A team of 24 cyclists from the Department of Human Services (DHS) is to brave wild weather conditions and difficult terrain to ride 454 kilometres from Canberra to Charlotte Pass and back again next weekend (22-25 November), all to raise funds for the Canberra charity Hartley Lifecare.
General Manager at DHS, Hank Jongen said the distances, hills and storms the team could experience while riding to the Snowy Mountains were a fraction of the challenges people living with complex disabilities faced on a daily basis.
“This year the Hartley Cycle Challenge will be celebrating its 20th anniversary and I’m pleased to see the Department is supporting this significant milestone by leading the fundraising again, raising almost $74,000,” Mr Jongen said.
“The Department first participated in the Hartley Cycle Challenge back in 2015 with a team of only 12 cyclists and now there are 24.”
He said it was inspiring to see how the passion and dedication to the cause had grown within the Department over the past five years.
“Thanks to the support of colleagues, family, friends and local businesses, the Department’s team has raised a staggering $360,000 for Hartley Lifecare since its first ride in 2015,” Mr Jongen said.
This year the team includes Brett Bellchambers, famous for competing in 24-hour endurance races solo on a single speed bike.
Hartley Lifecare supports people living with disability and their families and more information about the Hartley Cycle Challenge and Hartley Lifecare can be accessed at this PS News link.
