Variety Cycle

Sydneysiders are invited to witness a peloton of philanthropic lycra-clad cyclists crank up the gears for the launch of an epic 26 day cycling event which covers more kilometers than the Tour de France - All to help kids in need!

At 8:00am on Saturday 22nd March at Pyrmont Bay Park, an eager bunch of special needs and disadvantaged kids will mount their Variety-granted bicycles and tricycles to launch up to 70 riders on their expedition. With staggered starts of different packs, the first wave of cyclists will include high profile participants including the inspirational, Turia Pitt plus an anticipated dozen core riders doing the entire 26 day haul.

Literally going great lengths to support kids in need, the Variety Cycle is almost 4,000km long, With a range of cycling participation options for everyone, this fresh, new fundraiser is set to get novice and proficient cyclists alike pedaling for the greater good. With pre-cycle massages on hand at the starting line, participants will be in good stead for the massive adventure.

The inaugural Variety Cycle will depart Sydney on March 22nd, 2014 with a route that travels across five states and territories. This grand event has been designed to traverse some of Australia's most iconic landscapes including Sydney Harbour, The Great Ocean Road and the Barossa Valley, before finishing up at Uluru.

Following the grand departure out of Sydney, the peloton will traverse Sydney Harbour, before heading towards Wylie Park (18km mark), and then Glenfield (40km mark).   Riders will then cycle 80 kilometres to Picton or can push themselves even further and ride the full day's 125 kilometres to Bowral, before spending the night in Moss Vale.

To enable both hardcore riders, weekend warriors and novice cyclists to participate at a level to suit their skills and time availability, there's a range of fully catered cycling options including: One Day cycles out of Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide and all the smaller towns along the exciting route, plus 300 to 450 kilometre Two Day cycles.  There is also more challenging City to City Cycles to and from the capital cities on route that cover more than 1,000 kilometres in around a week and of course the fabulously fit can go the entire 26 day distance.

More than just a bike ride, in true Variety style akin to the famed Variety Bash, the Variety Cycle will touch the lives of children in remote areas, while giving participants an experience like no other.  The riders will engage with communities, schools and hospitals along the expansive route, delivering much needed equipment and resources.

Additionally, to give riders an all-encompassing peloton experience, the group will visit wineries, enjoy meals cooked by gourmet chefs, participate in various outback adventures all while recharging their batteries each night with first class accommodation, including Accor hotels.

Registration prices vary from just $90 for the one day, $350 for the two day and from $1,050 for the city to city cycles. Registration fees cover everything you need to enjoy the event including meals, accommodation, access to support crew, bike mechanics, first aid attendants, masseurs, safety officers, and official Variety Cycle cycling kit (items dependent on event registered for). Participants are also asked to pledge a minimum fundraising amount to support Variety's good work, which ranges from $100 for the one day through to $2,450 for the city to city cyclists. Variety encourages and will provide fundraising support in engaging family, friends and work colleagues to support fundraising activities. 

Variety are hoping that this novel new event will become a major fundraiser, raising much needed funds to assist Aussie kids in need.

People can register for the one day cycle up until Friday March 21st and for two day, City to City or the entire 26 day Cycle, registration closes Saturday March 15th.