“I am still taking the oral chemo, but the side effects are very manageable,” Hall said positively.

“I’ve been able to get out on the bike more and more.

“I am getting more excited for the event as I start to realise that I can do the 100km and don’t think I need the smaller back up distance as planned.”

The Trinity Beach pilot has entered both the Criterium and the sprint race also adding more excitement when she mounts her bike on September 11 this year with her family joining her making it then just another ride.

The Port Douglas Gran Fondo will represent the end of her treatment for breast cancer and the 35-year-old cycling and mountain biking enthusiast becomes emotional when discussing the moment and her journey to this point.

“The Great Barrier Reef Drive is the most beautiful road to ride with the stunning views north to Cape Tribulation and south to False Cape on a clear day.”

Bringing everybody together

Newsport also spoke with a 70-year-old rider who has ridden all over Australia, but Gran Fondo brings a whole new level of excitement for him, as he has never been able to ride this route.

“I’m so excited about having the opportunity to ride and enjoy this spectacular road,” he said.

He and so many other riders are ready for the rubber to hit the road.

A ride to remember

The Port Douglas Gran Fondo courses will take riders along Great Barrier Reef Drive between Port Douglas and Palm Cove, while taking in breath-taking views through the palm trees alongside the Coral Sea.

The Gran Fondo Festival is fast approaching, and interest and noise is growing about this inaugural event with riders ready to go.

In what is primed to be an action-packed weekend with the three-day festival held on the 9-11th of September it is the perfect excuse to explore our very own patch of paradise.

Getting involved

“Lots of locals are taking up the discount,” Managing Director of Connect Sport Australia and Gran Fondo spokesperson Bade Stapelton told Newsport.

The local’s discount applies to anybody living in a 200km radius of Port Douglas with a $20 discount off the price. The discount is offered under pricing on the website with promo code LOCALS.

The school’s promotion is also a hot ticket item offering all schools a $30 discount if students, teachers and parents enter the shorter 48km that runs from Palm Cove and finishes in Port Douglas.

Mr Stapleton announced last month that the promotion is beneficial for schools as well as the event seeing students taking part.

“We want kids to get their schools involved so every student that participates will get a $20 return to the school and the school with the most students in the event will receive a $1000 donation.”

Other events across the festival weekend include the Cairns Post Criterium, Hemingway’s Brewery Sprint, Choo Choos FREE Family Ride, Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Festival Expo, local live music and after party!

Injection to local economy worth more than road closures

With all of these events on the schedule Mr Stapleton is excited about what the Gran Fondo will do for Port Douglas.

“It is injecting new life into the Marina as the hub of the event.

“It will draw thousands of people down there each year to showcase this part of Port Douglas.

Road closures will be a part of the event as is the case with other events but the boost to tourism and local economy will far outweigh any negatives this brings.

“We have worked with local businesses to include them as part of this great event and as a collaboration we understand what Gran Fondo will deliver for our great region.”

Entries are essential to take part in this weekend that will create memories for the whole family in tropical north Queensland. Head to the website and be part of the ride.