RIDING her mountain bike through the backroads of Far North Queensland, is a perfect way for Jennifer McManus to support health services.
A born-and-bred local, Jennifer knows better than many the importance of providing additional equipment “over and above” what the government supplies.
“Well I was born at the hospital, the then brand new maternity unit, 44 years ago, I was a nurse at the hospital and I met my husband, who is a specialist in Intensive Care, there,” Mrs McManus said.
The mother, retailer, and anthropology graduate is excited to take part in the inaugural R’n’R MTB Adventure, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s latest fundraising ride.
The ride is a five-day trip starting in Mareeba on April 30, travelling through Almaden, Mount Surprise, Einasleigh and finishing in Forsayth.
From there, riders can either make their own way back to the coast or as an optional extra, take the iconic Savannahlander train trip back.
“My family were early settlers in the north and they explored much of the countryside I'll be riding through. I've heard many stories over the years of its rugged beauty and can't wait to see for myself the changing landscapes from the vantage point of a bike,” Mrs McManus said.
Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said the ride was a great way to see stunning and diverse countryside while fundraising for improved health services.
“We know there is plenty of need for improved health services in the Far North and that’s what we’re aiming to do with this new adventure – improve facilities and improve health outcomes,” Ms Duncombe said.
“There are some medical conditions, where if people live in a regional area, they have less chance of survival than if they live in a big city so we’re trying to redress that imbalance,” she said.
“Some of these small country towns that we’re travelling through are really struggling so bringing these riders through will boost their profile and their economy and hopefully we can get more people seeing their beauty,” she said.
Rider numbers have been deliberately kept small this year to enable organisers to refine the event, with a view to growing in future years.
For further information about the new ride visit www.rnrmtbadventure.org.au.
