Ride for Red raises $11,500

Kilcoy, Woodford, D’Aguilar and Bribie got to witness a revving display of red ribbons, leather vests and shiny bikes, as over 80 motorbikes and ten cars took part in the annual Ride for Red charity drive on October 5.

Helen, her daughters and grandkids.

Organised by the Gronks Social Riders Club, the eighth annual fundraiser raised over $11,500 this year in support of cancer research, with money collected through online donations and raff le tickets sold at the stops along the drive.

The ride started at the Northbound BP Burpengary, with riders travelling north, through Beerwah and down the Peachester Range, before heading west to Kilcoy’s Yowie Park for the first raffle and a vanilla slice.

From there the drive continued to the D’Aguilar Pub for lunch, eventually ending at the Bribie Island Hotel for the major raff le prize draw and live music fun.

The Ride for Red tradition began in 2016 in memory of beloved rider Red Norman, who bravely battled brain cancer, with the event growing each year.

“The first year I think we only had around 25 riders, including Red’s family and friends, and now we have over 80 bikes, along with cars and pillons,” Red’s friend and organiser Helen Weir said.

“Donations were received by several parties and we are very appreciative of their support.

“Another big thanks goes to our friends and family who have assisted us in many ways, from collecting donations, wrapping the prizes and getting things to the venues.”

“This event is a special way to honour the memory of our friend and contribute to a cause that affects so many,” said Helen’s partner and co-organiser Gary ‘Blakey’ Blake.

“The support we’ve seen over the years has been incredible.”

Red’s family also joined the event, including his wife, brothers, son, sister-in-law, niece and nephew, with one of the brothers driving down from Ayre to take part in the fundraiser.