NEWS

February 2012 - Good luck message from Phil Liggett

Phil Liggett, Patron of the Chain Reaction NSW Challenge, has sent all Chain Reaction riders a good luck message for their rides in 2012.

This message can be viewed via the following link:

February 2012 - Velosophy hosts NSW riders

January 2012 - Phil Liggett rides with Chain Reaction riders at the TDU

Chain Reaction riders from around Australia hit Adelaide for the TDU and in between watching the pros and visiting the wineries managed to squeeze in a two-hour ride with world cycling legend and Chain Reaction Patron Phil Liggett.

Despite his heavy schedule of commitments at the Tour Phil was generous with his time, getting to know the CR bunch, posing for endless photos and offering whatever support he can to make sure Chain Reaction maintains its reputation as Australia’s “ultimate corporate cycling challenge.”

Chain Reaction CEO John Ward said the organisation was privileged to have the support of such a distinguished cycling figure.

“Phil’s profile and his credibility in the cycling world are wonderful assets for Chain Reaction,” he said. “He is known around the world not just as the Voice of Cycling but also for his tireless work for good causes and we’re lucky that Chain Reaction is one of those he has agreed to help.”

Phil told the CR riders he was keen to help in any way possible, including possibly participating in future Chain Reaction events.

“Chain Reaction is a perfect example of how cycling is harnessing its popularity to help our communities,” he said. “I wish everyone involved the best for the hard training coming up, and for the events as well.”

John Ward said Chain Reaction scored a fantastic double at the Tour, catching up with Phil Liggett and watching Chain Reaction ambassador Simon Gerrans take out the Ochre Jersey.

“Simon has been a generous supporter of our cause, most recently hosting a training weekend for us at Mt Buller.

“All of us at Chain Reaction extend our warmest congratulations to Simon and the rest of the Green Edge team and wish them all the best for the season ahead.”

Chain Reaction is grateful to Phil, and to his regular riding mates in Adelaide from the Bocelli La Squadra bunch, for their hospitality and for introducing them to Adelaide’s finest coffee at Bocelli’s in Hutt Street.

December 2011 - Sports Physiology Testing for Chain Reaction Riders

A total of 30 Victorian Chain Reaction riders have participated in physiological testing and sports science assessments offered by Deakin University through their partnership with major Chain Reaction charity partner - Eastern Health Foundation.

The riders participated in testing with individual assessments of key physiological variables such as VO2max, anaerobic threshold, maximum heart rate, peak power and efficiency, and body mass index.

By defining these parameters, each rider was provided information on their current physical health status and performance capabilities. The data will identify optimum training zones, pedalling action efficiency and provides insights into areas to improve performance.

Sport performance testing is not readily available to the general public, so the riders were eager to participate in individual assessments, reserved only for those at the elite level of sport.

Overseen by Dr Paul Gastin from Deakin’s School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, the assessment was designed to assist individuals participate in the Victorian Chain Reaction Challenge in March 2012. The results will enable each rider to increase the impact of training, aid recovery and enhance awareness of training science.

Testing will be repeated prior to the Chain Reaction ride and in the week following the conclusion of the ride to determine physical health, levels of improvement and responses to the 7 day cycling challenge.

November 2011 - Simon Gerrans conducts Chain Reaction training camp

Twenty six Chain Reaction riders headed to Mansfield in country Victoria for weekend to ride with six times Tour de France rider Simon Gerrans. Simon is one of Australia’s most successful professional cyclists and in 2009 joined an exclusive club by becoming the first Australian to win stages in all three Grand Tours (France, Italy and Spain).

Despite the forecast of thunderstorms and strong winds for the two days of the training camp, riders were able to enjoy two training rides around Mansfield with Simon. On the Saturday, the group headed out for a leisurely loop around Mansfield with Simon setting a good tempo at the front and the rest of the peloton rotating so that everyone had the opportunity to ride next to him. For the statistically minded this ride was 58 kilometres at an average speed of 31.3 km/h and 416 metres climbed.

Dinner on Saturday night was at Mansfield’s Produce Store which was a great place to relax and enjoy the local produce. After dinner, Simon provided an overview of his 2011 season including his win in the six day Tour of Denmark. Simon also spoke about his reasons for joining GreenEDGE cycling and what that means for him and Australian cycling in general.

On Sunday riders gathered at 8am for the ride to the summit of Mt Buller. Despite the low clouds the peloton set off looking forward to the challenge ahead. At the base of Mt Buller the peloton split into a slow and a fast group for the 16 kilometre climb to the top. Simon Gerrans’ record of 39 minutes was not challenged however all riders were happy with their form so early in the training program. Once at the top of the mountain the sun started to shine and everyone enjoyed a well earned coffee. After safely negotiating the descent the peloton made its way back to Mansfield to complete a 95 kilometre ride that included 1641 metres of climbing.

Thank you to Simon Gerrans for so generously giving of his time over the weekend and giving all present the opportunity to ride with a Tour de France rider.

November 2011 - Robbie McEwen talks at the launch of the 2012 Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge

Over 130 guests gathered at Brisbane’s Il Centro restaurant for the launch of the 2012 Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge which will see 40 cyclists ride over 1,000 kilometres from Rockhampton to Brisbane in May 2012.

Guests were entertained by three time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen and two time Rugby World Cup winning Wallaby Tim Horan.

Robbie McEwen entertained guest with stories from his time riding in Europe and revealed some of the ‘tricks’ required to win races. Robbie also updated the audience on GreenEDGE cycling and his hopes for the team and the role that he will be playing.

Tim shared his thoughts on the Wallabies performance at the Rugby World Cup earlier this year and also spoke about his personal involvement Aunties and Uncles, a charity that Chain Reaction has supported in the past.

Georgina Lewis from Network 10 controlled proceedings perfectly and managed to control the enthusiasm of the audience. The day was rounded out with an auction for a lunch at Il Centro with Robbie McEwen and then Robbie generously signed copies of his recently launched book ‘One Way Road’ and donated the proceeds to Chain Reaction.

September 2011 - Phil Liggett appointed patron of Chain Reaction NSW

Phil Liggett, who is universally revered as the voice of cycling, has accepted the role of Patron of Chain Reaction’s inaugural ride in NSW which will be held in March 2012.

A Message from Phil Liggett

It is my great pleasure to accept the role of Patron of the 2012 NSW Chain Reaction Ride – the ultimate corporate cycling challenge in Australia.

Cycling is one of the great unifying, mass-participation sports in the world. It is enjoyed by toddlers out for their first wobbly ride, by weekend warriors, all the way through to the legends of the professional peloton.

But beyond the sheer pleasure that cycling brings to all of us on a personal level it also has the potential to bring communities together for the common good. Chain Reaction is one of the more outstanding examples of this in action.

From one man’s near-tragic experience with his newborn child six years ago was born an event that challenges some of Australia’s most senior corporate executives in the two ways. Firstly, to commit to and train hard for what will probably be the most physically demanding event of their lives. And secondly, to use their initiative and their networks to raise funds for a worthy cause – in this case, for research by the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute into Congenital Heart Disease which afflicts so many young Australians and their families.

I have offered to help the 2012 Chain Reaction team in any way I can – by spreading the word about the ride, by offering encouragement to riders and potential sponsors through regular messages of support posted on the Chain Reaction website to joining in a training session or two with the riders when I’m Down Under.

I am honoured to be associated with Chain Reaction and with the Victor Chang Institute and I look forward to my involvement with this great event in support of a great cause.

Kind Regards,

Phil Liggett

August 2011 - Kieran Perkins joins riders to celebrate the success of the Queensland ride

Olympic champion Kieran Perkins joined riders and support crew from this year’s Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge to celebrate its success. This year’s 1,000 kilometre ride from Forster on the NSW central coast to Brisbane in May raised over $605,000 for Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital and the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

The Royal Children’s Hospital will use the funds provided to purchase 3 cardiac monitors for its Children’s Cancer Centre and an OCT Ultrasound Machine it’s Children’s Eye Clinic while the Starlight Children’s Foundation will use the funds provided to help run the Starlight Express Room at the Mater Children’s Hospital.

Kieran, who is a Starlight Children’s Foundation Ambassador, entertained guests with stories from his swimming career with a particular focus on the hard work and mental preparation that was required to win two Olympic gold medals. Kieran generously said that he was inspired by the Chain Reaction riders who manage to balance training, work and family commitments.

In addition, Dr Brendan Cronin from the Royal Children’s Hospital Eye Clinic gave all present an informative talk on the benefits of the OCT Ultrasound Machine and the difference that it will make in the early diagnosis and treatment of many of the conditions that effect children’s eyes.

The night was hosted by the Royal Children’s Hospital and provided riders and support crew the opportunity to re-live their journey from Forster to Brisbane and talk about how much fitter they will be for next year’s ride.

June 2011 - Simon Gerrans Appointed a Chain Reaction Ambassador

Chain Reaction, the ultimate corporate bike challenge, is pleased to announce that Tour de France cyclist Simon Gerrans has accepted an invitation to be a Chain Reaction ambassador.

Held each year, the Chain Reaction rides raise money for sick children by challenging senior executives who have a passion for cycling and an awareness of their corporate social responsibilities to ride 1,000 kilometres in seven days.  

In making the announcement Chain Reaction CEO John Ward said, "Chain Reaction is extremely selective as to whom it appoints as an ambassador and Simon’s work ethic and dedication to his profession and his desire to give back to the community typifies what Chain Reaction looks for." 

Since its first ride in 2007, Chain Reaction has raised over $4.4 million for its children’s charity partners.

In 2011 Chain Reaction conducted two charity ride bike rides; the first from Sydney to Melbourne for the Victorian business community which raised more than $1 million and the second from Forster on the NSW central coast to Brisbane for the Queensland business community which raised over $600,000. This year’s charity partners were the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital and the Monash Children’s Hospital.

In 2012 Chain Reaction will conduct three charity rides for the Victorian, Queensland and New South Wales business communities.   

In the final preparations for his sixth appearance in the Tour de France, Gerrans said in accepting the invitation to be a Chain Reaction ambassador, he hoped to help raise the profile and fundraising of the rides by assisting with a number of activities when he is back in Australia during his off-season.  

“I’m excited about aligning myself with a group of passionate business people who support some fantastic children’s charities. In addition to helping Chain Reaction raise more money I hope my involvement will make the Chain Reaction rides more enjoyable and maybe even a little faster”.

Simon Gerrans is one of the classiest riders in the professional peloton and in 2009 he joined an exclusive cycling club by becoming the first Australian to win stages in all three Grand Tours (France, Italy and Spain).  He represented Australia in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and currently rides for the British Team Sky.

Simon joins World Champion triathlete Emma Carney and Olympic swimming Champion Duncan Armstrong as Chain Reaction ambassadors.

May 2011 - Over $600,000 raised from Chain Reaction's inaugural Queensland ride

The inaugural Chain Reaction Queensland Challenge, which took place from 8 -13 May, saw 37 cyclists ride 1,000 kilometres between Forster on the NSW central coast and Brisbane. The route took the riders up the picturesque north coast of NSW passing through towns such as Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Byron Bay and Broadbeach.

As a result of the generous support of our corporate supporters and personal donors, Chain Reaction has raised over $602,000 which is a fantastic result for the first year of this ride. These funds will be shared between our major charity partners, the Starlight Children's Foundation and Brisbane’s Royal Children’s Hospital and a number of other smaller children’s charities. Both major charity partners are exceptionally worthy causes with the Starlight Children’s Foundation delivering innovative programs that restore the fun, laughter and joy to children that serious illness takes away while the Royal Children’s Hospital will use the money to purchase an three cardiac monitors for its Children’s Cancer Centre.

Included within the 37 riders were two times world champion triathlete Emma Carney, 1995 Australian triathlete of the year Troy Fidler, 2004 Team Pursuit World Champion Ashley Hutchinson and Chain Reaction founder Berrick Wilson. Pleasingly all 37 riders who started the event arrived safely at Reddacliff Place in Brisbane to be welcome home by family and friends. 

The riders were joined by at the start of their final day’s ride by Olympic Cycling Champion Sara Carrigan for the ascent up the gruelling Mt Tamborine which  despite some extremely weary legs in the peleton, all riders managed to make it to the top before completing the final leg of the ride under police escort into the Brisbane CBD.

To celebrate the success of Chain Reactions first Queensland ride all riders and support crew were joined by family, friends and supporters at a Gala Dinner at the Hilton Hotel.  Chain Reaction Ambassador Duncan Armstrong hosted the evening and once again did a fantastic job whilst Sara Carrigan was the guest speaker.

If you would like to see photographs and a daily summary from this year's ride please visit our blog at:
http://blog.chain-reaction.org.au.

March 2011 - More than $1 million raised - Victorian Ride

This year's Chain Reaction Victorian Challenge, which took place last week, saw 44 cyclists ride more than 1,100 kilometres between Sydney and Melbourne in 6½ days. The route took the riders over the picturesque and challenging Snowy Mountains passing through towns such as Canberra, Cabramurra which is Australia’s highest town, Myrtleford and Alexandria.

This year, through the generous support of our corporate supporters and personal donors, Chain Reaction has raised over $1,035,000 which is a Chain Reaction fundraising record. These funds will be shared between our major charity partners, the Starlight Children's Foundation and the Monash Children’s Hospital and a number of other smaller children’s charities. Both major charity partners are exceptionally worthy causes with the Starlight Children’s Foundation delivering innovative programs that restore the fun, laughter and joy to children that serious illness takes away while the Monash Children’s Hospital will use the money to purchase an MRI Incubator for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Apart from raising in excess of $1 million, pleasingly all 44 riders who started the event arrived safely at the Melbourne Town Hall. 

If you would like to see photographs and a daily summary from this year's ride please visit our blog at:
http://blog.chain-reaction.org.au.

February 2011: Queensland Ride Launch

Chain Reaction riders and sponsors gathered at the Holding Redlich office in Brisbane for the official launch of Chain Reaction’s first Queensland Challenge.  This challenge, which is to be held in May, will see 36 riders cycle 1000 kilometres in 6 days from Forster on the NSW central coast to Brisbane.

Berrick Wilson, Chain Reaction’s founder, took all present through his own moving experience that lead to the founding of Chain Reaction before John Ward, Chain Reaction’s CEO, unveiled the course for this year’s ride which he assures riders will be both picturesque and enjoyable.  Troy Fidler who is responsible for training all the riders and getting them to the starting line in peak physical condition emphasised the need for proper preparation both on and off the bike.

The evening was rounded out by presentations from the rides two major charity partners, the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Starlight Children’s Foundation who both informed riders and sponsors where the funds raised will be going and the impact that this will have on lives of sick children and their families.  

The evening was a great success with all riders and sponsors getting the opportunity to meet each in more relaxed surrounding than on a training ride but importantly gaining a better understanding of the difference that Chain Reaction aims to make in conjunction with its charity partners.

February 2011: Watt Bike Challenge at Monash Hospital

Last Wednesday Chain Reaction riders participated in a Watt Bike Challenge at the Monash Hospital.  Watt bikes are stationary bikes and a team from Chain Reaction competed against teams from Monash Heart and Southern Health (Monash Hospital).  The 10 hour challenge saw 10 riders from each team ride for 50 minutes with a 10 minute change over between each rider.

The purpose of the Challenge was to raise money for Chain Reaction and also to increase awareness within the hospital that Nick Youngs, a Monash Heart technician, is riding 1,100 kilometres in this year’s Chain Reaction Challenge between Sydney and Melbourne and is looking for Monash staff to sponsor him. 

Special guest appearances were made by Luke Darcy, Andrew McKay and Emma Carney who all very generously donated their time to help raise the profile of Chain Reaction and the Monash Children’s Hospital.  Apart from spending time on the bike, Luke also very generously spent some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit talking to both parents and medical staff.

The day was a great success with over $2,800 raised and the team from Chain Reaction narrowly defeating the team from Monash Heart 330 kilometres to 323 kilometres.

February 2011: Queensland Charity Partners Confirmed

Chain Reaction's Queensland Organising Committee has confirmed that the Royal Children's Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation will be its major charity partners for its 1,000 kilometre ride in May between Forster on the NSW central coast and Brisbane.

The Royal Children's Hospital will use the money raised to purchase three cardiac monitors for its Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. These units will allow nursing staff to monitor cardiac function at a higher level than they can at the moment. A child in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit has to be in isolation for 100 days and requires special monitoring which currently can only be done in an Intensive Care Unit which can be terribly confronting. These cardiac monitors will enable staff to continue to monitor children in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit rather than moving them to Intensive Care.

The Starlight Children's Foundation will use the money raised to run their Starlight Express Room at the Mater Hospital. The Starlight Express Room is a place where Captain Starlight orchestrates their own brand of fun and mayhem, alongside the latest computer games, movies, crafts and activities. Kids too ill to leave their beds can join in the fun via the daily Captain Starlight shows broadcast to their bedside TVs. Starlight Express Rooms are also a welcome retreat for brothers and sisters wanting to escape the tedium of waiting around in hospital corridors

John Ward, Chain Reaction's CEO said in relation to the decision "It is particularly important to support organisations like the Royal Children's Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation at the moment because a large part of their funding for 2011 will have been directed to Queensland Flood Relief Appeals".

February 2011: Chain Reaction riders visit Monash Hospital

Last Saturday, 20 riders from Chain Reaction’s Victorian Challenge visited the Monash Hospital for a briefing from the two major charity partners on where the funds raised will be spent.

For the 2011 Chain Reaction Victorian Challenge the two major charity partners are:

1. The Monash Children’s Hospital where Chain Reaction’s contribution will help them purchase an MRI Incubator, and
2. The Starlight Children’s Foundation where Chain Reactions contribution will enable Starlight to run their Starlight Express Room and the Starlight Captain's ward program at the Monash Children’s Hospital for 12 months

Dr Michael Ditchfield, Head of Paediatric Diagnostic Imaging, presented to the riders on the advantages of having an MRI Incubator and how it would provide doctors with invaluable information that will allow them to provide the best possible course of treatment for premature babies and also keep the families fully informed as to what is happening with their child. Equally as important is the fact that an MRI Incubator allows the safe transport and high quality scanning of premature babies without the need to disconnect these babies from their vital life support systems. This means that some babies who would have been considered too high a risk to disconnect from their life support systems will now be able to have an MRI.

Dr Alex Veldman, Neonatal Paediatrician Monash Newborn, then took the riders on a tour of the Monash Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) so that riders could see firsthand those babies that will benefit from the MRI Incubator. Currently Australia only has one MRI incubator, which is in Brisbane, and Dr Veldman and all the staff at Monash NICU are very excited about having Australia’s second MRI Incubator. Dr Veldman also showed the riders the Echocardiograph machine that Chain Reaction purchased for the Monash NICU in 2008 and said the he had "... saved the lives of at least 12 babies thanks to this machine".

Captain Rainbow, one of the Starlight Children’s Foundation’s enthusiastic Captains then took the riders to the Starlight Express Room and explained to riders that Starlight’s sole purpose is to bring smiles to sick children by distracting them from their illness and pain using entertainment and engagement. The Starlight Express Room is a place where Captain Starlight orchestrates their own brand of fun and mayhem, alongside the latest computer games, movies, crafts and activities. Kids too ill to leave their beds can join in the fun via mobile games stations. Starlight Express Rooms are also a welcome retreat for brothers and sisters wanting to escape the tedium of waiting around in hospital corridors.

All Chain Reaction riders left the hospital feeling much more informed about the two major charity partners for the 2011 Victorian Challenge but more importantly much more motivated with their fundraising efforts knowing that they can make a difference with the treatment and recovery of hospitalised children.

November 2010: Simon Gerrans talks at a Chain Reaction Business leaders Lunch

Australian Pro-cyclist Simon Gerrans entertained more than 50 guests at a Chain Reaction Business Leaders Lunch in Melbourne.

Simon is best known for his stage victories in all three Grand Tours (France, Italy and Spain), his top 10 finishes in the European Spring Classics and representing Australia at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Simon's presentation gave the audience a true appreciation for the life of a professional cyclist and he spoke about the highs and lows of his 2010 season and compared it to the GFC and its impact on many in the room. Simon low points included crashing three days straight in the Tour de France and ultimately have to withdraw with a broken elbow and a battered and bruised body. Despite this and many other setbacks Simon still managed to finish the season on a high by representing Australia at the World Championships in Geelong and helping Australia achieve a third place in the men’s road race.

The lunch was hosted by Investec Bank one of Chain Reaction’s major supporters and guest were drawn from the Chain Reaction community as well as representatives from other major Chain Reaction supporters, Caramel Creative, Goldman Sachs, ISPT, KordaMentha, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Westfield.

October 2010: Opening of the Cerebral Palsy Education and Training Centre Extension

Chain Reaction founder Berrick Wilson and CEO John Ward attended the official opening of the ‘new wing’ of the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC) which was officially opened by Maxine Morand MP, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development on 28 October 2010.

The construction of this ‘new wing’ was funded from the proceeds of the 2009 Chain Reaction Challenge around Tasmania. CPEC was one of the major charity partners for this ride and received a donation of $215,000 which contributed significantly towards the Education and Training extension. After the 2010 Chain Reaction Challenge between Port Macquarie and Noosa, Chain Reaction contributed an additional $100,000 to fund the fit out of the Education and Training extension.

The opening of the Education and Training extension has delivered a promise of hope and opportunity to every child in the world who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Their teachers, therapist and parents will now be able to access the education & training courses presented by the internationally acknowledged CPEC therapy staff from this new building.

As Garry Prigg, CEO of CPEC, said at the opening "If it were not for Chain Reaction the building extension would not exist today".

Pictured Left: John Ward - Chain Reaction CEO, Maxine Morand MP, Claire Cotter - CPEC Founder, Garry Prigg - CPEC CEO and Berrick Wilson - Chain Reaction Founder at the official opening of the Cerebral Palsy Education and Training Centre extension.

September 2010: Alannah & Madeline Foundation cheque presentation

Chain Reaction’s Chairman and Founder, Berrick Wilson, today presented a cheque for $200,000 to John Bertrand, Chairman of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation. The cheque represented part of the funds raised from Chain Reaction’s 2010 ride where 42 riders rode 1,000 kilometres between Port Macquarie and Noosa and raised over $875,000 for children’s charities. In presenting the cheque, Berrick said “Chain Reaction is pleased to partner with organisation such as The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and to assist them in the implementation of their Better Buddies program.”

The event was attended by Chain Reaction riders and representatives from its major supports, Goldman Sachs and Partners, Investec Bank, ISPT, KordaMentha, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Arnold Bloch Leibler.

August 2010: Berrick Wilson unveils commemorative plaque at the Monash Medical Centre

On Tuesday August 24, the Starlight Children's Foundation honoured Chain Reaction riders for their fundraising efforts that will keep the Monash Starlight Express Room doors open for 12 months and also send Starlight Captains into the wards. 

42 senior executives came together in the fourth annual Chain Reaction charity bike ride in March this year to raise over $300,000 for Starlight – enough funding for the foundation to operate the Starlight Express Room at Monash Medical Centre for 12 months. It also increases the frequency of Captain Starlight visits to Monash Medical Centre's outpatient's facilities including the Children's Cancer Centre and Adolescent Mental Health Centre. The unveiling of the Chain Reaction commemorative plaque at the Monash Starlight Express Room will be attended by executive riders from across Melbourne including Chairman Berrick Wilson, CEO John Ward and Ambassador Emma Carney along with rider representatives from Arnold Bloch Leibler, Goldman Sachs & Partners Australia, Investec, ISPT and PricewaterhouseCoopers. 

Chain Reaction, which has raised over $2.75 million dollars since its first ride in 2007, has grown to be a key funding partner for children's charities and with the appointment of new CEO John Ward they will continue to support children's charities long into the future.

July 2010: Sydney to Melbourne chosen as route for Chain Reaction 2011 Victorian ride

After much in-depth discussion the Melbourne Organising Committee has selected Sydney to Melbourne as the route for its 2011 ride.

This route was chosen because:

• It will be the 5th Chain Reaction ride for the Melbourne business community and riding between the two largest cities in Australia is a great way to celebrate the occasion, and
• Riding over the Snowy Mountains will be a challenge in itself however we are all hoping the picturesque scenery and a significant amount of training will be sufficient to get the riders through.

Details of the route are still being finalised however at this stage the proposed route see riders leaving Sydney via Wollongong before arriving in Moss Vale. From Moss Vale the peleton will travel south to Jindabyne via Queanbeyan and Cooma. From Jindabyne the fun begins as riders start to climb the Snowy Mountains to Thredbo and Tom Groggin before the descent to Khancoban. From Khancoban there's more climbing as the riders make their way to Bright before finally returning to Melbourne via Mansfield. The ride will start in Sydney on Saturday 12th March and conclude in Melbourne on Friday 18th March.

July 2010: Appointment of CEO - John Ward

Chain Reaction Founder and Chairman, Berrick Wilson, announced the appointment of John Ward to the position of CEO of the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation. John has been a Board member for three years and now takes on the full-time role as CEO as we enter our 5th year of the event.

The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation started in 2007 with its first event being a ride from Adelaide to Melbourne in which it raised $475,000 for Children's charities. In four years we have raised $2.75 million and in addition to providing much needed support to our major charity partner the Starlight Children's Foundation we have also:

• Purchased a new newborn emergency transport ambulance which you'll now see on the roads with Chain Reaction branding,
• Purchased a new echocardiography machine for Monash Newborn Intensive Care Unit,
• Funded the extension and fit-out of the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Glen Waverley,
• Funded the implementation of the Alannah and Madeline Better Buddies anti-bullying program in 100 new schools.