Thirty-six female riders will depart Brisbane in the early hours of Saturday 22 September from South Brisbane Sailing Club to embark on a two-day charity ride covering 280 kilometres ranges from Brisbane to Boonah and back.
Girls Got Heart is a charity founded by two Brisbane mothers whose passion for exercise and wellbeing inspired them to give back to a worthy cause while doing something they love. The charity uses challenging cycling events to raise funds and awareness on behalf of Heart of Australia (HOA). All funds raised go to HOA who send a mobile clinic or Heart Bus to traverse isolated and rural Queensland, providing much needed specialist medical care to outback Queenslanders. Dame Quentin Bryce will be opening the event and sending the peloton off with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Heart disease is the single leading cause of death in Australia for both men and women. It is estimated that 1.4 million Australian’s live with heart disease and more than 55,000 Australians suffer heart attacks each year. According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics there are three times fewer specialists per capita working in regional and remote areas than in Australian cities. Girls Got Heart encourages women of all abilities to jump on a bike, persevere with the training and embrace the pleasures and safety of group cycling, while doing their bit to help rural Queensland.
This year’s riders have raised more than $79,000 of their $150,000 target so far. They welcome any donations online.
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