Welcome to B-SPOKE, the new addition to the Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation family.
B-SPOKE will be a regular feature for our riders, sponsors, alumni and charity partners. Equally it’s yours to share and we’d love to hear from you about your rides, your work, tips, ideas and stories.
One of our core strengths lies in the positive actions and reactions that come from our events and the longtime friends and associations we have all made over the last 20 years. The “Chain” family is underscored by this - and the epic journeys and efforts of individuals draw a unity of purpose and admiration. Take, for instance, the story in this edition of Troy Fidler - our first Queensland coach, ditching the bike for swimming “The Ditch (aka the English Channel) and helping another children’s charity.
B-SPOKE will cover stories and personalities, insights into the individuals and teams who have placed their faith and wellbeing in our rides.
Planning is well advanced for the 2026 events, and the call has gone out to sign up
we hope riders and teams do this early - to help us to plan the best events possible.
Our resident mechanic has a few tips for you this edition. There is an update on breaking ground for a new AEIOU Centre, and we will be providing other news about the good work and milestones that our charities are hitting.
We encourage you to provide information and feedback. Our surveys help but please contact me or Tim and Leanne if there is anything you would like to raise. A communicative and connected organisation is one that listens and explains; success is not always assured but these things are dominant characteristics for successful charities and not for profits. With 20 years approaching we are determined to avoid complacency and to drive new initiatives and B-SPOKE is another way for us to do that.
One last thing. We never take ourselves too seriously. (Ask Kaine- and read his bio). So, nicknames are common parlance in the peloton. The Kaiser- Jan Ullrich, Pogi and generically “roadie” (not the bottled kind) to identify a couple. “Gerro” is another.
The Lung was another (Cadel Evans). Of course, in typical Australian fashion the “ie” or “y” reigns dominant in that parlance - Chaddie, Lachie and you know the rest. But thank heavens (pun intended) “Lordy” hasn’t made it to anyone’s lips yet.
Read on and see you (somewhere) on a bike…
Michael Byrom,
CEO, Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sea Otter Australia #SOA2025
Global Outdoor Industry Leaders Summit comes to Australia!
For the first time, the world’s leading voices in the outdoor and bike industry will gather down under to share #wildideas and shape the future of global collaboration.
We’re proud to announce that our CEO, Michael Byrom, will represent Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation at the 2025 Sea Otter Australia Summit this October.
Michael will showcase our journey since 2007 - uniting senior executives in multi-day cycling challenges, raising over $46 million for children’s charities, and proving how endurance, leadership, and community spirit can change lives.
Exclusive offer: Our Chain Reaction community receives 20% off tickets with code CRCFSOAS25.
2026 Chain Reaction Challenges
Applications close October 6 - don’t leave it to the last minute, get your forms in now!
We’re glad to see entries rolling in so far:
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Melbourne: 15 entries
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Brisbane: 13 entries
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Sydney: 10 entries
Sydney, we know you’ve got more in you! Let’s see those applications roll in!
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
COMMUNITY NEWS
AEIOU Foundation will expand the reach of its leading evidence-based autism early intervention services in Ipswich with the construction of a new purpose-built centre at Camira.
On Thursday 11 September, AEIOU hosted Michael Byrom Chain Reaction CEO, local and state government representatives and Hutchinsons at the new centre site to mark the sod turning of the project. Fundraising for a custom-built centre in Ipswich started several years ago to replace the current AEIOU site at Camira, which has supported many families over the years but is no longer fit for purpose. The original building was built in the 1980s and hosted a different childcare before AEIOU moved into the area in 2012.
The expanded centre will feature four classrooms, therapy rooms and an outdoor playground, creating daily capacity to support up to 48 enrolments into the group-based early intervention for autistic children aged two to six with complex needs.
AEIOU acknowledges the Chain Reaction Foundation for their generous support and funding towards the new Camira centre. The contribution has been instrumental in making this project possible and will help ensure more children and families in the Ipswich region can access the specialised early intervention services they need to achieve their goals and thrive.
Chain Reaction’s inaugural Brisbane coach, Troy Fiddler, took on the incredible challenge of swimming the English Channel.
We are so proud of Troy for completing this incredible feat, undertaken in support of The Pyjama Foundation, which empowers children in foster care across Australia with vital learning, life skills, and confidence.
Troy has raised over $43,000 for this cause! You can still show your support for Troy by clicking HERE.
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 PROFILE
Rider Profile: Kaine Lanyon #379
Kaine first joined Chain Reaction after being inspired by Andrew Hayne’s involvement years ago. At the time, he didn’t even own a bike and hadn’t ridden since his BMX days as a kid, but the sheer scale and purpose of the event had him hooked.
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Since then, Kaine has gone on to complete 8 Victorian Chain Reaction events proving just how much the challenge, the cause, and the community mean to him.
A few things about Kaine:
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Despite what he says, he is interesting (but he insists otherwise).
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Naturally shy, though you’d never guess it once he’s in the peloton.
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At just 19, he faced the heartbreaking loss of both parents within three months- an experience that shaped who he is today alongside his two sisters.
Outside of Chain Reaction:
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On a Sunday morning, you’ll find him with his much-loved 221 cycling crew somewhere bayside… before dashing off to watch one of his three kids play sport.
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Hidden talent? He modestly claims he doesn’t have one, but his auctioneer skills say otherwise - a talent proudly passed down from his father and grandfather.
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If he could swap lives for a day: Oscar Piastri behind the wheel… or Maverick in the cockpit. Both sound like a win.
Words he lives by:
Have a crack, if at first you don’t succeed, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and have another go.
MECHANICAL TIPS
Mechanical Tips - Ride Safe, Ride Smooth
Hi, I’m Luke Bagley. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of supporting many of you on Chain Reaction Challenges, keeping bikes rolling smoothly day after day.
Here are some tips that no doubt will help those as they prepare for their 7-day challenges but these small details on your bike can make the biggest difference to your comfort, safety, and performance for all rides.
Tip 1 – Helmet Check
Helmets have a lifespan of 3 - 5 years before the protective materials start to breakdown. Even if yours looks fine, an older helmet won’t protect you as well in a crash. If you’ve had yours for a while, consider replacing it.
Tip 2 – Bar Tape Matters
Bar tape that’s tired, torn, or wrapped incorrectly doesn’t just look messy - it affects your grip, handling, and overall confidence on the bike. Fresh, well-wrapped tape makes long days in the saddle far more comfortable and secure.
Tip 3 – Don’t Forget Your Cleats
Worn cleats make clipping in and out harder and can become unsafe. If they’re too loose, you risk pulling a foot when putting down power, which can cause crashes. Worn cleats also contribute to knee and leg pain over long rides. Replacing them is a simple way to protect both your safety and performance.
You can contact me anytime for support on 0422 055 532.
I will also continue to share more tips each month to help you get ready for the events and to improve your general bike riding.
See you out on the road,
Luke
COACHING TIPS
Each edition, we’ll bring you advice, tips, and insights from our coaches to help you get the most out of your riding and preparation. This week, we hear from Brenton Jones, who leads the Melbourne Peloton and shares his expertise to keep you riding stronger and smarter.
Finding and maintaining your optimum cadence - the rhythm of your pedal strokes - is key to riding more efficiently and keeping fatigue at bay.
A cadence that’s too low (grinding a big gear) can overload your leg muscles, while spinning too fast may waste energy.
Use your gears to help stay in a smooth, sustainable range (often 85–95 rpm for many riders, though it varies by individual).
The best way to improve is practice: shift frequently on climbs, descents, and flats to learn how different gears affect your cadence. Overtime, you’ll develop the feel for what cadence keeps you efficient, powerful, and fresher for longer rides. Once you’ve mastered these tips, you’ll be riding with more enjoyment and be on the way to reaching your PB’s.
If you want to receive these updates straight to your inbox each month, you can subscribe HERE
