All Aboard for ACRF Posted on September 13, 2009February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit On 13th September 2009, 34 Sydney bus drivers left the comfort zone of their usual means of transport to undertake a week long 643 kilometre trek to Canberra and back in support of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and Canteen. The “Bussies on Bikes” charity ride was re-established in 2009 following a request from one of the event’s original organisers, Narelle Sinclair. “Narelle’s husband sadly died of cancer and his last request was that we run the Bussies on Bikes challenge again,” said this year’s event co-coordinator Bill Kusabs. They did it in 2005, 2006 and 2007 now once again a group of energetic and compassionate Sydney bus drivers have mounted their pushbikes for a marathon ride in aid of charity. “Bussies On Bikes 09” was initially established by three keen Willoughby drivers who wanted to make a difference and more importantly to contribute to the fight to find a cure for cancer. Showing just how much the ACRF appreciate the efforts of the riders, staff member Claire McArthur met the group at the halfway point for a BBQ at the picturesque Marsden Weir and Waterworks Picnic Area in Goulburn, hosted by the local Rotary Club. “It was so wonderful to be able to meet the whole Bussies on Bikes team while they were ‘on the road’.” said Claire from ACRF. “The riders had just completed a particularly difficult leg of the journey that day and being there to say thank you and talk about how their hard work is making a real difference for cancer research, came at just the right time.” “The enthusiasm and dedication of all the riders was really inspirational, not to mention the generosity of the same guys at the nightly auction. I was just so glad to be able to be there to support the team and cheer them on” she added. The race later finished at Port Botany Bus Depot, on September 12th. Friends and family welcomed the riders. The welcome included a BBQ, World Music Band and presentation of trophies, along with an auction. Claire from ACRF was there again at the finish line to welcome the riders home, thanking the team and their supporters on behalf of the Foundation. “The ride was a fabulous affair and we raised more than $40,000,” added Kusabs. “We had four different groups amongst our riders, The Lizards, The Goanna’s, The Turtle’s and The Echidna’s. Each night of the seven we were on the ride we also had entrainment provided so that was fantastic.” “On the weekend of December 19 and 20 we all now plan to go to Newcastle where we will present some awards and also hand over our cheque to the ACRF. He will certainly be doing another ride in the future.” Great job Bussies! You amaze us with your wonderful enthusiasm and overwhelming support.
Bussies on Bikes hit the road for cancer research Posted on August 18, 2009February 25, 2018 by Carly du Toit “Bussies On Bikes” is a very successful event in aid of cancer research, which was initially established by three keen Willoughby drivers who wanted to make a difference about the ill effects of cancer and more importantly to contribute. In September more than 35 drivers and their supporters will be riding to Canberra and back to aid the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) and Canteen.” “It is 643 kilometers round trip this year,” said event organizer Bill Kusabs recently. “The first year the event took place in 2005 there were 28 riders who traveled the 11,000 course we set down to Melbourne.” “The next two years after that first event we switched and started in Melbourne and then we held the Port Phillip Bay to Port Botany marathon ride events. “This was a lot of fun for us because friends and relatives all gathered to meet us when the riders finally made it back to Sydney,” he said. “These three initial rides where very successful and we collected more than $160,000.” The bus driver turned marathon rider, said the event was not held last year. “We recently decided to hold the event again and to this time send collected funds to the ACRF, following a request from one of our original organizers Narelle Sinclair. “Her husband died of cancer and his last request was we ride again not only for Canteen but for the ACRF as well.’’ Mr Kusabs said bus drivers and many of their support crew used their much cherished two weeks of annual leave to ride their push bikes.” Bill Kusabs made a special request call for marathon support staff. “This doesn’t include cycling, but provides essential assistance to the riders on and off the road. Volunteer support roles include ride marshals, guides, ride escort duties, cook’s assistants and jack-of-all trades as the trip enfolds. Escort and support vehicles drive along with the cyclists whenever they are on the road, qualified St John’s Ambulance officers travel with the group and experienced bicycle maintenance personnel are also in the group.” He said he was currently in the final stages of designing the ride gear for the “Sydney2Canberra2Sydney, Charity Ride“.
