Burnett Heads grandmother Vicki Ward is stepping out of her comfort zone and onto a bike as she pushes herself to peddle 750km to help fight children’s cancer.
Signing up to the Great Cycle Challenge Vicki hopes to raise $2500 for the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI), and her goal is to ride a minimum of 25km each day.
Vicki said there were a number of reasons why she had committed to the Great Cycle Challenge, one of which was especially close to her heart.
“I have had firsthand experience as a mother of a child with a serious chronic illness,” Vicki said.
“I know the difference support for the CMRI can make.”
Vicki, 52, said prior to taking on the Great Cycle Challenge she cycled a few times each week along the Turtle Trail, and she was now busy warming up for the cause.
“I have never been an athlete – and never will be! But I try to keep reasonably fit,” Vicki said.
“I love where I live, and my rides are great for my mental health as well.”
Vicki said earlier this year she challenged herself to ride 400km in a month, and after conquering that she wanted to extend herself and take on the Great Cycle Challenge.
“My target of 750km is way out of my comfort zone,” she said.
“At the moment, I am mixing up riding with some swimming and walking – just trying to keep fit, but not get too tired. I’m riding about 18km four times a week.”
“I chose that figure because I wanted it to be a challenge, and I figure I’ll try to look at it as just 25km each day.”
Great Cycle Challenge started in 2013, and after just eight years, the event has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in Australia.
People of all ages, abilities and from every state across the country set themselves a personal riding goal and challenge themselves to pedal throughout October to fight kids’ cancer.
To find out more about Vicki’s Great Cycle Challenge click here.
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