A RIDING peloton of 36 business leaders crossed the finish line of a fundraising cycling challenge that raised $1 million dollars for mentoring programs to help at local risk youth.
The first Beyond Cycling Challenge started from Limestone Park in the centre of Ipswich with the original goal of $750,000.
The journey took five days, covering 800km, passing through Toowoomba, Killarney, and the Gold Coast before heading back to Brisbane via Alexandra Hills, while climbing over 10,000m in elevation – 1100m higher than Mt Everest.
TRACTION aims to help young people unlock their potential through participation in much-needed hands-on learning and mentoring programs, including its flagship Bike Build program.
The workshops have helped 100 young Ipswich people from Ipswich State High, Ripley Valley SSC, Bellbird Park, Bremer, Bundamba, Ipswich West.
TRACTION founder and CEO Sandy Murdoch, who participated in the challenge, was overcome with pride towards the group of riders who raised funds for the cause.
“This is the biggest fundraiser we have done since our inception in 2015, and to raise $1 million is a phenomenal outcome, a massive moment in TRACTION’s evolution,” he said. “Queensland is experiencing significant challenges with youth crime and incarceration, and many young people need extra support.”
Rider Cyril Jinks, who topped the leader board and raised more than $110,000 through his network, was thrilled to ride alongside a community-minded group of business leaders.
“People say I raised over $110,000, I didn’t, it’s all the good-hearted individual contributors who have raised the 100 grand,” Mr Jinks said. “When I started, I thought I’d be lucky to raise $30,000.”
