Over 31 days, a very committed group of Riverton cyclists will prove that their pain is the kid’s gain.
Team “Numb and Number” (TNN) will once again take place in the Great Cycle Challenge this year, which raises much-needed funds for the Cancer Research Institute of Australia.
Organised by local businessman Matthew Rose, the ride has seen a small group of riders blow out to more than 50 locals throwing their support behind the worthwhile cause.
“We have been trading since 1999, but I have been selling and dealing in property in the City of Canning since 1989,” he said.
“As a local business owner I think it is imperative to give back.”
The group probably could not have picked a more strenuous way to do so.
Over 31 days, each rider is pushed to ride as many kilometres as they can, with each click adding more money.
“The goal is simple: test yourself and ride as many kilometres as you can,” Mr Rose said.
“From humble beginnings where it was just myself and a couple of close friends, riding 5000km and raising just over $7000 in 31 days, we now have over 50 registered riders with TNN, with as many as 20-25 of those signing up for the Great Cycle Challenge.”
Mr Rose has captained the team every year so far and said the fact he has been blessed with three healthy children has just made the cause more important to him.
He said particular stories put forward through the Challenge, such as the one of five-year-old Brody, put faces to debilitating diseases like cancer hammer home the need for support.
“It’s through those kinds of stories you realise how important it is and that really helps in gaining support,” he said.
“We now have several local businesses helping us out in different ways.
“It’s not just about the money – places like Rustico Café, they basically became sponsors because they’re like a home base to us.
“Giuseppe supports our riders throughout the month of October by providing our Sunday Ride meet up point and then providing coffee for all the team riders after we finish our long ride.
“At VAYDA Sports Apparel Derrin heavily subsidises the cost of team kit, so the guys all look the part and are noticed all years round.
“Obviously it’s advertising for those businesses, but there wouldn’t be so much support without it being such an important cause.”
The Great Cycle Challenge runs through October.
To support Team Numb and Number, read Brody’s story and find out more, go to the Great Cycle Challenge website.
