More than 6,000 cyclists will take the start line at the Tour de Brisbane partnered with Splatt Lawyers on Sunday 11 July, riding on fully closed roads in what has been described as Christmas for bike riders.
But even better than that, the riders will be giving the gift of life by raising money for heart and lung transplant research at The Prince Charles Hospital.
Medical research charity, The Common Good, has adopted a Christmas in July theme for the event on July 11, recognising that over 110km of closed roads is like Christmas for cyclists!
The Common Good is aiming to raise $125,000 to support heart and lung transplant research at The Prince Charles Hospital.
Chief Executive Officer, Michael Hornby, says the event is a great way to spend time with family and friends and give back through raising funds for heart and lung transplant research.
“More than 1,600 Australians are waiting for an organ transplant and for most, time is against them,” Mr Hornby said.
“Our goal is to raise $125,000 which will fund 2,840 hours of life-changing organ transplant research.
“Registered riders have their own fundraising page to share with family and friends and I can assure you that every cent raised will help us improve the lives of people with heart and lung disease.”
In keeping with the Christmas theme, Scody clothing company is selling Ugly Christmas cycling jerseys, with one third of the proceeds donated to The Common Good.
Event Director Mike Crawley said the Tour de Brisbane is a great way to raise money for medical research.
“The Tour de Brisbane has options for riders of all abilities – keen cyclists can test themselves on the 110km Gran Fondo course, and we also have a 75km, 30km and community course for recreational riders,” Mr Crawley said.
“This is a rare chance for cyclists to ride in the city without any cars. They can savour the ride across the Story Bridge, through Legacy Way Tunnel and other city landmarks.
“We are already seeing the benefits of our partnership with The Common Good – researchers have improved heart pump technology, they have enhanced the quality of lungs for transplant and they’ve also invested in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest clinical trial of stem cell therapy after a lung transplant.
“We are proud to have contributed to this research but there are still a lot of people waiting for transplants and this is a great way raise funds and awareness.”
Members of the community can register to ride in the Tour de Brisbane here. Family and friends can donate to the cause here.
The rides start from 6:30am, as part of the wider Brisbane Cycling Festival which will be based at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
