'Great cause, great people, great ride': Hartley Lifecare Cycle Challenge returns

Cyclists are gearing up to raise $500,000 in the annual Hartley Lifecare Cycle Challenge, an event that has been raising money for people living with disability for decades.

The 2024 challenge will be kicking off on 23 November in Jindabyne, covering a total distance of 258 kilometres over the two-day ride.

The challenge is an annual fundraiser, one that Polis Partners’ Luke Bulkeley loves taking part in.

“It’s such an achievable ride from a logistical point of view,” Luke says.

“Hartley does an amazing job at booking transport, accommodation and food, so all you have to do is jump on a bike, listen to the rules and ride the track.

“They have really gone above and beyond to make sure we’re well fed, well rested and well taken care of.”

Hartley has also organised support busses to drive behind the cyclists to ensure riders needing a break can spend some time recovering.

Luke was drawn to the challenge more than five years ago after chatting with a friend whose mother is a client of Hartley Lifecare.

“He mentioned it to me, and I was interested in supporting a group that does so much for people living with disabilities, and since participating, I have learned more and more about the amazing work they do,” Luke says.

He adds that the ride is a great team bonding experience for his colleagues and friends taking part with him.

“We definitely connect as a team over the experience. We have some people that see it as a way to train for bigger things they might be getting ready for, but we also have people who are not as experienced and still enjoy the event.”

Polis Partners founder Rob Tyson says he has loved getting his team together to take part in the challenge.

“I was heavily involved in the ride well before starting the company, and it’s been great getting new people involved in the cause,” Rob says.

“Because we also work alongside people living with a disability, it makes sense to support the work Lifecare does for the community.

“At the end of the day, it’s great seeing people come together for a great cause and a great two days of riding.”

This year is the first Hartley has decided to make the trek a two-day adventure, a decision Luke says will be beneficial to the riders.

“It’s great they’re doing it over a weekend. You head off on the Saturday, do your ride, get some rest, then finish up on the Sunday and get back in plenty of time to return to life on the Monday.”

Donations are made during the year through various fundraising events, such as a raffle and barbecues at Bunnings and the Hartley Hall Markets, as well as events organised by the cycle teams.

All money goes directly to enabling Hartley Lifecare to continue to work year-round to support people living with disability in the ACT, including outings and holidays to enable them to connect with family and friends and participate in new experiences.

It’s not too late to register as an individual rider or as a team. To express your interest or make a donation, visit Hartley Cycle Challenge to learn more.