MND cyclists rave about North-East
• Pedal4acure riders make their way into Scottsdale.
March 6, 2024
More than $600,000 has been raised for Fight MND and more than 100 cyclists have left the state with fond memories of a six-day cycling tour that included nights in Bridport and St Helens.
PedalCure4MND wrapped up on the East Coast on Monday night after more than 600km riding from Devonport across the north of Tasmania.
The event involved riders from across Australia, many with farming backgrounds, including a handful of Tasmanians.
Bridport Football Club had at least four new members sign up on Saturday night when the fundraisers flocked to the Seagulls home ground for a roast meal cooked by the club.
“Everything was donated by businesses in Bridport in a real community effort which meant we didn’t have to charge them so that meant more money was able to be raised for the cause,” President Steve MacKillop said.
“We were a bit nervous catering for 140 people because we have never done that but everyone was really complimentary about the night and the food was excellent, so we were happy with that.
“Our coach Andrew Philpott couldn’t be there because he was at Pink, but he donated $1000 to the cause and he actually knows a few of the Fight MND guys with all the work he has done fundraising for the cause over the years with the Big Freeze in Launceston and so we actually had four new members sign up as a result.”
One of those was Hawthorn Football Club President Andy Gowers, who had the big screen on in the Seagulls’ club rooms watching his Hawks lose their practice match in Launceston to the Western Bulldogs.
“They couldn’t believe the view we have here and Neale Daniher’s sister who was riding came up to me before they left on Sunday to say congratulations on having one of the most friendly communities they’ve been to and how much fun they had.”
The contingent also had a night at St Helens with the East Coast Swans as host.
Swans President Steve Walley said it was great to be included on the tour.
It was also a great opportunity for the area to support local Shan Williams and her family after her diagnosis of MND.
“Hosting was a great opportunity to support this great cause,” Walley said.
“Tracey from the Menzies Institute informed those in attendance about the exciting developments emerging from the current research enabled through the funds raised by these events. The riders were a fantastic bunch, very dedicated to the cause as well as having a great experience along the way.”
Event co-organiser Paul Breust said it had been a great experience.
“The hospitality from everyone especially the footy clubs has been outstanding – a lot of us are old footballers so it is a wonderful symbiotic relationship between cyclists and footy clubs,” Breust said.
“It all went really smoothly and no one was injured. Bike riding can be pretty hazardous, and safety was our main focus, so we are happy with that.
“The weather in Tassie was amazing and hopefully it stays like that for the rest of the week because I am off to play golf at Bridport, although the last day we battled a head wind for 120km from St Helens to Swansea to that was pretty tough.”