Registrations are rolling in for the Against the Wind charity bike ride happening later this month, raising funds for frontline domestic violence services. The 350 km distance represents the 350 DV calls made in NSW every day.
Organised by Lennox Head’s men’s health and fitness group the Boaty Boys, together with the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, the two-wheeled challenge is happening from 27-29 March, taking a circuitous route from Bonalbo to Eltham, then back to Lennox via Uki.
Funds raised will go to support DV Safe Phone and Love Bites, delivering DV crisis support and prevention.
DV Safe Phone provides refurbished mobile phones to people fleeing domestic violence, giving them a vital connection to emergency services and support networks. Sponsorship helps fund phones, SIM activation and distribution to those in crisis.
Based in Ballina, NAPCAN’s Love Bites program delivers respectful relationships education in high schools, teaching young people about consent, communication and healthy relationships. Sponsorship helps train local facilitators and bring the program to more schools.
60 riders registered so far
The Echo caught up with organiser Grant McGregor to see how the ride plans were coming together. He said 60 riders were already registered, with tickets still available.
‘We knew there would be a few of Boaty Boys participating, but we didn’t know exactly how many of the general public would get involved,’ he said. ‘We thought 100 tickets would be a good target. So we’re exceeding our own expectations at the moment.’
More accustomed to running, surfing and swimming events, the Boaty Boys have been focusing on their cycling in preparation for Against the Wind. ‘Yes, there’s been heaps of marketplace searches for used bikes!’ said Grant.
Will they be ready? ‘No we’re not ready! We never will be. It’ll be hard. That’s what it’s about. It was the same when we did the 100 kilometre paddle from Lismore to Ballina. We did 33 kilometres a day. None of us had done that kind of stuff before, but you just go for it. It’s amazing what you can do when you’ve got a group together.
‘And it’s not just guys. There’s been female riders that have been buying tickets too, which is awesome.’
Can you tell us why you chose this particular cause to get behind?
Grant McGregor said, ‘DV is extremely prevalent in our society, from a local level to a national level. We’ve worked closely with Rotary before, on other challenges, and Rotary are right behind the Say No movement, so it made sense to collaborate with them on this.
‘With 350 calls made to NSW police every day with a DV-related incident, there’s meaning and purpose behind the distance we’re riding as well. The Boaty Boys, as a group, are trying to hold ourselves to a higher standard. We can reflect that publicly by standing up against DV and raising awareness.’
Rotary will be assisting with preparing breakfasts on the ride, and carrying equipment between stops so the riders can better tackle the hills, as well as helping with safety.
‘Domestic violence prevention has been a focus for Rotary Ballina-on-Richmond for some time and we’re incredibly proud to partner with them to help raise much-needed funds through this challenge,’ said Grant.
‘They’ll be out there on the field with us and helping with logistics as well.’
For people who don’t want to ride, how else can they help out?
‘They can go to the website and make a donation, by buying what’s called a supporters ticket. You can choose any denomination of your choice. And there’s also the Charity Gala Night at Eltham on the Friday. We’ve got a few tickets left for that.
‘There’ll be live music and auctions. It will be a great night out, with plenty of community spirit.’
As for the ride itself, Grant McGregor says both genders are definitely welcome, and people don’t have to do the whole three days if they don’t want to, with individual day tickets available. People can ride individually or as part of a team.
He says safety will be paramount, with support vehicles riding front and rear, along with mobile medics. Each day will have hills as well as gravel rail trail sections, so medium to wide tires are recommended.
Riders can expect spectacular views, plenty of hills, and camaraderie to keep spirits high. Grant emphasised that Against The Wind is not a race, but a social ride designed to raise money and awareness for an important cause.
With camping spots organised at Eltham and Uki (cars will ferry your equipment), there will also be an arrival party on Sunday afternoon at the Lennox Head Bowlo, with live music and entertainment for the kids.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
