Pedals power worthwhile cause
THE Killarney Recreation Centre was the venue for the overnight stay for participants in the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) Bike 4 Burns charity ride.
About 47 riders are participating in the 2012 Bike 4 Burns Ride which started at Southport on Tuesday with overnight stays at Murwillumbah, Kyogle, Killarney, Stanthorpe, Texas, Millmerran and Gatton finishing in Brisbane - a distance of 890km.
While in Killarney the riders and support staff camped in the recreation centre and enjoyed a meal by the Killarney Lions Club.
Mt Isa fireman Shane Breen, competing in his third Bike 4 Burns ride, said although the Thursday leg from Kyogle to Killarney was challenging it was quite scenic and he looked forward to the rest of the week.
When asked what drives him to return each year he said firemen were sometimes faced with seeing children being burnt on the job and to be able to raise money to help research for better treatment, he didn't think twice.
The charity bike ride was designed to promote awareness of the QFRS wellness program and raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.
Proceeds raised will help the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation Burns Research Group to develop better methods of treating burns, speed up recovery, reduce scarring and implementing burns prevention campaigns.
Rockhampton rider Rusty Hall who is the oldest rider on the Bike 4 Burns is competing in his 6th ride and at 74 years old is still mixing it with the young ones by riding in the fast group.
Rusty said he trained four days a week and rode socially each weekend.
"Besides the personal challenge this is an excellent event and to help raise money for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation is what it is all about," he said.
The ride
Learn more on the QFRS Wellness Program at workingwonders.com.au
