HOST PLUS Pedal for Prostate

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PROSTATE RIDE - A TOUR DE FRANCE-STYLE CHALLENGE
October 31 – November 24

Twelve Melbourne firefighters will tackle the challenge of a lifetime when they line up for the inaugural HOSTPLUS Pedal for Prostate Around-Australia Ride, to be held from October 31–November 25.

The firefighters, aged from 29 to 56, will pedal 15,000kms non-stop on Highway One in a personal battle against the elements – day and night – and the distance.

In two-man relay style, each cyclist will ride three times daily. They will all cover about 2500kms individually over the 25 days without any rest day.

Their goal is to raise several hundred thousand dollars for the E.J. Whitten Foundation, an organisation set up in 1995 to commemorate the memory of AFL football legend Ted Whitten, and also to help generate funding for prostate cancer research and lift awareness of men’s health.

Ted Whitten’s son, Ted jnr., the foundation’s chief executive officer, said the cyclists faced a challenge of Tour de France proportions.

“This event is a massive logistical operation for everybody involved,” he said.

“My father was a great cycling fan and was a regular on the Herald Sun Tour.

“He loved the toughness of the sport and would be out on the roads in all conditions urging on the riders in his unique style.

“He would be thrilled and honoured that these 12 firefighters are willing to go through all sorts of pain barriers and raise money to try to beat the scourge of prostate cancer.”

Whitten said his father may still be alive today had he commenced annual check-ups with his local doctor after turning 50 and was more aware of the consequences of prostate cancer.

“This ride will carry the message of men’s health awareness to all corners of Australia,” Ted jnr. said. “From places like Bega, Coffs Harbour, Bundaberg, Townsville, Cloncurry, Mt. Isa, Daly Waters, Darwin, Fitzroy Crossing, Geraldton, Perth, Esperance, Ceduna, Port Augusta, Warrnambool and Werribee. (Course attached)

“The cyclists will pedal through hundreds of Australian towns and cities. It will be the biggest hands-on men’s health promotion ever undertaken.”

The ride is the brainchild of three organisations – Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade Cycling Club, Australian Hotels’ Association and the E.J. Whitten Foundation.