Tour De Heart cyclists do it tough for charity

Two cycling enthusiasts were in Bunbury recently as part of a 1300km charity bike ride in benefit of HeartKids WA and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Bunbury residents Jesse Roberts and Stephen Paull, along with other amateur riders and four support crew, took part in the Tour De Heart, a nine-day journey from Kalgoorlie to Perth via Esperance and the South West.

“It was tough at times – the group had a few knee injuries and pulled muscles along the way, ” Mr Paull said.

“A few of the earlier stages were close to 200km so there are definitely a few very sore bodies at this point but nothing a bit of stretching and a trip to the local chemist won’t fix.”

The ride was the second Tour De Heart organised by Esperance resident Ian McMullen, after an earlier charity bike ride introduced him to HeartKids WA.

“I got the idea after taking part in a charity cycling event from Albany to Perth that benefitted Heartkids WA, ” Mr McMullen said.

The first Tour De Heart, at the end of 2011, raised just over $17,000 but this year the band of riders has set their sights higher.

“We’re aiming for at least $30,000 this time round, ” Mr McMullen said.

“We’ve already hit $20,000 so I don’t think that’s an unrealistic goal.”

For more information or to make a donation to visit http://www.everydayhero.com.au/tour—de—heart—2013—rfds.