NEWSPORT NEWSFEED: Cycling for connection with Reef Cycling Club

Cycling enthusiasts in Douglas Shire have built more than a club, they’ve created a thriving community. The Rainforest and Reef Cycling Club welcomes riders of all ages and abilities, promoting fitness, friendship, and charity.

At its core, the club is a place where cyclists of all abilities can come together, push their limits, and, as they like to say, channel their inner Cadel Evans.

The club embraces riders of all fitness levels, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to seasoned cyclists, feels included.

According to John Grime, Secretary of the Rainforest and Reef Cycling Club, most members are between 50 and 65 years old, though the club also includes riders in their 30s as well as those in their mid to late 70s.

“Cycling has a low impact on the joints and body, which allows many of our members to stay active despite old injuries,” John explained. 

“One of its biggest benefits is that it enables people to remain physically and socially engaged, often longer than other sports.”

The club’s inclusivity is one of its greatest strengths. Unlike sports that require participants to maintain a similar fitness level, cycling allows riders of varying abilities to enjoy the experience together.

“We let the younger, fitter members lead the peloton, and we draft behind them. This applies to both road cycling and mountain biking,” John said.

“I’m constantly inspired by the men and women in their 70s and even almost 80s who still ride three to four times a week, despite the health challenges that come with aging.”

More than just a form of exercise, cycling is a highly social activity. That sense of camaraderie becomes even more evident after morning rides, which often conclude with coffee and conversation at a local café.

Cycling for a cause

Beyond personal health and social connections, the Rainforest and Reef Cycling Club is deeply committed to supporting the wider community.

Each May, the club organises an annual ride from Daintree Village to Cape Tribulation and back to raise funds for KIND, a local charity that helps disadvantaged children.

“We plan to repeat the ride in 2025 and also focus on participating in the annual Port Douglas Gran Fondo, which helps promote the incredible region we live in, whether you're here to cycle or just to visit,” John said.

Join the ride

For those new to cycling, the club makes it simple to get involved. No expensive gear, Lycra, or specialised shoes required. 

“A helmet, a second-hand or rented bike, and a willingness to give it a go are all you need,” John said. “Many of our members started out with just basic running shoes and standard pedals, wearing everyday sportswear.”

Concerned about fitness or experience? The club offers rides at different speeds, ensuring that everyone finds a group that matches their ability.

For those nervous about riding in a group, buddy rides on quieter streets provide a supportive environment until new riders feel confident enough to join the peloton.

To get in touch, email [email protected].

The Crisafulli Government is investing $2 million into initiatives designed to improve the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.

The First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants will be distributed among six Indigenous organisations to define, design, and deliver initiatives to boost health and wellbeing within their communities.

The approach aligns to two Closing the Gap Priority Reforms: Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision-Making and Building the Community-Controlled Sector.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson MP, said the Queensland Government is committed to ensuring better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The rate of suspected suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in 2023 was 1.5 times higher than for non-Indigenous people,” Minister Simpson said.

“With these grants, we are taking important steps to help boost mental health outcomes and close this gap between Indigenous people and the broader community.

“It’s pleasing to see so many of these new initiatives focused on improving health and wellbeing for families and young people on the ground, in communities.

“By prioritising health, particularly youth mental health, we equip future generations with better opportunities to thrive.”

The Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) is funding the grants which are administered by the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism.

Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic said the Queensland Mental Health Commission is proud to fund this important initiative.

“It’s vital we work alongside First Nations communities to help improve a range of social and emotional wellbeing outcomes, including reducing suicide rates.

“What’s most important about this initiative is that it’s community-led and driven, because First Nations communities know best what works to support their wellbeing and it’s critical we draw on this expertise,” Mr Frkovic said.

The grant recipients are based in Barcaldine, Cherbourg, Kowanyama, Logan, Pormpuraaw and Wujal Wujal. 

2024 First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grant recipients:
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council: The Future is in Your Hands

o engage young people and enhance their mental health and social and emotional wellbeing through a range of initiatives including forming a partnership with Deadly Choices and developing a youth strategy with Kowanyama’s young people.

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation: Thrive Together
To deliver the ‘Thrive Together: PPAC Social and Emotional Wellbeing Initiative’ offering individuals and families in Pormpuraaw culturally sensitive mental health
support and counselling services.

Wujal Wujal Justice Group Indigenous Inc.: Healing on Country Program
To support the ‘Healing on Country’ program by providing local young Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples with culturally safe opportunities for healing trauma, including traditional hunting and gathering, storytelling, and camping.