Heath Raftery
I grew up in country NSW in various small towns across the state. I love the freedom of the great outdoors and think that the bike is the ultimate freedom machine. Since 2000 I've found a home in the big country town of Newcastle where I work as an electrical engineer and get amongst the community through soccer, rock climbing, martial arts, maths tutoring and mountain biking.
The RIDE4KIDS in 2011 was a life changing experience for me. When I heard that the 2012 event was going to be 1000km - well I couldn't possibly miss that opportunity! A megametre with the Camp Quality crew, cycling through the beautiful New England, meeting amazingly generous people along the way. And I can help raise money for the incredible Camp Quality kids? I can't wait!
Dean Dunn
I am a Health and Safety Manager for Xstrata Coal, married with three young kids, Harry (8), Luke (6) and Georgia (3).
I became involved in the ride through a good friend (Richard Montgomery), having been exposed to the great work that Camp Quality do through Richard and Michelle's involvement with Camp Quality in the past and believe it is a fantastic cause.
I became involved in the ride through a good friend (Richard Montgomery), having been exposed to the great work that Camp Quality do through Richard and Michelle's involvement with Camp Quality in the past and believe it is a fantastic cause.
I also ride with the Soft Cog's who are a local group that ride the Sydney to Wollongong ride each year to raise money for MS and always enjoy raising money for good cause whilst having a good time as well.
The real reason and the main reason I want to do this ride is so I can laugh at Richard Montgomery wearing licra and riding a bike, should be a real laugh !!
Tony Compton
I am a Civil Engineer and have been one for 38 years. I love sport and have participated in it all my life - 20 years of rugby union, 10 years of touch football, 14 years of triathlon racing and now I am currently racing outriggers. When I can I cycle and swim for general fitness.
Sport has given me a lot of enjoyment over the years. The ride will be a great opportunity to help kids less fortunate that myself when I was their age and what better way than to do it by doing something I love. Looking forward to it !!
Mike Ryan
I am a 58 year old who has been happily married to my wife Jenny for the past 31 years and I am a father to three wonderful, healthy boys - Zack, Xavier and Fabian. My family own and manage a Cafe and Caravan Park in Far East Gippsland, Victoria and have done so for the past 28 years.
I love the outdoors and have been a keen bike rider all my life. I run adventure kayaking eco tours from my business so fitness is a priority in my life.
The reason for my involvement in the Ride is because I have the ability to do it and hopefully I will be able to raise some money for a most worthy cause.
Ben Kemp
I like to travel, ride motor bikes, be in the great outdoors and explore new places. I don't like reality TV or celery !
I am a Geologist at United Collieries, Singleton and my favourite colour is beer!
I conquered the "Ride 4 Kids .... Armidale to Maitland" Challenge in 2011 and had an awesome time with a great bunch of people. I wouldn't miss the 2012 Ride for anything.
I am looking forward to seeing the countryside, getting some fresh air, staying in country towns, but most importantly raising some money for a very worthwhile cause.