IT was while riding in one fundraising bike ride that Rebecca Buldo’s interest in another fundraising ride was piqued.
The Cooktown nurse said the R’n’R MTB Adventure would be a family affair – with her husband Paul volunteering and brother-in-law Mick also riding.
The R’n’R MTB Adventure is a cycling initiative of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, following the overwhelming success of the Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge. Cyclists in the R’n’R MTB Adventure will travel from Mareeba to Forsayth in May, with the option of returning on the world famous Savannahlander train.
“My passion came about from my good friends in Cooktown who encouraged me to join them in riding socially, which soon led to more serious training for the Cardiac Challenge. For some, they have never missed a year since its inception. It was during my second Cardiac Challenge last year during one of the many chats you have with the cyclists in your pack, that one of the riders was promoting the R’n’R,” Ms Buldo said.
“I mentioned this to my brother-in-law who lives interstate and he leapt at the idea. How could I say no? Clearly, this was going to be a fantastic opportunity. Living in Cooktown, working at the hospital and knowing its physical distance to a tertiary facility, reminds me daily of the importance of having equitable access to specialist medical treatment.
“Events such as these contribute greatly in providing much needed funding and I feel proud that I can contribute. I am getting serious with my training now and as this is my first R’n’R, I am thrilled about having a more relaxed ride and being able to enjoy the countryside and what it has to offer. The itinerary looks very interesting. I believe this will is a great opportunity and I am pleased to be able to share this with my family.”
Mick Buldo, who works in the defence force in Canberra, has been a commuter cyclist for 20 years and did the Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge for the first time in 2016 and again in 2017.
“For me, it was an opportunity to get motivated for a great cause – the professional connection to Rebecca’s nursing work, and also a great reason to catch up with family,” Mr Buldo said. And he’s planning to ride the R’n’R MTB Adventure on his fat bike – a normal bicycle but with oversize tyres to allow riding on soft terrain such as snow or sand. “I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the R’n’R with Rebecca and my big brother providing support crew. Just as I’m looking forward to Cardiac 2018 to be Cooktown bound for the third year in a row.”
Foundation fundraising and marketing manager Glenys Duncombe said potential cyclists only have until February 28 to register for an amazing event taking in some stunning countryside. “It’s really quite spectacular countryside – it’s a smaller group of just 35 riders, and we camp and get to know each other, in outback Queensland.”
Photos:
TOP: Brendan Buldo, Rebecca Buldo and Mick Buldo taking part in the Mount Franklin Cardiac Challenge in 2017.
ABOVE: Mick on his “fat” bike in Canberra on a “zero-degrees” day.
