Riders ready to head into the jungle to support sick kids in need
CHARITY FUNDRAISER
Participating in his fifth Jungle Ride, which is being staged tomorrow, Port Douglas resident Charles Warren views the event as an ideal opportunity to support a worthy local cause.
Now into his 11th year, The Jungle Ride supports local charity KIND (Kids in Need of Donations).
KIND was established in 2008 in the Douglas region as a not-for-profit organisation, by local people for local people, to raise, administer and distribute funds to assist children in need of support who have been diagnosed with a terminal or debilitating illness or injury.
“Participating in the Jungle Ride is my personal commitment to helping Kids in Need.
“It is great to see the support from the cycling community to assist this great local cause,” says Warren, a General Manager for the Hilrok Hotel Group, owner of the Central and Court House Hotels.
The Central and Court House Hotels are both significant sponsors of the Jungle Ride; providing assistance to the community through KIND.
Ride Ambassador, Stuart O’Grady, will again be in the field. O'Grady rode as a professional between 1995 and 2013. A former track cyclist, he and Graeme Brown won gold in the Men's Madison at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
O'Grady also won Paris–Roubaix in 2007. O'Grady competed in the Tour de France from 1997 and contended for the points classification known as the green jersey, finishing second in the 1998, 1999, 2001 and 2005 races. He wore the yellow jersey of general classification leader in 1998 and 2001.
From its starting point at Port Douglas Sports Complex, the ride takes participants through 90km of stunning tropical rainforest to Cape Tribulation. Riders can extend their commitment and take on the 120km half-return ride back to the ferry or the full return loop to finish off an epic 180km ride.
The ride is divided into different speed coded groups according to ability and caters to riders of all levels from recreational cyclists, right up to elite athletes.
Warren, who will be in his third year as a group leader and will be cycling the 90km leg, said there is so much the event offers and for this reason it continues to be popular on the cycle racing calendar.
The first section of the ride from Port Douglas to Mossman is a thoroughly enjoyable and rather leisurely 20 km. The first stop is opposite The Mossman Markets where riders have the opportunity to fuel up on ride type snacks and water.
The second stop is the Wonga Beach Service Station.
The next stop is the Daintree Ferry Car Park, before leaving at the terminal.
From the Daintree River there are two challenging up-hill sections.
The next stop is at the beautiful Alexander Range Lookout. It then becomes a fantastic downhill reward trip for a few kilometres until it evens out once again and riding becomes a rainforest sensation.
Lunch will be waiting for participants at Cape Tribulation on completion of the 90 km ride at the Safari Lodge at Ocean Safari. Participants will either terminate their ride or undertake the 90km return.
Visit the Jungle Ride website for more information.
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