To be a part of over 1,500 riders uniting to raise over seven million dollars in the tenth anniversary of the MACA200 Ride was incredible. The weekend started at 6 am with bike preparation and an emotional opening ceremony at Optus Stadium. Geoff Baker, Team MACA, and Caitriona Hugo, team Fiti50, shared personal stories bringing our team to tears. Looking around the crowd to see most with two hands in the air when asked if you know someone affected by cancer was heartbreaking and a tough reminder of why we were all there. The siren went and team MAX Plant was on route to Mandurah.
Support crew, volunteers and cheers squads lined the streets full of gratitude for the work each and every rider had put into fundraising and participating. Half the team chose to do the extra 32km challenge up serpentine hills while the other half of the team was happy to make it to day one’s finish line, especially after the strong headwind for the last 30km. The team road just over 100km on day one was greeted with cold Gage Roads beer and ciders and an amazing dinner all supported by Muck Muster WA. Reflecting on the day over dinner the film crew put together a touching video of the day whilst Steve Della Bonna, Muck Muster co-founder, and Professor Peter Leedman AO, Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research shared their stories with the room.
Some sore knees, thighs and bottoms road home on day two along the coast. Crossing the finish line at Optus Stadium straight into the WesTrac celebration dinner and drinks.
Having the MAX Plant directors, Nicole Talbot and Craig Pedley, along with family and friends supporting the team at both ends meant to the world.
MAX Plant was proud to be represented by a team of seven riders in the event including Brett Matusevicius, David Jackson, Kate Sullivan, Luke Stonebridge, Robert Sciascia, Thomas Kelly and Jordan Pedley. The team raised $23,096 along the way, which will go towards the work of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. The Perkins Institute is WA’s premier adult medical research institute, on a mission to improve the health of Western Australians through cutting edge research that translates into new ways to prevent and treat disease.
Thank you to everyone who has donated and to our sponsors MAX Plant, Striker, Danfoss, H&M Tracey Construction Pty Ltd, All Rubber, Bertoncini Engineering and B&F Consolidated Group.
We look forward to bringing an even bigger team next year to raise even more money!