Brave riders reach new heights for Redkite in Sea 2 Summit Challenge

A brave group of riders have successfully completed one of the nation’s toughest cycling challenges to the highest point in Australia – and all for a good cause!
 

The Sea 2 Summit Challenge took place on the weekend from sea level at Merimbula on the NSW South Coast, ending at Mt Kosciuszko, the highest point in Australia. The challenge is one of Australia’s toughest cycling events to raise vital funds for Redkite to support children and young people with cancer and their families.
 

With a distance of 248 kilometres and an overall climb of 5500 metres, this annual cycling event is tougher than many mountain stages of the Tour de France. Many of the Sea 2 Summit riders balanced work and family life with extensive training for weeks in the lead up to the challenge.
 

Riding this year for the second time, Tim Rogers, Redkite’s General Manager for Services, trained for eighteen weeks in the lead-up to the event. However, nothing could prepare him for the intensity of the ride.
 

‘What an immense ride!’ Tim says. “I had to remind myself that what we were going through was nothing compared to what families dealing with childhood cancer are experiencing.
 

“The money we have raised will make a real difference so that makes it all worthwhile.”
 

Damian Heman, Sea 2 Summit Challenge Founder, says that many of the riders find the challenge life-changing. “Riders are drawn to the event as not everyone will make it to the top - training, mental toughness and the elements play a huge part of the challenge,” he explains.
 

Starting in 2006, the Sea 2 Summit Challenge has raised over $214,000 for Redkite to provide real and practical emotional, financial and educational support for families at a time when they need it most.
 

The Sea 2 Summit Challenge has received invaluable support from numerous corporate and personal sponsors, without whom the event would not have been possible. Sponsors for the event include Quattro Innovation Group, Carrington, SBS, Falls Creek, Body Torque, Verofit, Cycling Australia, Wild Brumby, Gotta Getaway, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Kosciuszko), Team Mount Beauty, RedBalloon, Kiehl’s and Jarrod Hunt Photography.
 

It’s not too late to support the riders. Donate here or for more information and to view the photo gallery visit www.s2schallenge.com.au.

View the inspiring video of the event from SBS Cycling Central here.