The Beyond Cycling Challenge will see riders tackle a gruelling five-day bike trek to raise funds for youth training program Traction. Photo LYLE RADFORD
BUSINESS leaders began a strenuous five-day trek from Ipswich on Monday as part of the first Traction Beyond Cycling Challenge.
The challenge will see a 36-strong group cover 800km as they climb more than
The funds raised will go towards helping young people participate in Traction workshops.
The challenge has already exceeded its $750,000 goal by raising $762,000 so far.
Traction has been developed to help young people to realise their “potential in a supportive and safe learning environment where they can learn new skills and experience success”.
Traction Founder and CEO Sandy Murdoch said the charity aimed “to get young people on the tools, in a workshop environment, working shoulder-to-shoulder with trained mentors to build trust and encourage respectful relationships”.
Mr Murdoch, who will also participate in the challenge, said the ride was a watershed moment for Traction.
“Ipswich is an important area to Traction, so it means a lot for us to begin our cycling journey from the heart of Ipswich’s CBD at Limestone Park,” he said.
“Since 2015, our workshops have played a huge part in helping 94 Ipswich young people from schools including Ipswich State High, Ripley Valley SSC, Bellbird Park, Bremer, Bundamba, Ipswich Flexi, Ipswich West Special School, and Claremont Special School.”
“We’ve received great feedback from teachers, parents and young people throughout the region who have enjoyed taking part in our Traction Bike Build workshops here.
“It’s a great feeling to see the kids become more confident in themselves and watch as they open their eyes to a future not thought possible.
“I’m beyond grateful to all 36 riders who have tirelessly trained for this journey, which will push them beyond both physically and mentally.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be part of a community that would volunteer to raise funds for the young people of Southeast Queensland.”
He said the funding would allow the charity to help 187 young people participate in a Bike Build Program to build custom bikes they then got to keep.
The riders left Limestone Park first thing on Monday morning and will travel to Toowoomba, Killarney, Cullendore, Carrs Lookout and the Gold Coast before finishing up at Victoria Park in Brisbane (via Alexandra Hills) on Friday.
