JF's Peaks Challenge Series 2016/2017

Hi there,

As many of you know, last year I took on a few long distance bike rides to raise funds for various good causes whilst also testing my endurance. Melbourne's famous Ride Around the Bay was by far the most difficult at over 200 kilometres (secretly I don't mind telling you it very nearly broke me!).

Well this year I may well have bitten off more than I can chew having signed up for the Peaks Challenge Series. What started in 2010 as a single ride around beautiful Falls Creek in Victoria has quickly expanded to a series of three rides in QLD, VIC and TAS. This Sunday, 14^th August (same day as City to Surf) I'll be setting off at the crack of dawn on the first leg of the challenge in the stunning hinterland of the Gold Coast. In late October it's off to Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, I'm particularly excited about this leg as I've never been to Tassie! Finally in March next year the series finishes with a trip to where it all began, Falls Creek in VIC. All three rides are 235km long and involve over 4000m of climbing, what was I thinking when I signed up for this!

To help keep me motivated whilst my legs are screaming at me to give up I'll be fundraising for a cause that's close to my heart. I’d appreciate any contribution, big or small.

Donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directly through to my charity of choice.

Thanks so much for your support!

Jon

My chosen Charity: Shoes for Planet Earth

I've had a strong association with Shoes for Planet Earth for a number of years. They have been able to put more than 26k pairs of shoes on the feet of children and adults the world over. They have assisted numerous orphanages, child sporting groups, remote communities and anyone that is struggling below the poverty line.

To make further donations or to find out more about their story check out the website: http://www.shoesforplanetearth.com/donate/

My Objective: Become one of ‘The Peaks Elite’

Last year only 52 riders completed all three rides within the strict deadline, my ultimate aim is join their ranks this year.

https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/peaks-challenge/the-peaks-elite/

Background on the Peaks Challenge: The ride that became legend 

In 2010, we challenged riders from across the world to conquer the three key ascents of Victoria’s rugged High Country. Born of adversity, the first Peaks Challenge ride was brutal. Dropping temperatures, rain and wind, meant that few were able to adequately prepare themselves for what lay ahead. Over a third didn’t finish. And from this, grew a mystique that spawned a series. 

Quickly, a legend was born. In 2013, Peaks Challenge Falls Creek was rated as one of the top 10 best sportives and gran fondos to cycle in the world.

The 2016/17 series brings you three epic rides in the Peaks Challenge series – Gold Coast, Cradle Mountain and Falls Creek. All set among Australia’s most stunning backdrops showcasing our country’s most grueling and unpredictable cycling terrain.

Each ride challenges you to climb more than 4,000 vertical metres across 235km+ all within a strict deadline. Only those who complete the ride within the deadline earn the right to call themselves Peaks Challenge finishers.

It’s not a race – it’s much more than that. It’s a personal challenge. A never-ending journey in the pursuit of up.