50 first-timers, with 30 per cent of the entire field female.
That’s something event director, Rachael Witton is proud of.
“It’s an inclusive ride. People are well informed, they’re supported in the lead-up to the day, they’re supported throughout the day, and there’s a constant ground swell of people around who want to see you achieve something really cool,” Rachael said.