2012 was no exception with 35 riders from the quarry and construction industry putting on the lycra to ride for a cure in South Australia?s Barossa Valley. Riders tackled a 35km, 80km or 160km course. Although the weather was kind this year a strong headwind gave an additional challenge to riders.
Industry teams included Groundwork Plus, Fulton Hogan, Boral and McConnell Dowell who raised in excess of $112,000 over the weekend. The ride event in total comprised 330 riders and raised over $1 million – valuable research money towards finding a cure for this disease which effects over 122,000 Australians with six new cases detected every day.
JDRF is the world’s leading non-profit contributor to Type 1 diabetes research, investing over $1.3 billion over the last 40 years. In Australia, JDRF are currently funding over 40 research projects, with a total investment of over $60 million.
JDRF?s research has, to date, lead to the development of insulin pumps, new types of synthetic insulin and reduced the impact of diabetes complications such as blindness, kidney disease and heart disease.
Although not participating directly in this event, many friends of the quarry industry supported the teams through fundraising and donations. In particular the teams would like to thank:
- The Neilsen Group.
- Tandy Group.
- Zanows’ Sand and Gravel.
- Hastings Deering.
- Sherrin Rentals.
- BAAM.
- Quarry Products.
- QMQ.
- CCS Group.
- Metso Minerals.
- Scope Engineering.
- Hanson.
- Tenkate Plant Hire.
- Donnelly?s.
- Precisionscreen.
- Proweld.
- Remis Conveyors.
Harry Simpson from the Neilsen Group successfully completed the 80km ride in memory of Sid Hill, a past President of the IQA and industry icon, who sadly passed away after suffering diabetes.
After the grueling ride, participants celebrated their achievements with a country and western themed dinner at Chatteau Tanunda. Overall, a great weekend was had by all riders who challenged themselves to challenge diabetes.
Source: GroundWork Plus