Kilometres for Kids ride will see our cyclists cover 450 hilly Kilometres in just three days as they make from Sydney to the Hunter Valley and back throughout some of the best cycling roads in Northern Sydney and the beautiful vineyards of the Hunter Valley.
Along the way we will be bringing smiles to the faces of young Australians as we present new wheelchairs and financial assistance to some fantastic young wheelies. On Friday October 16 the Kilometres for Kids travels 175 Kilometres from Sydney to the Hunter Valley via the challenging Bobbin Head and Mt.White climbs before making our way onwards through Peats Ridge and onto the historic township of Wollombi before our final stretch into Lovedale. Day two is a 100 Kilometre ride around the vineyards and lush farmlands of the upper Hunter Valley. Day three is day one in reverse as we make our way back to Sydney from the Hunter Valley.
The Kilometres for Kids ride is in support of the John Maclean Foundation (JMF), which is the official charity founded by legendary wheelchair athlete John Maclean. In 1995 Maclean became the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Hawaii Ironman and in 1998 became the first wheelchair athlete to swim the English Channel. To this day John's sporting feats are recognised worldwide and he continues to set the standard in what can be achieved by a paraplegic athlete. John's sporting feats are nothing short of incredible however it is his efforts in helping to improve the quality of life of young Australians in need that he is most proud of.
The John Maclean Foundation was established in 1998 to assist young Australians who use wheelchairs and provide them with the funding, impetus and motivation to 'get into life'. In ten years the foundation has raised two million dollars and changed the lives of kids all over Australia. The foundation provides new wheelchairs, medical assistance, vehicle modifications, computers, musical instruments or any item that will help to improve the quality of life for a young Australian under the age of 18 who uses a wheelchair.