Road trip tests riders for kids

FIFTEEN determined cyclists are pedalling the gruelling 825 kilometres from Adelaide to Geelong in the fifth annual Tour 4 Kids Plus bike ride, in aid of local charity Kids Plus Foundation.
The riders will be welcomed home today after the six day ride by friends, family and supporters.
Lead rider, Tony Peach said the team had been spurred on by widespread support.
“We are doing this both for the challenge and to raise money for some very special kids,” he said.
In 2013 we raised over $30,000 and with the community’s assistance we’re aiming to top that and make 2014 the best year yet.”
This year’s team of 11 men and four women has many returning riders including the father of a child currently receiving Kids Plus therapy services.
Joining the team for the last 20 kilometres each day will be 24-year-old Ben Cardinal, who has cerebral palsy and for many years was a regular face at Kids Plus. As an eight-year-old, Ben learnt to ride a bike with the help of Kids Plus.
Kids Plus clinical manager, Sarah Foley said generous sponsorship supported the ride, including Ford providing a support vehicle.
“Kids Plus Foundation depends on the support and generosity from our community to be able to provide this essential service.
“We are indebted to wonderful people like these who choose to support Kids Plus through this amazing ride and bring so many others along with them in the process.”
Kids Plus is a registered local charity providing over 3600 hours of early intervention therapy each year, at no cost to families, for babies and children with cerebral palsy and other similar physical disabilities in our region. Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in Australia.
The Kids Plus Therapy Program focuses on helping children achieve the daily functional activities others take for granted; walking, talking, eating and drinking independently.
Kids Plus relies heavily on fundraising. All funds raised go to providing specialised therapy support to local kids in great need of assistance. More information is at kidsplus.org.au.