Leo Whitley will ride from Sydney to Brisbane to raise money for sick children. Sponsored by Ray White Cleveland, principals Russell Child, Phil Neilson and sales and marketing manager Stacey Smith will be cheering him on. Photo by Chris McCormack
STAFF from Ray White Cleveland will be cheering on Victoria Point's Leo Whiteley all the way from Brisbane to Sydney when he embarks on a 1200km kids charity ride in October.
The popular 41-year-old put his hand up to join 24 other riders from across Australia to raise money for the Children's Health Foundation and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
For Leo, it will be a new challenge.
I've done a three day ride before but not the eight or nine days this will take," he said.
"I generally ride about three or four times a week, but otherwise I've got to step up a fair bit before October."
Leo said he had enjoyed several smaller charity rides in recent years, but to make the 1200km distance he first plans to buy a more comfortable seat.
"The main problem I think I'll face with the ride is the long kilometres day after day," he said.
"Climbing back in the saddle every day, especially the first hour, will be the worst."
Leo said the group of riders was very supportive and there was good cameraderie.
"It's all going to be worth it because everyday when you climb back on your seat, you know you're doing it for a very good cause," he said.
"I'm hoping to raise at least $5000.'
So far, he and the other riders have raised more than $40,000.
Ray White Cleveland sales and marketing coordinator Stacey Smith said they jumped on board Leo's challenge as they were keen to help out a local Redlander fundraising for children's charities.
"Principals Phil Neilson and Russell Child bought the business four months ago so this is our first big fundraiser. We're hoping to do one every year, so hopefully it will get bigger and bigger," she said.
"We're planning to do some barbecues around the area and even at some of our open homes on acreage or bigger properties, and a couple of other things to bring in donations."
Donations for Leo or other participating riders can be made via www.1200kmsforkids.com