Introducing the why - help us raise funds for a much needed service

This year we will once again ride for Luke Azzopardi. Luke joined Rose’s Riders in 2009 at age 7 as a supporter. He supported the team in 2010 and 2011 and finally in 2012 his dream of riding the challenge eventuated. By improving his skills at the Cairns Cycling Club, Luke demonstrated his ability to join as a rider in 2012 at age 10. Since then, Luke has ridden every year (except 2018 when he had a school commitment). His next dream was fulfilled when he became a pack leader and eventually could lead his fellow friends, cyclists and mentors in pack 1. Luke sadly passed away in 2021 whilst on a training ride.
Rose’s Riders started in 2009 in memory of Darren Rose. Darren passed away suddenly of a heart condition in June 2009 at age 36. The original Rose’s Riders team banded together that year to support the Cairns Hospital Cardiac Unit by riding their first Cardiac Challenge. Since then, Rose’s Riders have been riding each year in memory of Darren and the support the unit showed his family during difficult time.
Luke’s support for the Cardiac Challenge never waned and he vowed to ride every year no matter where he was in the world. So this year – we are once again participating in the Cardiac Challenge for Luke. Some of us riding, some of us as supporters and some of us as volunteers. With Luke beside us, even though we know how hard it will be, we also know that we will be proud of our achievements and will remember the legacy he left.
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We’re taking on the challenge of riding to Cooktown as a team for one simple reason: to make a real difference in the lives of people in our community.
Heart disease affects so many of us—whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even ourselves. Together, we’re riding to raise funds for vital cardiac services that save lives right here in Far North Queensland.
Every kilometre we pedal is a step closer to better care, more advanced equipment, and improved outcomes for those who need it most. This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s our way of giving back to the community, inspiring others, and proving that teamwork can achieve incredible things.
We’d love for you to join us on this journey — whether it’s by cheering us on, spreading the word, or making a donation. Every little bit helps bring us closer to ensuring that everyone in our region has access to world-class cardiac care.
Thank you for being part of this incredible effort with us!
Thank you to our Sponsors

$1.12k
Sue Helmke

$1.02k
12 Hour Cycle Relay

$452
12 Hour Cycle Relay
12 hour Cycle relay

$405
Reef City Maintenance
get it done tradie lady

$300
Rachel White
100 board fundraiser

$300
Rachel White
100 board fundraiser

$264
Northern Beaches Veterinary Clinic
Go Vicki!! You absolute “crazy” legend.

$250
Anonymous

$220
Vicki Mcdonald
Money tin $$$ …thank you everyone!! X

$200
Brodie Dick
Ride well xo

$106
Patty Whitcher
In memory of my beautiful sweet brother Leighton

$106
Sue White

$106
Sue White

$106
Hans Wurzel
Good luck...

$106
Michelle And Aiden Trevan
You’re incredible Vicki!! Well done on another great ride.

$100
Anonymous

$70
Sue Helmke

$70
Yvonne And Richie
Well done riding for such a good cause Azzopardi family

$53
Sandy & Col
All the best Vicki! You are a champion!

$53
Eloise Harnett
Great effort, David!

$53
Paula And Joseph Morzone
Great work David!

$53
Nathan Haydon
On ya Dave!

$53
Sandy & Col
Good on you Rhianna! You’re a champion! Love Sandy & Col

$53
Anne Massey
Go Vickster! Love it

$53
Deb Trehearn
Go Sue , Jas and all the other riders .!!!

$53
Tyson Martin
You are inspirational Sue.

$53
Anonymous
From Billy and Frankie

$53
Shelly Clarke
Ride like the wind girl 🚴🏽♀️

$53
Lachie Fitzsimons
Peddle hard Madi May

$53
Richard Clark
Good luck Jez, best wishes. Richard

$53
Lucinda Brown
So proud of you Vicki and all you do for our community and the love you give Finn everytime he comes to see you 🤩🤩

$53
Gabby Lawler
What an amazing event for a great cause.

$53
Mallory Bell
Go auntie Jazz 😍🐕

$53
Bill K
Fantastic job, Jez! Great cause! Have an awesome ride!

$50
Lisa

$50
Josh Raynor
Well done on the mini bike today.

$50
Sue Helmke
Great work on the folding bike today.

$50
Robert Ibell
Well done Team

$50
Lorraine & John Brown
Go girl! You can do it , so proud of you x

$50
Josh Raynor
Great job at the track today and rising to the challenge.

$50
Elspeth
Another fantastic effort - hope it stays dry for you all!

$45
Jasmine Azzopardi

$43
Addi

$30
Cass, Jo And Tyson
Cass, Jo and Tyson Curry Lunch :) Much love for the upcoming ride xx

$30
Zac And Casey
Love you man

$27
Amy

$26
Chloe R
Good work Chloe!!

$26
Pat Blake
Enjoy the ride Jazzy. So happy you are getting to experience this as a rider with your mum.

$26
Anonymous

$26
Pat Blake
Enjoy the ride Sue

$26
Sandra Charlton
Jazzy, good luck on taking on your first Cardiac Challenge. Luke would be beaming with pride to see you doing this. You got this!

$26
Sandra Charlton
My dear friend, Sue, your strength and courage in taking on another Cardiac Challenge is truly inspiring. I'm so proud of you. The love you carry for Luke will shine through every kilometre you pedal.

$26
Tonia Sankey
Go team! X

$26
Anonymous

$26
Mary Mcguinness
here's to another great year

$26
Ualani Hudson
Good luck chloee

$26
Kali Houlihan

$26
Shaun Wedmaier
Get after it bossman

$25
Cassandra Strauss
All the best for your upcoming ride :)

$25
Sue Helmke

$25
Vicki Mcdonald

$21
The Dinsdales
Good luck David from the Dinsdales 😊

$20
David Hutton

$20
Anonymous

$20
Clare Robertson

$19
Tania Coxhill
Go Vicki, enjoy the ride! xo

$16
Terry Roos
Congratulations champ! Terry and Dorothy Roos

$11
Addi

$11
Isabelle Knaack

$1
Jeremy
🚴🚴
Our Team Members

Sue Helmke
$271

Jazzy
$606

Jez White
$511

Chloe White
$513

David Hutton
$362

Wayne Hagedoorn
$150

Vicki McDonald
$661

Rhianna lee
$387

Madi May
$570

12 hr cycle relay