Riders, this is what you’ve been waiting for!
I hope that this finds you safe and well. And that those of you dealing with cancer treatment are coping as best as can be expected.
Even as we pull back from restrictions, as a doctor, I am conscious that the new normal is also a cautious normal. The virus is still out there and we need to continue to take precautions.
Now for the big announcement!
As a previous rider, I wanted to let you know about changes to the Ride for 2020. The MACA Cancer 200 is the highlight of my year, I know it’s the same for many of you. Last year’s ride was so incredibly special. From Dawn and Geoff’s deeply moving opening ceremony speeches to the mighty sea of lycra that rode out from the shadows of Optus Stadium, to the quiet moments of reflecting where we all could pause to remember what unites us, what drives our passion for this event – an end to cancer for ourselves and our loved ones.
But this year has brought new challenges that no one could have predicted. For everyone's safety and wellbeing, we need to do things differently.
Now before you put the bike back in the shed and get comfy on the couch for the next few months, there will still be a ride in October. But instead of coming together en masse – where we are too close to be safe, you get to ride the 200km your way.
As mentioned, there will be a 200km ride on the 10th and 11th October – you don’t get out of it that easily!
But this year the MACA Cancer 200 will be transforming into the ...
We are calling it a personal challenge because, just like cancer, this year, the ride’s personal and everyone will have a different way of approaching it.
But you won’t be doing it alone, Steve and the team will be with you every step of the way. And you can still train with your ride team (unless you’re one of the big teams – then you might have to break into smaller training units).
The big change will be that you can choose to do your personal 200km over the ride weekend or over the month of October. You can ride it alone or with your buddies (abiding by state social distancing guidelines). And you will be able to log your kms straight onto your Challenge fundraising page.
We will be providing you with everything you need to complete your very own personal challenge:
- Your personal Ride guide and fundraising kit
- Suggested 200km ride routes around Perth and WA (Hello everyone up north, you can do it without catching a flight!)
- Fundraising rewards and incentives Updates from myself, Steve, the Perkins cancer researchers and your fellow riders to keep you motivated and informed of the amazing work you’re funding
- Online opening ceremony including the minute’s silence
- Online closing ceremony
- Strava tracking via your fundraising page
- AND when the guidelines permit, a big celebration event to say thanks for sticking by us this year!
So even though a ride event - where 1,000 people come together as one - is not possible this year, your support for WA cancer research is very much required and deeply appreciated.
Many of our cancer researchers are funded directly by your generosity. I have been overwhelmed by the number of comments I’ve received from riders who intend to continue fundraising and riding this year. It’s very heartwarming and humbling. My word, we are so, so lucky to have such an incredibly generous extended family that have not forgotten just how important cancer research is to the people we love.
So this year will be different. But, thankfully, you’re the same. Let’s make cancer history, together.
I will also let you know that because this is your personal challenge, we are removing the registration fee and fundraising minimum. I don’t want to place any barriers in your way to getting involved. You are free to participate in your way, at your pace and raise as much as you wish.
Will you be joining us? Register for the Challenge!
