Family takes on Ride the Range
Charity bike riding event raises funds
THIS year’s youngest participants in Rotary’s Ride the Range will give it everything they have got when the event kicks off this Sunday.
Ava and Eva Zammit will take part in the 58km event with their parents Mark and Meg Zammit.
“When mum and dad said we were doing it we didn’t even question them. I guess we really didn’t have a choice, but we just said okay and thought it would be fun,” Ava said.
For Erin, who is a BMX competitor, she can’t wait for the downhill sections.
“I love going fast. So I can’t wait for the downhill bits, but I think the whole thing will be fun,” Erin said.
The Zammits have been doing 20km to 30km rides in the lead up as a family and hope to encourage other families to get on board for this event which is now in its 9th year.
“The 58km is achievable for families,” Mr Zammit said.
“I have done the event a few times and really enjoyed it and want us to be able to make it something we do each year.”
This year’s Rotary Ride the Range is attracting people from all over Queensland, all on board to tackle one of the toughest charity rides in the state.
With entries already ahead of previous years by more than 100, organisers are anticipating a record number for this year’s event to be held this Sunday.
Event Group Toowoomba’s Jo Capp said with only a few days to go entries had already eclipsed the 550 mark with almost half signed up to do the 100 mile.
“Last year we had a record of 600 cyclists take on the challenge and this year looks like we could potentially reach 700,” Mrs Capp said.
“Out of the participants already registered 68% of them are from outside our postcode and just under 50% of them have never done Ride the Range before.”
Charities for this year’s event are Blush Cancer Care, St Andrew’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit and Rotary District 9630 Drought Relief Fund.
Entries for this year’s event are still open. To register visit www.ridetherange.org.au.
For more information contact The Event Group on 0438 325 965.