KILOMETRES FOR KIDS
Eleven years, 28 events, over 60 charities and $21.6 million. That is the impact of a group of like-minded, lycra-wearing corporates have had as part of the Chain Reaction Challenge.
Chain Reaction is a long distance cycling event for senior executives with a passion for cycling to raise money for sick children. Riders train for 4 months for a 1,000 kilometre ride over seven days and in return, riders benefit from a valuable networking opportunity and the immense satisfaction of directly helping children in need.
THIS IS THE PRO-TOUR EXPERIENCE
The Foundation runs three signature events per year of 1000 kilometres over a seven day course and an annual women’s only event, 300 kilometres in 3 days. The rides are fully supported, just like a pro tour, with all meals, accommodation and transportation on the ride covered as well as an on-ride professional mechanical crew, physio, paramedic, camera crew and massage therapists to ensure that all you have to do is get on your bike each day and ride.
Before the ride even begins, there is a massive fundraising and training challenge that must be conquered. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $5,000 in personal donations as well as leveraging their corporate networks for sponsorship contributions. It’s definitely tough, but in the end, riders are rewarded with a spectacular cycling experience, in locations and on roads they wouldn’t otherwise ride, and through it all, they are given a life-changing experience for both themselves and the children for whom they are raising money.
THE CHALLENGE
In 2018, the Chain Reaction Challenge will be conducting 3 signature 1000 kilometre events for business leaders in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. Victoria and Queensland riders will tackle some of the toughest but most beautiful courses New Zealand has to offer. New South Wales riders will enjoy the challenge of the Adelaide Hills and the autumn colours of the wineries in April. It will be tough to focus on the road as the spectacular scenery is hard to ignore for all three rides.
THE CHARITIES
The 2018 rides will benefit long time charity partners in all three states:
In Victoria, riders will once again be supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation and Very Special Kids with a fundraising goal of $1 million.
For Queensland, AEIOU Foundation and Ronald McDonald House South East Queensland will benefit from a fundraising goal of $1.2 million.
New South Wales will support the Victor Chang Institute and Starlight Children’s Foundation with a fundraising goal of $800,000.
Friendship. Fitness. A sense of achievement. Saving a child’s life. There are a lot of reasons to doing a Chain Reaction Challenge. Where else are you rewarded with all this just by riding your bike?
To find out more about the 2018 Chain Reaction Challenge, visit www.chain-reaction.org.au or find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
