Brendan Bourke does Camp Quality Ride

2011 was the fourth major year fund-raising bike ride I have been involved in.  Criag Gibson of Sunrise Cycles has organised five rides in total.  Not only does he and his staff spend 12 months organising each ride, but Craig puts in his own funds and stock from his shop to ensure that the cyclists travel safely, comfortably and at no risk of starvation.

In 2008 and 2009 I was part of a group of 50 cyclists that raised about $12,000 each year for Biala Special School, which provides disability support services for school-aged children in Ballina.

Usually, the ride is split up into three goups of between 10-20, depdending on riding ability.  We have quite a few 70+ cyclists as well as a few super-fit triathletes.

Over the last two years a couple of cyclists working for Leighton Constructions on the Ballina Bypass have hit up all of the tradesmen and suppliers working on the Bypass and have managed to raise $7,000 in 2010 and $12,000 in 2011.  In 2010, Camp Quality has received just under $20,000 and this year that figure went up to $27,000.  The great thing about Camp Quality is that the funds are spent locally, supporting local families who have a child suffering cancer.

Whilst cycling for three days, up mountains and through crazy magpies sounds like its hard, there’s plenty of Mrs Gibson’s cream cakes and pies to enjoy during the day, and more than one cold beer each night.  The aim is to lose a bit of weight during the day and do your best to put it back on again each night.

I am grateful for the donations of clients, business contacts, barristers and friends who helped me to become the biggest single contributor each year.