There shouldn’t be any worries about cyclists taking part in the inaugural ‘Road Raise’ from Adelaide to Melbourne in October following road rules.
Front and centre in the peloton will be Chief Inspector Wade Burns, who is coming along for the ride to help raise awareness and funds for CanTeen. Wade is the son of recently retired SA Police Chief Commissioner Gary Burns and has been busy training for the six-day, 970km October 11-16 event.
If the ride wasn’t enough, when they reach their destination Wade plans on fronting up to run the 42km Melbourne Marathon two days later.
“I’m throwing out the challenge — if I should be able to achieve $10,000 in personal fundraising I will tackle the Melbourne Marathon,” he said.
“And after 1000km in six days on the bike this is going to push me.”
Fitness shouldn’t be an issue for Wade, 36, who is a regular triathlon competitor and has completed three Ironmans which consist of a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42km run.
This summer he plans to race in Mandurah, Cairns and Barcelona in the hope of qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman, meaning Road Raise will be a perfect training hitout for him.
“I’ve got an interest in cycling and was approached by the organisers to take part,” he said.
“It will be a bit of fitness and fun but mostly I’m excited about raising funds and awareness for CanTeen.
“Time is the most precious gift — Road Raise allows me to raise awareness and funds to support CanTeen and help those young Aussies who have been impacted by cancer.
“The ride signifies the long road ahead for those families who’ve had their lives turned upside down by cancer.
“Open roads, not emails — that’s my motto for the ride. A time to reflect and really make a difference to the lives of young Aussies impacted by cancer.”
Meanwhile Gary says he’s enjoying retirement but is no rush to take up cycling and would rather offer support from the sidelines. “I think I’ll get into kayaking instead,” he said.
