Local Hornsby Shire resident, Wayne Grech, is set to once again take part in the annual Big Red Ride charity bike ride, cycling 150km from Bondi Beach to Katoomba and climbing over 2500 metres to raise money and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy NSW (MDNSW).
Two hundred and seventy cycling enthusiasts have endured the event so far – considered to be one of the toughest charity bike rides out of Sydney. Participants this year will once again enjoy a celebration of Sydney icons in a ride of endurance they will never forget. One hundred per cent of funds raised will go to the MDNSW Kids For Life Program, which provides critical life-changing support and assistance to children living with Muscular Dystrophy to help them live longer and more fulfilled lives. The program aims to satisfy the unmet needs of as many children as possible through the provision of children’s camps, critical equipment for medical support, accessibility and communication needs, access to sport and special interest programs and counseling and health therapies. Four hundred thousand dollars has been raised over the last four years to support children and their families living with Muscular Dystrophy.
On the ride, cyclists will be taking a route that’s not for the faint of heart. Departing Bondi Beach at 6.30am, they will make their way to the Sydney CBD before crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The riders will then head north on the Pacific Highway towards Hornsby, descending into Galston Gorge before the grueling climb out. Cyclists will continue on to Dural, then Richmond via Annangrove and Windsor Road for the lunch stop were they get a chance to mix with some of the kids with Muscular Dystrophy and grab some much needed refreshments. “What awaits is nothing short of pure hell and pain”, says Wayne. “With the ride departing Richmond and with 90km under their belt at this point, hell and pain is your friend for the remaining 60km, with the ride being all uphill to the finish line in Katoomba. Our pain will go away eventually so it’s only short term, but for the kids with MD it is a lifelong condition”.
Wayne is a keen cyclist, riding an average of 150-200km per week, however hill climbing is not his strong point. When asked why he chose to participate in this grueling ride he stated, “The answer is quite simple, really. We have nothing to complain about. When you see what these kids have to go through, it puts life into a different perspective. I did this ride last year not knowing a lot about Muscular Dystrophy, but when we rode into Richmond (the halfway point) and the finish line at Katoomba and saw all those happy kids, it just inspired me to want to help more. It has always been a policy of mine to help wherever I can! So if you’re a keen cyclist – and I know there are plenty in the Hornsby Shire – sign up for the ride of your life. You will love it and you will love the kids!”
To sponsor Wayne – visit his fundraising page at http://bigredridesydney.gofundraise.com.au/page/Wayne_Grech
For more information on the ride or to register go to http://bigredridesydney.gofundraise.com.au
