The Story of Cycle 1000
Co-founders of the event, Dan Hotchkis and Bianca Starcic were inspired to start the ride to help raise funds for the i98fm Illawarra Convoy. The idea began as a ride from Newcastle to Sydney and eventually with lots of discussion, turned into a ride from Ballina to the Dandaloo Hotel. The money raised from the Cycle 1000 event will go towards the Team Dandaloo for the i98fm Illawarra Convoy. The success of the Cycle 1000 is not attributed to one individual. Instead, it is attributed to multiple individuals who work together to ensure that this event happens! Over at Cycle 1000 HQ, we work together as a team sharing ideas, tasks and the passion to make this event a success. When you join and become a part of the Cycle 1000/300 however it may be, you become part of our family, part of our crew and part of an amazing journey that we are certain you will never forget. To see the smiles on those faces when you pull in to the Dandaloo Hotel, it sure makes grown adults cry!
About the Ride
The Cycle 1000/300 is a charity bike ride from Ballina to Dandaloo Hotel in Kanahooka – 1000 kilometres, with the aim to raise much needed funds for the i98fm Illawarra Convoy then distributed to the Illawarra Community Foundation to disburse funds to ill and sick children and families in the Illawarra. There is two options for the Cycle, the 1,000 kilometres from Ballina to the Dandaloo Hotel and the 300 kilometres to participate in the 2 day event riding 300 kms giving riders more option.
2022 will see the ride in its fifth year, and our challenging task is for 20 cyclists or more to ride from Ballina to Kanahooka or participate in the Cycle 300. As many would understand, the physical and mental demands in participating in this kind of event is tough, but we look at the children and families who are doing it extremely tough and it gives us a sense of satisfaction to know that we are helping these families in their toughest times. It really is the least we can do. By choosing to support the Cycle 1000, you will play a huge role in knowing that your money is going to help these families lives and relieve their financial burden. We will put a smile on their faces!!! In 2021, the Virtual Cycle 1000 had 13 riders and raised an enormous $39,825.80. In 3 years since we started this idea, we have raised over $250,000….
i98fm Illawarra Convoy & Illawarra Community Foundation
i98FM’s Illawarra Convoy has been a much-anticipated community event on the Illawarra calendar since it’s inception in 2005. The i98FM Illawarra Convoy is the largest truck convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the largest regional one day fundraising events in Australia. Our Convoy has also received national recognition winning 10 Annual Australian Radio and Commercial Awards for Best Community Service Project.
The final tally for i98FM’s Illawarra Convoy was announced with i98 Breakfast Show hosts Marty Haynes, Christie Hayes and Ryan Cram. The Convoy which was held on Sunday November 17, raised an astounding $2,760,974.25
The day saw 753 trucks and 913 motorbikes travel over 70 kilometres from Illawarra Coal’s West Cliff Colliery at Appin, through the streets of the Illawarra, to finish up at Shellharbour Airport. The Convoy arrived for a huge free family fun day, featuring live entertainment from The Hoodoo Gurus, The Veronicas, Jayne Denham local band Swells and The Yatcon FMX Freestyle Motocross riders.
Many contra sponsors
Too many men in lycra
Too many sore legs and bums
Hundreds of children smiling
Many families helped
Double our initial goal…