By Abbey Cannan
Local cyclist Dave Clarke is well on his way to Sydney on the 1200km for Kids charity ride, raising much-needed money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
After a gruelling initial day of 207km the group overnighted in Warwick. The second day was the longest leg of the event, 219km to Glen Innes, which the cyclists arrived at after dark last night.
This morning, Friday 21 October, the group sets off for Armidale. Stops at Tamworth, Muswellbrook, and Newcastle see the cyclists finally reaching Sydney next Tuesday 25.
Dave is one of three Sunshine Coast cyclists to be participating in this year’s event. One of the event’s founders, Gary Richardson of Buderim is again riding for the children, as is Dave’s brother Peter Clarke of Coolum.
“The distances are longer each day than I’ve ever ridden but it is a lot easier in the pack,” Dave said.
“There are many experienced cyclists that are leading the way and breaking the headwind and the rest of the peloton is pulled along in the draft to a certain extent.”
As a group, the cyclists pull in at a number of children’s hospitals along the way.
After a hard day’s riding, a lot of the riders are brought to tears by the gratitude and appreciation that they receive from the kids.
“We are very pleased and appreciative of every cent that we’ve made so far but we are yet to reach our target,” Dave said.
“I’m two-thirds of the way to reaching my personal target and it is not too late to donate now. Every cent and every dollar will make its way into children’s hospitals and will help the kids that we’re riding for.”
The event has raised over a million dollars for children in hospitals across the country.
It is not too late to show your support for this worthy cause. Donate to the Humpty Dumpty Foundation now at: fundraise.humpty.com.au/fundraisers/daveclarke/1200kmsforkids or use your phone to scan the QR code in the Ripple Psychology advertisement below.
For more information visit 1200kmsforkids.com
