When two Dubbo Cycle Club members pull on their helmets on Monday evening, they’ll have more than the Dubbo Hour Record challenge on their minds.
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Sarah Gordon and Jennifer Raines will also be helping to raise funds for Dubbo’s Kailem Barwick, who has been battling Ewing’s sarcoma – a very rare bone cancer – for two years.
Generous donations have already been pledged by local businesses Macquarie Automotive, Active Solar and Gas and Brad Acheson Homes.
Ms Gordon and Ms Raines will be the first women to set a record in the challenge, and have encouraged people to head to Victoria Park No. 1 Oval on Monday evening to support the worthy cause.
“I’m feeling a little nervous and I’ve watched the previous record attempts and have seen how tough the event can be,” Ms Gordon said.
“To be able to help fund raise to support Kailem and his family is an honour.
“I just hope I can ride enough kilometres to provide them with some relief.”
Ms Gordon will attempt the record on her road bike and aims to set a distance of between 30 and 35 kilometres. Ms Raines will look to set a similar benchmark in the track bike division.
Both women are nurses and know first hand the toll cancer diagnosis and treatment takes on families.
“I’ve cared for many young people and their families who have been diagnosed with cancer and I’ve seen the incredible pain it inflicts on both the sufferer and their families,” Ms Gordon said.
A newcomer to the Dubbo Cycle Club, Ms Gordon hopes the challenge will also highlight the benefits of the sport and encourage more ladies to take up cycling.
“The women that I cycle with have been a wonderful source of inspiration, friendship and support,” she said.
“Everyone in the club is incredibly supportive of new members, whatever the skill level and gender.”
The brainchild of Dubbo cycling stalwart Mick Cooper, the Dubbo Hour Record was initiated in 2015, with four riders already attempting and setting benchmark distances across the four available divisions.
The divisions allow riders to undertake the challenge on a standard road, time trial, track or pursuit bike, with a record set for each of those disciplines for male and female competitors.
The current Hour Record stands at 54.526km and was set by Tour de France winner and Olympic Gold Medallist Sir Bradley Wiggins. The current women’s Hour Record of 47.980km is held by US star Evelyn Stevens.
The Dubbo Hour Record attempt will take place at Victoria Park No. 1 Oval from 6pm.
To contribute to the fundraising effort call Mick Cooper on 0437 136 169. Visit www.facebook.com/Kailems-battle-1560987857479590 for more information.