When people think of Sydney to Hobart, the gruelling yacht race generally springs to mind, but Natalie Moore will take up the epic challenge on land, when she cycles between to two capital cities next month.
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The Ulladulla Ambulance paramedic and nurse is in training for the 15-day, 2167 kilometre physical challenge that will raise funds for the Variety Club Children’s Charity, an organisation that is close to her heart.
“I started my nursing career in paediatrics and have seen first hand the difficulties sick kids face from birth.
“Variety is a fantastic charity that is specifically aimed at helping sick children and providing them with opportunities and the equipment they need.”
With an ongoing knee injury, following a series of endurance hikes, Natalie decided to turn her legs to cycling.
“I was looking for a cycling challenge and, when I saw this, I thought it was perfect,” she said.
“I‘ve ridden through many parts of the country and have taken part in the Great Victorian Bike Ride, but haven’t ridden through NSW or Tasmania, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Riders will depart Sydney on February 28 and travel down the coast to Nowra, before heading inland to Canberra and on to Victoria via the Snowy Mountains.
“I was hoping the ride would go through Ulladulla,” Natalie said.
Riders will continue south along an inland route, which includes crossing the Dandenong Ranges, to Melbourne before having a rest day as they cross Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania.
Once in Tassie, the group will tackle the Island’s east coast, arriving in Hobart on March 14.
Natalie said she was looking forward to seeing picturesque landscapes, but was not as excited about the gruelling mountain crossings.
“It will be a difficult ride,” she said.
“It’s the longest, fastest and hardest event I’ve taken on.”
Natalie will be cycling around the district in the lead up to the event and is hoping people will sponsor her challenge and help sick Aussie kids.
She needs to raise $8000 to be eligible to enter the ride and is planning a series of fundraisers.
People can find out more or donate via ‘Natalie’s Variety Bike Ride’ on Facebook or just stop her in the street.
Donations can also be made via the Variety website: www.thevarietycycle.com.au
“You'll be supporting children across Australia and helping them to live an everyday life like you and I,” she added.
Participants have already raised more than $280,000 and hoping pedal power will help them reach their goal of $1 million.
