Myotherapist, keen bike rider and single Mum of three, Gemma Goyne, is about to take on the challenge of her life, Peaks Challenge Falls Creek 2022.
Peaks Challenge Falls Creek is one of Australia's most notorious one day cycling challenges, where riders are asked to tackle a grueling 235km loop through the Victorian Alps, with over 4,000 metres of climbing and a 13 hour time limit.
Gemma’s goal is to complete the challenge in under 10 hours, earning a coveted sub-10 hour finisher's jersey.
It is an epic challenge of mind and body, but as Gemma puts it: "These challenges however are a drop in the ocean to what I and many others have faced and still face on a daily basis. It is for that reason that I would like to raise money for Ride for Relief as a my motivator for this challenge."
Gemma’s driving force is a local charity called Ride for Relief. This charity has been set up by the Peninsula Hot Springs to raise money for Mentis Assist – a local not for profit organisation that supports those living with mental illness to access treatments, re-engage in their community, re-build their lives and to ultimately reduce the number of people who lose their lives to suicide each year and instead provide them with hope for the future.
A cause close to home for Gemma and many others.
Gemma says: "We are a very tight cycling community down here on the Peninsula. We all come together through cycling and have supported each other on many cycling and personal challenges.
"What Yuki Davidson has done with Ride for Relief has been amazing and its been great to watch their momentum build. The cycling community has been such an integral part of the person I am today and I am very proud of who I am and what I stand for. I am very motivated to share the inspiration and love I have of cycling and life in general."
Gemma is putting the call out to support her mission to raise as much money as possible for this worthy cause.
You can donate to Gemma's fundraiser through the Ride for Relief website here.
Gemma is one of many riders who take on this epic challenge each year for reasons bigger than themselves, and we wish her all the luck and strength for the big day.
See you at the start line Gemma!