Cycling event goal for cancer fight
Pilot Alex Hall to ride Gran Fondo
“Riding has saved my mental health throughout my cancer treatment.”
When Trinity Beach pilot, Alex Hall, mounts her bike on September 11 this year it will mean so much more to her than just another ride.
The Port Douglas Gran Fondo will take her along the iconic Great Barrier Reef Drive and represent the end of her treatment for breast cancer.
“I am getting really excited now leading into the event especially when I think back to all of the hurdles that I have had over the past couple of years,” Ms Hall told Newsport.
“I heard about the event before I got sick and I was immediately interested. Throughout the worst of the cancer and the chemo it was really difficult to ride but I made an effort to get out there and get some sunshine.”
The 35-year-old cycling and mountain biking enthusiast becomes emotional when discussing this moment, as she should, after her journey to this point.
“Riding helped me with my mood and the side effects throughout treatment. It became part of my daily ritual and has kept me feeling mentally balanced throughout.”
“I have had this event to look forward to and I am at that place in my treatment where I think I can actually ride that distance – there were definitely days when I knew I couldn’t.”
Ms Hall added that she sees the Gran Fondo as the best opportunity to enjoy a ride in a safe, non-competitive environment after having raced on the route five times.
“I’m going through chemo now and will be five months into my six-month treatment when I ride in the event.”
Big goals
Her routine has seen her fitness rise and her goal is to complete the 100km ride with the 48km distance as her backup, her confidence shining through knowing her ability after coming so far.
“That would be a huge achievement for me – I like big goals.”
“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.”
Family memory
It will be a family memory for years to come as her husband, pilot Shane D’Alcorn, and their 14-month-old daughter Ava join her for the full weekend of the inaugural Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival on September 9-11.
“We are looking forward to a relaxing weekend in Port Douglas with time to watch the races, enjoy drinks and dinner and visit the wildlife parks,” Ms Hall said.
Bade Stapelton, managing director at Connect Sport Australia, said Ms Hall was one of the first to register for the event and cycling enthusiasts have just over a week to take advantage of early bird pricing which would end on Friday June 10.
For more information, tickets and registration click here.