About the Ride

The Cardiac Challenge was born in 2007 from a simple but powerful idea: to raise funds for better cardiac care in Far North Queensland. The man behind it all was Peter McNally, a then 57-year-old Cairns bus driver with a deep personal connection to the cause. Peter was born with congenital heart problems, but that hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest.

A cycling enthusiast, Peter came up with the idea of a fundraising bike ride to help support cardiac services in the region. He convinced the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation that this would be a great way to raise awareness and money while also encouraging more people to get into cycling.

Since then, the Cardiac Challenge has grown year after year. More and more people have joined in, many of them from the local community, including doctors and nurses from Cairns Hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit. Some are former cardiac patients themselves, others have been affected by heart disease through loved ones.

What started as a small local event has now become a major fundraiser, with riders from across Australia (and the world) coming to take on the challenging terrain of Far North Queensland. From the steep climbs of the Kuranda Range to the open savannahs and the tropical beauty of Cooktown, the ride pushes participants both physically and mentally – and for many, it’s a life-changing experience.

Pete’s vision continues to drive the Cardiac Challenge, bringing people together for a cause that has a real impact on the community.