Welcome to Issue #3 - November 2025
Melbourne Cup Day is done and as everyone knows it becomes the starting gun for the festive season and the race towards a well-earned break.
But for those preparing for the events in 2026 it means that and more. Finding the right balance between social gatherings and serious training won’t be easy but that is where we are at now with our Melbourne event and the riders are braving some cooler and wet weather for the early training sessions. The Brisbane riders will have to contend with the possibility of more storms as the monsoon rains have already left their mark on the roads and windy weekends have made things a bit sketchier. The Sydney siders might be grateful for the later start next year.
Apart from getting fit, now is the time to crack on with fundraising efforts and you will see our team publishing more material to help you (especially new riders) to get to your targets. We are hoping 2026 will be a cracker year for the Chain Reaction Challenge with the great mix of returning and new riders, some new corporate sponsors, and our fantastic long term corporate supporters.
Enjoy this third edition of B-Spoke and meet more of our dedicated people in this edition.
Michael Byrom,
CEO, Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation
UPCOMING EVENTS
2026 CR BLACK FRIDAY SALES!
Heads up alumni!
We’re giving our Chain Reaction Alumni community exclusive early access to purchase older Chain Reaction kit and event stock at special discounted rates - ahead of the public Black Friday sales.
You can browse what’s currently available and we’ll keep adding more items over the coming weeks.
Simply use the code CR25 to unlock access.
Stock is limited, so if there’s something you’ve had your eye on - now’s the time to grab it before it’s gone!
2026 CHAIN REACTION CHALLENGES
There are still a few rider positions available in each state, apply now!
2026 Melbourne Chain Reaction Challenge
March 1 - March 7, 2026
Sydney to Melbourne
2026 Brisbane Chain Reaction Challenge
March 22 - March 28, 2026
North Island New Zealand
2026 Sydney Chain Reaction Challenge
April 25 - May 1, 2026
Adelaide & Surrounds
Can’t commit to the full 7-day ride? You can still be part of the Chain Reaction community.
Introducing the Virtual 1000 - a brand new challenge where you ride wherever and whenever it suits you. Over 30 days, clock up 1,000 km and raise vital funds to support sick kids and their families. Whether you’re training for the big event, riding with friends, or taking on your own personal challenge - this is your chance to ride with purpose
THE ROAD TO THE WORLD TOUR CONTINUES - PSL SEASON 2 IS HERE AND THE WORLD IS WATCHING!
Australia’s elite road cycling league, the ProVelo Super League (PSL), returns in 2026 for its highly anticipated second season - building on the momentum and success of its groundbreaking debut.
Launched in 2025, the PSL quickly established itself as the Road to the World Tour, with over a dozen riders earning WorldTour-connected opportunities including the entire podium of the Women’s League and both the Champion and runner-up in the Men’s League.
With 321 athletes representing 14 nations, Season 1 demonstrated the league’s global relevance and its growing influence as a professional pathway for emerging talent.
Now, in Season 2, the stage grows larger.
Across six rounds and five states, the 2026 ProVelo Super League will showcase Australia’s top men’s and women’s teams alongside international squads - delivering ten weeks of world-class racing, broadcast coverage, and commercial opportunity.
The 2026 PSL Season will feature six (6) rounds across five (5) States:
With the world watching, the PSL continues to define the next generation of elite cycling, connecting brands, fans, and future champions through the most ambitious domestic racing platform in the country.
Discover partnership opportunities: https://provelosuperleague.com/about/partnership-opportunities
COMMUNITY NEWS
THE RETURN OF ROB ROSEBY
Dr Rob Roseby, a Paediatric Respiratory Physician at Monash Children’s Hospital and 4-time Chain Reaction rider, has shown incredible grit over the past few months.
Earlier this year, Rob faced an unexpected setback when a crash on his commute to work left him with multiple broken bones, surgery on his pelvis and 10 days in the Alfred Trauma Unit.
Just 20 days after surgery, Rob was already back at it determined, focused, and putting in the hard work to recover.
Rob wore his Chain Reaction socks to all rehab sessions to remind him of the goal of getting to the start line in March.
Now, we’re thrilled to share that Rob’s been given the all-clear to ride again - and he’s officially joining us for the 2026 Melbourne Chain Reaction Challenge!
Rob’s resilience and drive are a true reflection of what Chain Reaction is all about - overcoming challenges, pushing limits, and showing what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.
What an inspiration!
Have a story or community update you’d like to share in our monthly updates? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Leeanne at [email protected].
RIDER PROFILES
RIDER PROFILE: GLENN (RIDER #933) & JACQUIE EARL
After years of watching Chain Reaction from afar as a sponsor, Glenn decided 2025 was his year to stop cheering from the sidelines and take on the challenge himself.
“I’d been supporting Simonds Homes and Porter Davis for years, so I was well aware of Chain Reaction. When Nathaniel from Simonds asked if I’d like to join his team, it got me thinking - and there were four big reasons why I said yes.”
For Glenn, it was part fitness, part purpose, part family, and part community:
“I hadn’t done any real exercise since the 2010 Melbourne Marathon, so I needed something to snap me back into shape. It was also a chance to raise money for charity, connect with like-minded people, and maybe, just maybe, get bike-fit enough to join Jacquie in her triathlon adventures as we head into our twilight years.”
One year later, Glenn’s not only coming back for the 2026 Brisbane Challenge, but this time he’s bringing Jacquie, his wife along for her first Chain Reaction!
Jacquie isn’t exactly new to endurance sport - she’s been training and racing triathlons for the past 20 years, taking on everything from 70.3 events to full Ironmans. “I’ve basically spent the last six years on my TT bike, so I’m really looking forward to getting back on a road bike and riding for a good cause,” she said.
Glenn also raised an incredible amount in 2025, driven by pure commitment and community spirit. “Anything I do, I fully commit to. I just reached out to family, friends, sporting groups, and work networks - and the response was humbling.”
As for how Jacquie got roped in? Glenn laughs. “Nathaniel and I did the Otway Classic last April, and Jacquie joined us. A couple of months ago, Nath said, ‘Is Jacquie coming to Chain?’… and here we are.”
A few fun facts:
-
Who’s more competitive? “Definitely me,” says Glenn, “but Jacquie is the most determined person I know.”
-
Theme song for 2025? “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John - a fitting anthem for a first-year rider who gave it everything.
-
Who spends longer getting ready? “Me again - I never prepare properly the night before.”
-
Describe each other’s cycling style: Glenn on Jacquie: Determined. Slow (down hills). Fashion. Jacquie on Glenn: No fear descending.
-
And how do they feel about sharing the 2026 experience together? “We’re both excited to share the whole journey - the good and the bad. But when it’s all done, we know it’ll be something really special to look back on for the rest of our lives.”
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
ALIRO: CHAMPIONS ON AND OFF THE BIKE
When it comes to combining business success with a big heart, Aliro has mastered the balance. Led by Executive Chairman Dave Southon, Aliro has become one of Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation’s most passionate corporate teams - proving that high performance and generosity make a winning combination.
How It All Began
Dave first discovered Chain Reaction the same way many great partnerships start through riding mates and good coffee. “Chain Reaction’s focus on children’s charities aligned perfectly with our giving objectives,” he says. “Plus, as a So They Can board member, it made sense for us to form an Aliro | STC team.”
Since then, Aliro has become a familiar name in the peloton - not just for their fundraising power, but for their energy, camaraderie, and that unmistakable Aliro spirit.
Standout Moments
Ask Dave for a highlight and he’ll give you plenty. “Finishing my first event from Coffs Harbour to Sydney - and riding into North Sydney Oval to cheers from family and friends - that was pretty special,” he recalls.
This year’s North Island NZ Challenge also earned a top spot. “The scenery, the camaraderie, and the record-breaking $1.1 million raised - it had everything,” Dave says. (We’re still waiting for confirmation that the stunning New Zealand views made the climbs any easier. Spoiler: they didn’t.)
Purpose with Pedals
Aliro doesn’t just talk about corporate responsibility - they live it. “Supporting children is the most sustainable way to create generational change,” Dave says. “We want our impact to last far beyond a single event.”
Their long-term partnership with So They Can reflects that philosophy perfectly. The charity’s work in East Africa, especially in empowering young girls through education, is something the team feels deeply connected to. “They’ve helped educate nearly 50,000 students and achieved a 25% improvement in academic performance,” Dave shares proudly.
Team Aliro: The Legends Behind the Logos
When asked what song best sums up Aliro during event week, Dave doesn’t hesitate:
“We Are The Champions by Queen.” And honestly, we can’t argue. Between their fundraising results and their pace lines, the anthem fits.
Inside the team, competition is fierce. Dave’s quick to call out Kevin Keuchler as the “machine” of the group - though veterans Wazza (our resident Weatherman), Phil “The Weasel” Tanner, Mark “Beaver” Davison, and Andrzej “Dutch” Masztak aren’t exactly cruising either.
As for who’s most likely to be late to the start line? Dave puts his hand up.
“Probably me. I like to take my time getting ready - or I’m mid-interview with Chain Reaction’s media team. The A-Team reminds me that ‘early is on-time’ and ‘on-time is late’… but I’m usually too early on the climbs anyway!”
And that’s what makes Aliro special - the mix of heart, humour, and horsepower that reminds us all what Chain Reaction is about.
Aliro embodies everything that makes Chain Reaction special - competitive spirit, generosity, and a commitment to changing lives. Whether they’re leading the fundraising charge or taking on another climb, this team continues to prove that business and purpose can go hand in hand.
MECHANICAL TIPS
Brake Feel & Pad Wear
Good braking isn’t just about stopping power - it’s about control and confidence. Check that your brake pads still have material left and are wearing evenly. If the lever feels spongy, it might be time for new pads or a brake bleed. Consistent, reliable braking gives you peace of mind on every descent.
Fresh Tyres, Fewer Worries
Tyres wear out gradually, so it’s easy to miss the signs. If yours are squared off, cracked, or showing fabric threads, it’s time for new rubber. Fresh tyres roll faster, grip better, and massively reduce your puncture risk - one of the best upgrades you can make before a big event.
Wheel True & Bearing Check
Spin your wheels and look for any side-to-side movement or rubbing on the brake pads. A well-trued wheel and smooth bearings make a huge difference in handling, efficiency, and overall feel. If you notice roughness, play, or noise, get your hubs serviced before the event - smooth wheels save energy over long days.
See you out on the road,
Luke



