Cairns' own “Magnificent Seven” are getting ready to saddle up and ride the ranges once again.
The septuplet of cyclists are the only individuals who have ridden all nine Mt Franklin Cardiac Challenge events to date. And all seven are gearing up for their 10th event in September 2016.
Led by event instigator Peter McNally, the group is comprised of Laura Garner, Mary Ann Allen, Ray Wright, Peter Sexton, Dawn Newman and Tony Franz.
The event has raised more than $2.5 million for cardiac services in the Far North in the past nine years and organisers expect this year to be one of the biggest.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said more than 1400 individuals had taken part in the ride since its inception, many obviously doing it multiple times.
“For us, having these people do the ride every single year is a tribute to their commitment to the cause – many of them are motivated by personal or family stories of heart conditions,” Ms Duncombe said.
“And as this is our 10th year, there's a great buzz about the event and we're expecting it to be one of our biggest and best,” she said.
“We have some individuals and teams who are highly motivated and committed to raising $10, 000 each, so we're really excited about what can be achieved.”
Mr McNally, who first approached the Foundation with the idea for the ride 10 years ago, said he never would have thought it would have achieved so much.
“Not only has it raised so much money, but taking part in the event has changed many participants' lifestyles – they've made new, lifelong friends and changed their health habits for the better,” Mr McNally said.
The three-day event departs Cairns on Saturday, September 17 – 350 riders will make it to Mt Carbine that day. On day two they head to Lakeland and on day three, they ride into Cooktown as a triumphant single pack.
Early bird registrations are now open – visit www.cardiacchallenge.com.au.
Photo: Tony Franz, Peter Sexton, Mary Ann Allen, Peter McNally, Dawn Newman, Laura Garner and Ray Wright.
