The ride was founded in 1999 by Selwyn Hardwick. Sel felt helpless when his sister passed away from cancer, and one of his grandchildren became ill with leukemia. On a road trip coming back from Cairns, Sel came up with the idea of riding from Townsville to Cairns to raise money to give to the CCIA. He felt that this was a way he could help his grandson proactively. He invited his son to join in the challenge and the idea was born.
While approaching bike shops in Townsville, Sel realized that he hadn’t done a lot of riding for some time and knew that he would need some help. It was when Sel visited Andrew Abrahams at Better Bikes that the idea became reality, with Andrew suggesting that he get involved and they make it a ride for anyone to participate in. It was here that the BIG W Townsville to Cairns Bike ride as we know it today was formed.
We acknowledge and congratulate both Sel and Andrew, along with members of the original committee (Jan Hardwick, Joseph Greco, Catherine Stuart and John Heufel) in establishing one of CCIA’s major fundraising events.
|
